Mercedes Ruiz, 'Mi último secreto (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

Two years after ‘Mi último secreto’, Mercedes Ruiz once again premieres a show. The Jerez-born bailaora now presents ‘Perspectivas’, a work which stems from her reflection about the changes and evolutions that she sees around her, as well as within herself. “In my career as an artist - she reflects -, I’ve always sought to approach flamenco dancing with my footwork deep-rooted in what I’ve inherited - from Jerez, from the great maestros who have been and are -; but, at the same time, with my heart and soul determined to seek a style of my own, in a current way of expressing flamenco”, the artist explains.

And those thoughts lead her to shape up 'Perspectivas', the fourth show with a company of her own which she presents at the Teatro Villamarta, in the setting of Festival de Jerez. She focuses the show “as a heartfelt, passionate investigation into my roots and the evolution of my dancing”. She is assisted in this project by Francisco López, in charge of the stage space, lighting and stage directing, besides being the author of the booklet. The structure is split up into four sequences: 'Alas y rejas', 'Vivir', 'De(s) amores' and 'Alboroto'.

They are all very in keeping with the work on composing and music directing by Santiago Lara, a role which he has played in this company for years now. The Jerez-born guitarist - who also performs solo in this festival with 'Amalgama' - heads up the group live, which also consists of cantaores David Lagos, Melchora Ortega and Miguel Lavi, guitarist Paco Lara and percussionist Perico Navarro.

Festival de Jerez has witnessed Mercedes Ruiz’s evolution as a soloist, its central stage hosting shows such as ‘Dibujos en el aire’ (2003), ‘Juncá’ (2007) - winner of the Critics’ Award - and ‘Mi último secreto’ (2009). In her own words, she added her star role in the show ‘¡Viva Jerez!’, where she shared the foreground with artists like María del Mar Moreno and Fernando Terremoto.