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TIENDA FlamencoShop.com Check out the official site of COMPAÑÍA ÁNGEL MUÑOZ! Carmen
Romero's Centro
Flamenco Montreal
Flamenco
StephanieNarvaez.com
NewDancer.com Flamenco Guitar School Joaquín Herrera Mexico Beach www.reneheredia.com
www.flamencodancer.eu
Celaya Ballet de Folklorico y Flamenco Carlo Basile Labryénco - Flamenco in the Netherlands www.los-flamencos.com www.escuelaguitarracarbonero
(Guitar classes in Jerez with www.tallerflamenco.com www.esflamenco.com www.maharaja.com Andrea Del Conte's DANZA ESPAÑA Alborada Dance Company Teye & Belen
Omayra Amaya
Juan
Talavera JaleOlé www.flamencomn.org/ (Flamenco Minnesota: A Society of the Flamenco Arts) www.rincondeflamenco.net/ (Maria Elena La Cordobesa in Minneapolis, MN)
Fuego
Flamenco Val Ramos www.flamenco-arts.org Flamenco Arts Cultural Development, Inc. - Home of Flamenco Vision Dance Company (Virginia Beach, VA) (Greenville, SC) www.flamencotriana.com Flamenco in Chicago with Michelle Nascimento "La Caoba" |
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FLAMENCO BUZZ PAGES:
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Boston Scene ... by Mari Katsigianis Tap Olé comes to the Regent in MAY! New York Buzz by La Gata Flamenco Tumbao! ALEGRÍAS Por el Rocio! MORE NY BUZZ!!! Beth Nesbitt's California Buzz... Flamenco Society of San Jose has a NEW website! Save the date Flamenco Festival returns in August New Mexico Flamenco FLAMENCO FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL 2008- - - NEWS HERE!!! Juan Siddi takes the reigns from Maria Benitez in Santa Fe ************************************************************  
Guess what all? Castanets are back and back with a choque!!! After all
of the flutes, saxaphones, pianos, drums, bagpipes, violin, cellos and
all else that have been thrown into the flamenco mix, what is more
Spanish than castanets, "Palillos"?
The master of Castanets, Teo Morca (who'll be teaching castanets classes at the International Flamenco Festival in Albuquerque, NM) is now offering Castanet workshops in technique, composition, musicality and even the most important beginning, what and how to put proper strings on for maximum control of playing. For more information, please call Teo Morca at 575.779.2016 or email morca@morca.com ...and more from Teo Morca: 
He's just finished a 75 page book or booklet on the Morca Method of
Flamenco, which is a bit of his method for students that want to get
ideas on how to practice on their own. So many flamenco students take
a million workshops and classes but really need ideas of how to
correctly practice and rehearse on their own.
Contact Teo at the above telephone/email to get your copy today!!! ************************************************************ 
Carmona Flamenco with Guest Artists Timo Lozano and Ana Montes at Solstice Café
Friday and Saturday, May 23rd and 24th, showtime at 2008: Carmona Flamenco (Marcos, Rubina and David) with guest artists Ana Montes and Timo Lozano, the maestro of the baile flamenco gitano! This is Timo's only appearance in Seattle for 2008. The past two years have seen sold out performances at the Solstice, so come early and see this great dancer/cajon player! Solstice Café offers excellent coffees, beer, wine and desserts, in an intimate setting. Please note that there is no dinner menu. Solstice Caféis located at 4116 University Way N.E., Seattle, Washington. 8:00 & 9:30 pm each night (Doors open at 7:20 pm), NO RESERVATIONS. Cover charge: $20 for this special installment at Solstice. For more info contact Carmona Flamenco: 206.932.4067 or marcos@fanw.org LOGON TO: Flamenco Arts Northwest ************************************************************ Flamenco Society of San Jose has a NEW website!  ************************************************************ A PRIVATE WORKSHOP WITH TEODORO MORCA 
By Tamara Saj - Special Correspondent to Flamenco Buzz
April 26, 2008 You may be generally used to eating rice about 57-109 grains at a time, steamed, perhaps between the ends of two chopsticks. But last week, I moved one figurative grain of rice at a time, raw, with figurative chopsticks, from one figurative bowl to the next, and then back again. Was I learning martial arts? No. I was learning flamenco. I am a flamenco dancer who has been performing professionally for about ten years, but I was wildly humbled by the experience of this past week. Let me rewind. I am proud and grateful to say that Teo Morca has been my mentor in flamenco over the past couple of years. Before I met Teo, I read about him in historical books about theory and history of flamenco. It never occurred to me to contact him, until my previous mentor, La Miguelita, told me I needed to move on and find someone new, and she suggested I try contacting him. Read More... ************************************************************ Raphael Brunn is mentioned on World Music Central ************************************************************ Flamenco Animation on You Tube! *********************************************************** The Latest CD by DIEGO AMADOR: 
************************************************************** ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL Classes, Performances, & Festival News 
Flamenco Dance Classes - 6 classes per session every Tuesday Session 3 April 22 – May 27 Children grades 1 - 6 / 6:00pm – 7:00pm / $75 per session Beginners Flamenco Technique / 7:15pm – 8:15pm Intermediate I / 8:30pm – 9:30pm $90 per session due on 1st day of class $75 / student rate $5 watching fee Logon to: www.neiu.edu/~eespanol International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago Presents 24th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival April 4 -16 Opening Night / April 4 6:00 p.m. Film Screening 8:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception: River East Art Center (435 East Illinois Street) Flamenco Performance with members of the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater AMC 21 - 322 East Illinois St., Chicago, IL $60 General / $50 ILCC Members www.latinoculturalcenter.org/ 
Tales of Spain / Historias de España Multimedia Daytime Lecture Concert Series May 20, 21 , 27 & 30, 2008 Northeastern Illinois University Fine Arts Auditorium $5.00 per student / $6.00 per adult Contact Jessica Cardenas, Concert Coordinator 773.442.5926 Email: Ensemble-Espanol@neiu.edu Seats reserved on a first come, first serve basis. 
American Spanish Dance Festival - June 18 – 29, 2008World Premieres & Guest Artists from Spain Complete festival schedule to be posted by April 1, 2008. Classes in Clasico Español, folkore & Flamenco, performances, painting & sculptor exhibits, films, Flamenco music concert & Flamenco evening dance workshops at Northeastern Illinois University. Gala dance & music concerts with the full company & guest artists June 27 & 28 at 7:30pm & June 29 at 3:00pm at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Logon to: www.neiu.edu/~eespanol *********************************************************** OMAHA NEBRASKA FLAMENCO CLASSES! 
*********************************************************** THE LATEST BOOK FROM PACO SEVILLA 
Twenty years in the writing, Paco Sevilla's historical novel, SEEKING SILVERIO, is a saga of the birth of flamenco. Set in the impoverished and desperate 1880s Andalucía, a young shoemaker's son, Antonio Chacón, sets out with his friends, guitarist Javier Molina and dancer Antonio Molina, in a search for knowledge, personal recognition, and respect for his beloved cante. During their journey, Chacón discovers many of the roots of his art and meets the legendary personalities who created what we today call flamenco. Among these often eccentric characters are: cantaores Juan Breva, Fosforito, Salvaoriyo, Enrique el Mellizo, Curro Dulce, and the enigmatic Silverio Franconetti; guitarists Javier Molina, José Patiño, Paco el Barbero, Maestro Pérez, Juan Habichuela, and Paco de Lucena; dancers Juana la Macarrona, Fernanda and Juana Antúnez, Salud Rodríguez, Rita Ortega, and Rosario la Mejorana.
A historically accurate account that will entertain and educate the casual aficionado as well as the flamenco scholar. Learn the origins of many flamenco song forms, the surprising level of sophistication of early guitar playing, and see flamenco's most cherished song verses placed in historical context. Includes an extensive appendix that separates fact from fiction and provides sources for the information. A traditionally bound trade paperback: 410 pages; 5½ X 8 ½. To order, go to www.flamencobooks.com, or send $25 plus $3 for shipping to Sevilla Press, PO Box 40331, San Diego, CA 92164. ********************************************************** SAN ANTONIO HAS A GREAT SHOW!!!  *************************************************************** 
!FLAMENCAS UNIDAS! is pleased to present the return of LA MEIRA!
Meira will review and continue the work she started in the rhythm of TIENTOS-TANGOS,from her last amazingly fun workshop! AGAIN - at the wonderful ANGLER MOVEMENT ARTS STUDIO in Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA MORE INFO & REGISTRATION-CONTACT: Anna: repique62@yahoo.com Or Call: 267.738.6451 or Monica:mnh928@yahoo.com Or Call: 267.307.5354 www.flamencomherrera.com www.flamencodelencuentro.blogspot.com SCHEDULE: March 14 - Friday tangos 6-7:30pm tientos 7:30-9pm March 15 - Saturday tangos 6-7:30pm tientos 7:30-9pm March 16 - Sunday tangos 11:30-1pm tientos 1- 2:30pm **************************************************************** 
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Check out Raphael Brunn! *************************************************************** 
This sketch of Diego el Gastor is one of the many inspiring pieces of artwork by flamenco aficionado/artist Marvin Steel. Check out his amazing work at http://bulerias-decordoba.blogspot.com/ Or check out his other work at:www.marvinsteel.com ***************************************************************** 
******************************************************** Jesus Munoz on YouTube! 
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THE CERVANTES INSTITUTE PRESENTS: “Raíces Flamencas” and “Pasion Flamenca” 
Performed by winners from the Festival “Cante de las Minas”
DATES: February 13, 14, 15, & 16, 2008 SHOWTIME: 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Instituto Cervantes Chicago -31 W. Ohio - Chicago, IL 60610 CALL: 312.335.1996 Flamenco shows featuring the winners of “El Cante de las Minas” festival: Jesús Matías Solano (cantaor), Rafael Fernández Andujar (guitarist), Antonio Heredia (bailaor) and Inmaculada Ortega (bailaora). The International Festival “El Cante de las Minas” takes place yearly at La Unión in Murcia, Spain during the month of August. Since 1961, this festival has grown in importance, recognized as one of the most important annual flamenco festivals occurring today. *************************************************************** NEWS FROM FLAMENCO DEL ENCUENTRO! 
Cantaora Antonia Arias will be leaving for Madrid on January 9th. Si Dios quiere, she will be back sometime in June. While she is in Spain Cristian Puig (of De Luna a Lunares) or Gisele Assi will sing for the company at Amada Restaurant on Wednesday evenings at 9:00 pm. Other guest singers to be announced!
COME SAY "HASTA PRONTO" TO ANTONIA AT AMADA ON WED. JAN 2nd 9:00 PM! ANTONIO HIDALGO RETURNS TO THE STATES LATE JANUARY - SEE HIM AT AMADA JAN 23, 2008 - 9:00 pm Check out all the updates at www.flamencodelencuentro.blogspot.com NEW WORKSHOP SERIES! presented by Anna y Monica: JAN 25-27th ANTONIO HIDALGO FEB 29, March 1,2 LA MEIRA EDWIN APARICIO dates to be announced!!! Contact Anna at 267.738.6451 or Monica at 267.307.5354 for more info! LOCATION: All classes at Angler Movement Arts - AMADA RESTAURANT - 217 CHESTNUT ST, Philadelphia, PA. Call 215.625.2450 for reservations ************************************************************** 
Larisa Fayad did not survive the recent plane accident in Phuket,Thailand.The stage manager of Flamenco Rosario is remembered as “Funny, Sweet and Smart.” Flamenco Buzz joins the entire flamenco community, her family, and friends in sorrow. The Larisa Fayad Theatrical Apprenticeship Fund supports aspiring technicians and designers. Donations can be sent to the Vancouver International Dance Festival, 339 West Hastings Street (2nd floor), Vancouver, Canada, V6B 1H6. (with thanks to ed young of www.planetflamenco.com/) ************************************************************** Rhythm, Ragas and Roots: A Late-Night Jam at The Chicago Symphony Orchestra 
Featuring: Gonzalo Grau, percussion Jesus Montoya, flamenco vocals Adam del Monte, flamenco guitar La Conja, flamenco dancer Ginger Shankar, double violin and vocals Jas Ahluwalia, tabla Jeremy Flower, sampler Pieces to be announced from stage. Osvaldo Golijov invites you to join him and guest musicians from Ainadamar immediately following the Friday, February 8 performance for a late-night jam session in Buntrock Hall. Lose yourself in the hypnotic sounds of flamenco and Indian melodies and rhythms fused together in a completely improvised format. Combined with electronic sound sampling and flamenco dancing, this will be one of the great highlights of this season at Symphony Center! LOGON HERE for more info! ***************************************************************  Buy his CD HERE! ************************************************************************* TAIWAN FLAMENCO! 
Check out: Jesús Corbacho y Dani Méndez -Alegrías ******************************************************************** CONGRATULATIONS!!!  Pictured from left to right are Juanito Pascual, Omayra Amaya, Steve Martin, Oscar Valero, and Lia Ochoa. They were selected to appear in the Spanish nightclub scene in Pink Panther Deux, which is currently filming in Boston and scheduled for a 2009 release. Lia just wanted to share this picture with Flamenco Buzz readers. "They had a wonderful time, everyone treated them so well, and they had a blast and laughed their heads off." Flamenco Buzz wishes to thank the hundreds of flamencos who took part in the auditions for the film which we were involved in helping to cast. Stay tuned to Flamenco Buzz for future audition announcements - who knows - YOU might be the next one on the silver screen! ************************************************************************* Antonio Hidalgo receives prestigious award 
The City Hall of Lucena will award the film director Pedro Almodovar the National Tourism Prize, and at the same event award the Andalusian Prize to the dancer Antonio Hidalgo, a native of Lucena.
Maria Jose Lara, the city councilwoman in charge of tourism, has announced all of the prizes that will be given during this award cycle. Among others is the Prize for Tourist Initiative to the country estate "El Romeral," whose director is Araceli Aguilar. In addition, the Distribution Prize will be awarded to a joint venture of local wine shops. And the Professional Career and Service Prize in Tourism will be given to Autocares Carrera for its brilliant career. The town's City Council corroborated these recognitions, previously approved by the Regional Council on Tourism. Lara has emphasized that the prize to Hidalgo recognizes the work of this native artist, master of flamenco dance and of dance in general, who has circled the globe working with various companies. In addition, the national prize recognizes the film "Hable con ella," as well as its director and producer, Pedro Almodoar. A few scenes from the movie were shot in the sanctuary of the Virgin of Araceli and in the Hotel Santo Domingo. Maria Jose Lara has indicated that the award ceremony will take place at a gala event, possibly on the 23 of November, although this has not been confirmed by the National Symposium on Tourism. *************************************************************************  DeFlamenco.com updated daily! *************************************************************************  ************************************************************************* 
LOGON TO: Tito & Anna Rubio's Blogspot! ************************************************************************** LOGON TO:  ******************************************************************** Cristian Puig - Guitarist 
Check out his website here! ************************************************************************* Flamenco in Tucson, AZ 
Jason Martinez, a flamenco dancer and cajón player, brings a unique
style to the flamenco community. A native of Albuquerque, NM, Jason
found flamenco through the dance program at the University of New
Mexico, with instructors Eva Encinias-Sandoval and Pablo Rodarte.
Recognizing flamenco's movement potential and musical ingenuity, Jason
traveled to Sevilla, Spain to study the art form. Upon his return he
started classes at the National Institute of Flamenco under Joaquin
Encinias and Omayra Amaya and became an instructor for the Institute
of both dance technique and cajón.
Jason became an original member of Yjastros, The American Flamenco Repertory Company in January 2001 under the direction of Joaquin Encinias. He performed with the company in nine concert seasons including tours of the Southwestern United States. He became a soloist for the company in Fall 2005. Jason now resides and teaches in Tucson, AZ and has toured nationally as a soloist, most recently with flamenco companies throughout Florida, and Los Angeles. 
Melani "Mele" Martinez grew up in Tucson, Arizona where she began
studying dance at three years of age with Leticia Durazo. She became
involved in flamenco under the instruction of Olivia Rojo and soon
joined Rojo's company, Flamenco Y Mas. In 1996 she began performing
throughout Arizona as a soloist and gained recognition as a gifted
mover and choreographer.
She went on to join, as an original member, Yjastros, The American Flamenco Repertory Company under the direction of Joaquin Encinias in 2001. In addition to her role as company member, she has been featured as a soloist for Yjastros. Mele now lives and teaches flamenco in Tucson, AZ and has become a national touring artist with recent appearances at the famous Alegria tablao and Fountain Theater in Los Angeles, CA. For more about this talented couple - logon to: www.tucsoniquete.com ************************************************************************* Flamenco in Brasil!!! 
Check it out HERE! ***************************************************************** La Romera - Flamenco in CLEVELAND OH... 
For more info, click on HERE ************************************************************************ The new film Paris Je T'Aime - features an original song by PEDRO CORTES!!! 
Left to right...Steve Buscemi, Pedro Cortes and directors Joel & Ethan Coen
New York's veteran Flamenco guitarist, Pedro Cortes appears in a vignette with well-known actor Steve Buscemi in the new film release Paris Je T'aime from First Studios. The segment (Tuileries) stars Steve Buscemi as a tourist in the Paris Underground station Tuileries (hence the segment name). Pedro's beautiful guitar playing adorns the Paris Underground (much like the gorgeous figurines in the Louvre Underground station) and the music was sadly, all too short. But Viva Flamenco - it's definitely hit mainstream culture! This is a series of stories told from the perspective of people located in different arrondisements or neighborhoods in Paris. It stars A-list actors in cameo appearances - with each vignette no more than 10 minutes in length! A must for cineophiles...especially if you love Paris.(I highly recommend you see it!!!) For more info on this great movie, logon to: Paris Je T'aime Official Website ****************************************************************** Review of Gypsy Caravan, when the road bends…” - A film by Jasmine Dellal 
US SCREENING SCHEDULERunning time: 110 minutes Reviewed by Mari Katsigianis - Editor/Webmaster - www.flamencobuzz.com Jasmine Dellal has come into her own, hit her stride, in short ARRIVED! Her latest film, “Gypsy Caravan” or “when the road bends…tales of a Gypsy Caravan”, chronicles a five year journey touring with five musical acts: Esma Redzepova, Fanfare Ciocarlia, Maharajah, Taraf de Haïdouks, and Antonio el Pipa Flamenco Ensemble. Assisted by virtuoso cinematographer Albert Maysles...read more ******************************************************************** Teo Morca has some Gorgeous Shawls for Sale!!! 
LOGON HERE! ***************************************************************** Flamenco Paintings by Richard Young 
This lovely painting represents the work of UK artist Richard Young. For more information on this hot flamenco artist, please contact him at the address below: EMAIL: inquiries@ryoung-art.co.uk ****************************************************************  
Letter from ZiZi ZabanehI have been a long time fan of your web site. My name is ZiZi, I am a Flamenco dancer and a Dance Photographer living in Miami, Florida. I wanted to share with you and the Flamenco community photographs that I have taken of Flamenco events here in Miami. To start you off here are 2 photos; one of Antonio Granjero of Jerez who I photographed early this year when he came to Miami to perform at the Colony theater with Flamenco Puro. Also on a quick note he is here in Miami giving a weeklong workshop (That I am taking and loving every single second of it!) The other photograph is of our own Clarita Filgueiras who is the founder and director of Flamenco Puro. She made it possible to have Antonio come to Miami. This photograph I also took at the same concert. ~ZiZi Zabaneh Stay tuned to Flamenco Buzz for updates on this and other events with Miami's Flamenco Puro... ********************************************************* LOS TOROS - by Michael Crouser, Available NOW! 
Logon to Order: HERE!
You can also order this book from Twin Palms Publishing at: 800.797.0680 (they will take credit card pre-orders over the phone.) Sixteen years in the making, "LOS TOROS" is the work of talented photographer Michael Crouser. The book is full of haunting, gorgeous, and intense photographs. The heart of the Spanish soul is captured in each and every one of these images. For more great info about his work, please logon to the following sites: www.michaelcrouser.com www.www.lostorosbook.com www.lostoroslibro.com www.lostoroslivre.com ********************************************************** Check out the Latest CD from The Guitars of Spain!!! 
Logon HERE!!! *************************************************************** Jorge Pérez - Flamenco Flair Extraordinaire 
Jorge is one of the brightest personalities in Chicago dance. His exuberance is bound to make you smile whether he is filling his role as the Ensemble Español’s Administrative Director answering the company’s phone with his distinctively effervescent, “Hola!” or whether he is steaming up the theater in one of the company’s seductive Flamenco duets.
Jorge has been dancing and studying with Ensemble Español and Artistic Director Dame Libby Komaiko since 1985. He has been making his mark on the Chicago and international dance communities through choreography and teaching as well as performance. See Jorge and Ensemble Español perform as part of this year’s American Spanish Dance Festival at the NEIU Fine Arts Center Auditorium, June 22-24. (Please scroll down column to see their announcement.) Now, before the boys of summer are gone, find them all on SeeChicagoDance.com! **************************************************************** 
Tamara Saj writes about her experience studying with Teo Morca - check it out! *************************************************************** 
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Review of Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company, ¡A Compás!
Friday, March 30, 2007, 8:00 pm The Town Hall, NY, NY (Reviewed by Damaris "La Gata" Solis with Mari Katsigianis) Featuring: Dancers: Ángel Muñoz, Charo Espino, Ramón Martinez Guitarists: Paco Peña, Paco Arriaga, Rafael Montilla Singers: Miguel Ortega, Inmaculada Rivero Percusión: Nacho Lopez What comes to mind when you think of the word “tradition”? I always picture barrel-chested Tevye, who proudly proclaimed to the skies in Fiddler on the Roof, “TRADITION!!!.” There was most definitely a beautiful display of flamenco tradition on stage that night. World-Class Master Flamenco Guitarist Paco Peña started off with an elegant Petenera, one of many palos which he performed that are not part of the usual theatre fare. At another instance in the show, guitarists Paco Arriaga & Rafael Montilla’s skillful fingering complemented his playing, each adapting harmonies-- one higher, one lower, all melting into the sound of one guitar. There is a statesman-like quality to Sr. Peña’s playing, clothed in his humble willingness to be the guitar that accompanied the other members of the company as they danced. I could not believe how much stage time he allotted to all his performers, this was a TROUPE in the very noblest sense of the word. Paco has enough confidence in the quality of his own person “product” that he understands that audiences will evaluate his mastery without the need to “hog” the stage as others have in the past. Each and every number had a connection to the one before it, and highlighted the skills of the dancers, guitarists and singers in a truly even-handed way. 
Now for my favorite part of the show – sorry but I am rather prejudiced when it comes to Ángel Muñoz & Charo Espino, who are husband and wife. They executed an achingly exquisite Flamenco “pas de deux”, to the point that I felt as if I was peeking into an intimate moment between lovers. You could tell this was much more than a working gig for this pair – it was an expression of their deep love and regard for one another as dancers and as life partners. Angel’s hands caressed the air around the curves of Charo’s body, an unseen string connected his hands to her hips, her deep backbend and outstretched arms signaling her submission. Separately, they are masterful performers. Together, they produce an intense, slow burn that FEW contemporary performers either seek to perform or if attempting to perform, can achieve...
(Angel was principal dancer for many years with Compañía María Pages, and while touring with her, he only got to dance a fraction of the kind of rare and traditonal flamenco seen this night. I was absolutely sucker-punched by his amazing grace, strength, and control!) Charo Espina is highly regarded throughout Spain and has joined in performing with Angel’s company in the past. 
In fact I can’t remember the last time I have seen a pair dance so exquisitely – these days it’s about solo performances or huge stage gatherings, but the simple “man/woman” thing gets short shrift in modern flamenco productions. Kudos to Sr. Peña’s keen understanding that most American theatre-goers are STARVING for the real deal which he has so graciously provided in this particular production!
New to me, Ramón Martinez’ danced an Alegrías that breathed the heady fragrance of love into the air that lingered momentarily. It’s bright and sunny joyfulness conveyed the promise of young manhood - - - bravado-fueled leaps and hair-tossing turns marked it’s sentiment. I appreciated his sense of playfulness, the audience responding in kind. Like Antonio el Pipa, he smiled and emoted freely (with no regard for any external judgment.) Unlike Sr. el Pipa, his emotion served as accent to the dance and not as a full-fledged character in the story… Isn’t it wonderful how music and movement is a language spoken worldwide and needs no translation? This dancer is a tremendous talent and another hidden jewel of the male flamenco dance community. After a mind-numbing selection in Jerez, it was so refreshing to see Ramón Martinez blow the audience away with his style.
The style of the Farruca danced by Angel Muñoz is by definition seminal to the question plaguing many dancers; how to marry the balletic training with the earthy feel of flamenco without seeming stiff and/or contrived. He is the very characterization of how to portray classical form with a distinctively masculine grace. The Farruca is where your technique is laid bare for the entire world to see – the lunges, the turns, the compás. It is astonishing to see how much his feet, arms, even hair are an extension of his thoughts. That is true, unadulterated talent wrapped up in one of the finest performers on the world stage today. This man deserves his own show New York – uhh - New York… are you LISTENING??? 
In one of the many gorgeously-staged numbers, Sr. Peña and Sra. Espino sat face to face, he with guitar, she, armed with castanets. They conversed, his tone was thoughtful one, she answered sharply and distinctly, the castanets an extension of her arms (again with extensions… must run in the family!) In the end, she acquiesced and they both agreed. There is a seamless co-existence between Paco Peña and his artists, no matter what was being performed; you instinctively knew they completely understood each other. Flawless.
Charo Espino is a sketch artists’ dream. Imagine if you will a blank page where you are asked to define a moving object in not more than six strokes of your pencil. If you use the plumb line of Charo’s back, you can clearly illustrate how a female dancer is supposed to move. Singers Miguel Ortega & Inmaculada Rivero are two well-matched voices. It is not an easy feat to have different voices blend well, this is a testament to Paco Peña’s ear. Where Mr. Ortega’s voice was powerful in volume and expression, Srta. Rivero’s quiet intensity was demonstrated in the amount of the control it took to transmit jondo lament. It was the contrast of explosion versus implosion. Both forces can bring down the foundation of a building. Towards the end of the show, something only heard on recordings, yet there it was, live on stage! The guitarists turned into blacksmiths, pounding a Minera compás on ANVILS in the style of “La Fragua”, no less! Neurons [those little electrical impulses in your brain] were firing throughout the entire theatre, especially within the head of yours truly. There’s more – the rest of the men were rapping their knuckles on a table, and the two women in the company were doing palmas. In fact Charo was doing palmas AND dancing while sitting down. (Try that sometime, I dare you all!) They coursed through different palos, as if to say, compás is found anywhere and in anything you do, it is as close to you as the air you breathe. It is the heartbeat of flamenco. This show with it’s simply designed costumes, bare stage, and minimal use of lighting left me gasping for more – they even had an intermission can you believe it? The 8:00 pm show let out sometime before 11:00 pm and yet still left the audience gasping for more. I was totally enraptured for the ENTIRE show, no wandering of mind, no fidgeting, just pure devotion the elegant offering that was ¡A Compás! Paco Peña -- guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor for over 30 years -- has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form, bringing it into the realm of music-theatre and classical music. His recent work, Flamenco Requiem, written at the urging of executives of the Salisbury Music Festival, again marries flamenco with forms of classical music. In 1997 he was named Oficial de la Cruz de la Orden del Merito Civil, an honour bestowed by King Juan Carlos of Spain. ***************************************************** RENÉ HEREDIA HAS A NEW WEBSITE!!!: 
LOGON TO: www.reneheredia.com
René Heredia's Flamenco Classes in Boulder & Denver Learn the "Real Flamenco" from Gypsy teacher/educator: René Heredia. Upper & lower torso, foot technique, hand clapping, finger snapping, castanettes, dress, arm, hand movements, history of the art and all the rhythms of Flamenco, acompanyment of guitar. (All levels) Also René teaches gypsy flamenco guitar. For more information, call: Boulder Classes: Mondays from 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. at Mosaic Movement Arts: 1840 55th St. (All levels) ... LOCATION: Artistic Body Development, 520 Cherokee St. & 5th Ave. Boulder, CO Denver Classes: Tuesdays 7:15 to 9:45 p.m. Fridays 6:30 to 8:00 p.m Wednesdays (for beginners) 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. LOCATION: Flamenco Center for Guitar & Dance 602 So. Emerson St. Denver, Co. ************************************************************** Read all about FB Editor Mari Katsigianis' visit to Jerez de la Frontera for the 11th Annual Flamenco Festival.. HERE! **************************************************************** SPOTLIGHT ON: Maribel Ramos, "LA ZAMBRA" 
Maribel Ramos was born in Barcelona in 1977. At the age of 5 she moved to Almeria, where she began her dance studies at the age of 8. She first studied in regional folklore dance schools in order to enter the Professional Conservatory of Almeria, from which she obtained her degree as a Spanish Dance Teacher.
Aged 19 she leaves for Madrid to perfect her flamenco dance by studying in different dance schools such as “Amor de Dios”, « Estudios Madrid » and « El Camborio ». She then leaves for Sevilla to continue her professional career. Since her debut, she has studied with the best professionals in the flamenco world, such as Maria Magdalena, Manolo Marin, La China, Cristobal Reyes, Javier Latorre, Antonio « El Pipa », Israel Galvan, Isabel Bayon, Carmen Ledesma, Javier Baron, Hiniesta Cortes, Rafael Campallo, Alejandro Granados and Eva la Yerbabuena. Moreover, she has taken master classes with Antonio Canales and classes of Bata de Cola with Milagros Mengibar and studied Spanish Classical Dance with Eloy Pericet She was granted a scholarship from the “Cristina Heeren Foundation for Flamenco Art” three years in a row : 2001, 2002 and 2003 Check out her website: www.lazambra.com ************************************************************ THE LATEST ON SARAH BIRD & THE FLAMENCO ACADEMY 
Author Sarah Bird reads from "THE FLAMENCO ACADEMY" accompanied by a live performance by dancers Bianca Antonio and Almora Esparis, and guitarist Randy Cordero, at the Texas Book Festival. She continues her reading tour on November 19th at the Miami Book Festival with two incredible performers: Niurca Marquez and Luis Linares.
Author of six novels and a Texas Monthly columnist, Sarah Bird’s latest, “The Flamenco Academy,” is a story of obsessive friendship and love set in New Mexico’s vibrant flamenco community. It received a starred review in Kirkus and was named one of People Magazine’s “Hottest Books of Summer 2006” Among the awards she has received for her other novels, “The Yokota Officers Club,” “Alamo House,” “Boyfriend School,” “Mommy Club,” and “Virgin of the Rodeo,” are the SW Critics Best Novel; Barnes & Noble’s Discover Great Writers; Texas Institute of Letter’s Award for Best Work of Fiction, (twice); a BookSense Pick; NY Public Library's Books to Remember; Amazon’s Fiction and Literature Editors and the American Library Association’s Booklist Editors Best Book awards. Sarah was given the Award of Literary Excellence from the Texas Writer’s League this past September and she has just learned that “The Flamenco Academy” will be featured in Kirkus Reviews year-end list of Great Books of 2006. NEW YORK TIMES Review of "FLAMENCO ACADEMY" ...a novel by Sarah Bird 
September 10, 2006
Flamenco for 3 - By MAGGIE GALEHOUSE DAME la verdad: “Give me the truth.” Flamenco’s fierce demand of the dancers who stamp through Sarah Bird’s sixth novel is brief but consuming. And in a novel keyed to such a passionate Gypsy dance, the question of pitch arises early. “The Flamenco Academy” opens so boldly — invoking flamenco’s Ten Commandments, hinting at a painful and public love triangle — that you have to wonder how Bird can sustain such high drama. But it quickly becomes apparent that she’s mapped her novel’s treacherous terrain and planned accordingly, building characters sturdy enough to stand firmly, even when their emotions are spinning out of control... (continued) The book is available on www.amazon.com Endorsed by Flamenco Buzz as a must-read! Flamenco devotees - read all about it! *******************************************************************  Flamenco Buzz' Editor/Webmaster Mari Katsigianis cuts up with one of her favorite groups, MUSAFIR one night at Johnny D's in Somerville, MA. While the invitation to join them on the road was tempting, duty called...(just kidding) ;) ************************************************************************** Flamenco Documentaries by William Davidson Bill distributes flamenco documentaries to aficionado subscribers every four to five weeks. These 90-minute discs are edited from footage he videotapes during frequent trips to Andalusia. The content comes from a diverse variety of events including flamenco festivals, ferias, contests, peña presentations, and spontaneous sessions. The complete charge for each DVD is $6.00 and there are no term obligations. Subscribers may cancel at any time without penalty. For more information on how to subscribe please contact Bill at wdavidson3@cfl.rr.com *********************************************************** |
| The Flamenco Buzz was first published on October 7, 1998. Copyright 2006 by Mari Katsigianis
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This Flamenco Ring site owned
by Mari Katsigianis. NOTE All information presented on the FLAMENCO BUZZ appears through the permission of the performers or organizations being announced. In certain cases, information about events appears through the courtesy of a third party - that party is ALWAYS credited with the byline... It is the policy of the Flamenco Buzz to ensure all appropriate credit is acknowledged to outside contributors and that no theft of "intellectual property" occurs. However, in some cases, Flamenco Buzz may be contacted regarding flamenco events simultaneously with other media and consequently, no credit to other media will be acknowledged. DISCLAIMER The information provided in the FLAMENCO BUZZ is accurate to the best of our knowledge and is subject to occasional typographical errors and unannounced last-minute changes that are beyond our control. Therefore, do not hold us responsible for any problems that arise as a result of its use. We present the above to you for your convenience, but ultimately you are responsible for verifying the above information by contacting the organizers of the above events directly. -Mari Katsigianis, editor for FLAMENCO BUZZ |
