Tuesday 20 November 2012


Lola Flores – ‘La Faraona’ (‘The Pharaoh’)


 As a kid I read a novel by Alberto Moravia in which an old prostitute, plying her trade, awaits a next client. She contemplates her body, noting the top half still looks good and the bottom half, which was once a glory, could now only be revealed at the critical moment.

I thought of the novel today as I watched this video of Lola Flores and Celia Cruz performing 'Burundanga' on stage in 1991.


What strikes me gloriously is the proud and almost defiant presentation of sexuality by Lola Flores. It does not look absurd as it is within a certain Spanish cultural context, and within the gypsy tradition she identified with in her Andalusian folkloric singing and film career.

I’d seen Celia Cruz in concert here in Sydney some years back. Towards the end of the event ended, the audience excitedly stormed the stage to dance with abandon round the still singing Queen of Salsa.

Lola Flores however had never passed across my radar … till yesterday. Better late than never as this sixty-eight year old gal can really dance up a serious storm, though her best singing day are long gone.


I hope you find the performance gives you the big exhilarating shot in the arm it did me!
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5 comments:

  1. O!Daddie20 November 2012 at 02:47

    LOVED THIS !! Latin women generate amazing heat and sensuality at any age. Big Celia fan from way back. Thank you for the smiles this morning.

    Gift for you on my blog. Hope you enjoy it !

    Hugz, Jeff

    http://ablogf4allreasons.blogspot.com/

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    1. Nick20 November 2012 at 03:33

      hey Jeff

      great you loved it too - i love her proud uncompromising sensuality - great not to feel sex does not also belong to her

      thanks for the link to your blog - i'm off to check it out

      Hugz back

      Nick

      Delete
  2. Paul in NYC26 November 2012 at 16:35

    What a hoot! Certainly starts the thinking about cultural differences and the way some older woman can retain their blatant erotic appeal in a fascinating way--like in this excerpt, while others who try it just come off as frumpy and sad.

    Thanks for this!

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    1. Nick2 December 2012 at 23:59

      hi Paul

      'a hoot' exactly!

      i love that she comes off as in control of the sensuality and does not lapse into a joke

      her bump and grind would be the envy of women 30 or 40 years younger!

      cheers

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  3. Anonymous9 January 2013 at 09:35

    Happy New Year to you Nick!...I wanted to tell you that I adored this clip for many easons, HUGE fan of Celia Cruz(you need to do a post on her shoes) and the amazing Lola, reminded me of the days living in Barcelona and at 6yo loved seeing Flamenco(we went every weekend with my Mother) and how strong the woman were

    Cheers and Healthy&happy 2013!
    xo
    Tony(NYC)

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