Esencia Flamenca
Presented by: Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company
Discover the passion that is the essence of flamenco. The Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company presents its fall season’s blend of classical and flamenco song and dance. Embodying a complex musical and cultural tradition, the flawless company dancers join visiting dancers and musicians. Experience this homage to a time and movement that is integral to Spanish history.
The Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company presents their fall season at the Premiere Dance Theatre from Thursday, November 16 through Sunday November 19, 2006 at the Premiere Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre. Esencia Flamenca defines the “essence of flamenco” but it also pays homage to a time and movement that is integral to Spanish history. The end of romanticism in the 19th century and the support of a nationalist doctrine gave rise to a rejuvenation of Spanish musical instrumentation and offered a new found respect for Spanish idioms like the unique culture of Andalucía. We hear this echoed by our beloved Spanish classical composers such as Isaac Albéniz who was moved by the drama and power he heard in flamenco music.
It is this blend of classical and flamenco sensibilities that acclaimed choreographer Esmeralda Enrique and her ‘fierce, perfect dancers’ bring to the stage with their unique and powerful artistry. Guest artists from Spain include acclaimed dancer/choreographer Ramón Martínez, guitar legend Jose Luis Valle “Chuscales” and singer/percussionist extraordinaire Francisco Orozco “Yiyi”. This creative team, of exciting partnerships old and new, will be an inspiring and challenging force for artists and audience alike.
Ramón Martínez is one of Spain's rising young flamenco stars. Originally from Málaga, he has worked and toured with Spain's most renowned companies, including the Compañía Andaluza de Danza under the direction of Mario Maya and the companies of Javier Latorre, Manolo Marín, María Pagés, Eva la Yerbabuena, Javier Barón, the Ballet Cristina Hoyos and the Ballet Español de Murcia. He has performed in many of Spain's most famous tablaos, including Los Gallos in Sevilla and Casa Patas in Madrid. Ramón brought his own company ' Raíces Flamencas' to Korea and Rome and performed as a soloist in the 2004 Bienal de Flamenco in Seville in the 'Jóvenes Promesas' series. Currently he is touring internationally as a soloist with the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company, seen at Toronto’s Massey Hall in February 2006.
Jose Luis Valle Fajardo, better known as Chuscales, is a guitarist with consummate skill and deep understanding. A native of Antequera, Spain, Chuscales grew up in the tradition of the Gypsies in a family well known for its professional musicians and dancers. Chuscales began his performing career as a dancer, an experience that provides him with a detailed understanding of flamenco's rhythmic nuances. Encuentros Del Alma, Chuscales' first recording for the United States label Narada, showcases his ability in performing traditional styles in an accessible, highly listenable format designed to draw people toward flamenco's core.
These guests join the company members, Esmeralda Enrique, Paloma Cortés, Angela Del Sol, Ilse Gudiño, Renata Palmo, and Margarita Rigó, to create an unforgettable evening of flamenco dance and music. Company musical director and guitarist Nicolás Hernández will compose original music for this evening of new works and his lyrical music will be joined with that of Chuscales, an equally gifted and evocative composer. The musical team would not be complete without the dynamic and sensitive violin of Vasyl Popadiuk, whose intuitive musical nature is intrinsic to the flamenco genre.
Esmeralda Enrique studied dance as a child and was working professionally by the age of 14. She founded her company in 1982. A warm and charismatic personality, Esmeralda represents the face of flamenco in Toronto. Her vision and passionate commitment to flamenco have earned her acclaim across the country including three Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations for excellence in performance.
Nicolás Hernández has been playing guitar for over 25 years and has studied from some of Spain's master flamenco guitarists. He is also a touring member of Jesse Cook's band and has accompanied some of flamenco's top artists both nationally and internationally. Some of the highlights of his career include performances at prestigious festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Edmonton Folk Festival.
Last year Nicolás recorded his solo debut cd titled "Buscando Mi Voz".
The Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company has presented sold out shows over the last five years at Harbourfront to unanimous popular and critical acclaim.
A passion for life and a passion for dance!
Come and be moved by this stunning concert event.
Starts: Nov 16, 2006 Ends: Nov 19, 2006
At: Premiere Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Playing: Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Times: Thurs - Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm
Cost: $21 - $38
Getting there:
Queen's Quay and York
For more information contact:
Phone:
416-973-4000
Email:
