The Student News Site of University of Arizona

The Daily Wildcat

60° Tucson, AZ

The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

    Music and dance by flamenco ignites the spirit

    Flamenco has the power to ignite passion into dancing and the audience.

    On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Flamenco performers will celebrate their 26th Anniversary Tour by performing, “”Fiesta Flamenca.””

    Flamenco is a style of dancing that relates to the characteristics of the Andalusian Gypsies. It is strongly rhythmic and involves vigorous hand and foot actions.. Flamenco music, which originated in southern Spain, can be described as intensely rhythmic and is almost like an improvisation at times.

    Flamenco contains themes of love, honor, passion and death through dancing and music.

    “”I hope people who have not seen flamenco walk away with an appreciation for this art form and dance,”” said Carlota Santana, Flamenco Vivo founder and Artistic Director.

    The audience will be enthralled by bright, colorful shawls, speed, and sensual movements that are recognized worldwide as the Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana company.

    Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana is famous for creatively inspiring the art of flamenco through inventive and unique choreography and workshops. Flamenco also urges young artists from both Spain and the U.S. to become involved with his efforts.

    “”We have not been to Tucson before so this will be our first time in the city. The Tucson community has a Flamenco group that we offer support to and hope that our audience will too,”” said Santana.

    The music that provides dancers with their detailed and demanding movements is constructed by guitars, castanets, footwork, and hand claps. Rhythms from northern Africa and South America have also made their way into the musical sounds. The performance is dramatic with the sound of stomping feet upon each arrival of the performers on stage along with the colorful movements of the “”Manton”” or shawl. “”We want people to enjoy this Hispanic art form. We try to introduce new people to the art form by touring differing cities,”” said Santana.

    Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana performs “”Fiesta Flamenca”” this Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall on the UA campus. Prices range from $18 to $42 with student, senior, group and military discounts available.

    More to Discover
    Activate Search