HOUSTON, Texas (CitizenWire) — In keeping with its mission to teach, preserve and promote Flamenco in its most authentic form, Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy is proud to present Houston’s very first Flamenco Festival. From Thursday, October 28th, to Sunday, October 31st, Houston flamenco lovers and students will have the opportunity to experience first-hand all the passion and excitement of true “flamenco puro.” The highlight of the festival will be a performance by internationally-renowned artists of “Arte y Pureza” (Art and Purity) and Juan Bacan of Lebrija, Spain.
“Arte y Pureza” artists, Ethan Margolis and Cihtli Ocampo, are dedicated to performing only the traditional, pure flamenco of the gypsy neighborhoods of Andalucia. With profound expertise and spontaneity, they perform to their fullest potential, thereby expressing the purest essence of gypsy flamenco. Juan Bacan is a “cantaor” (singer), brother of Ines Bacan, of the well-known Pena gypsy family of Lebrija, Spain. He sings in the traditional, deeply emotional style rarely seen outside intimate gypsy gatherings.
Students of flamenco dance and “cante” (song) will have a rare opportunity to take classes with these flamenco experts.
Long-time Houston flamencos Lucia Rodriquez-Sanchez and Valdemar Phoenix will also teach a workshop on flamenco cante and “toque” (guitar) as part of the festival.
Houston Flamenco Festival Schedule:
Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 – Kick-off Party at Tintos Restaurant 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Meet & greet the artists; sangria & light tapas; $20.00 advance purchase, $25.00 at door.
Friday, Oct. 29, 2010 – Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 – Tiento/Tango workshop with Ethan Margolis & Cihtli Ocampo of Arte y Pureza and Juan Bacan held at Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy studios (Fri., Oct. 29, 2010 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 30, 2010 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 31, 2010 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 – Master Class for Cante & Toque in Seguiriya with Lucia Rodriguez-Sanchez & Valdemar Phoenix.
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 – Performance by Arte y Pureza and Juan Bacan at Andalucia Tapas Restaurant; prelude performance by Cuadro La Tempestad; 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. To purchase tickets, please call 713-899-3771.
Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 – Festival Finale – Q&A Forum with Houston Flamenco Festival Artists at Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy studios; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.; $10.00 per person; light refreshments served.
For more information, please contact Gabriella at (713) 899-3771, or for online at: www.flamencohouston.com or www.flamencospirit.com .
Del Espadin Flamenco & Spanish Dance Academy is located at: 3939 Hillcroft Ave., Ste. 160, Houston, TX 77057. Phone: (713) 977-3900.
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