Flamenco Latino: 2022 Más Allá Series
Company:
Flamenco Latino
Flamenco Latino
2022 Más Allá Series at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
Thursday August 4, and Friday August 5, 7:30 PM
at Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning - Black Box Theater
161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica 11432
After being disrupted for two years by the Corona Virus, Flamenco Latino returns for its 2022 Más Allá Series (“Way Beyond”) with two Live, In-Person shows in collaboration with Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. Directors Aurora Reyes and Basilio Georges will present two different programs. On Thurs. August 4, 7:30 PM, the theme is “Choreographies and Collaboration,” featuring Aurora’s group choreographies, and the debut of “Quejillo/Shout,” a Flamenco/Hip Hop fusion piece, created in collaboration with Paige Stewart “Queen TuT” and The Kingdom Dance Company. On Friday August 5, 2022 at 7:30 PM, the theme is “Flamenco and Tap Improvisation,” featuring Aurora with the dynamic tap dancer and “foot musician,” Omar Edwards. They are accompanied by Basilio Georges’ original music which infuses Flamenco with elements of Jazz, Blues and Salsa.
Featured in the Thursday August 4th show is Reyes’ most recent work, “The Fandangos Continuum,” recently debuted on the Queensboro Dance Festival 2022 Tour. For this choreography, four of Aurora’s promising corps dancers deliver a cathartic celebration of women’s faith, earthiness, and perseverance. Also in the Thursday night lineup: Pena y Alegria,” (2021) “Lorca Impressions (2021). Dancers: Julissa Cadenillas, Natalia Starkova, and Malia Fay Vazquez. This evening also offers two choreographic collaborations with Paige Stewart, “Queen TuT” of The Kingdom Dance Co. “Quejillo/Shout,” reflects on perceived limitations imposed on young women and their response to that perception, and “Sevillanas Afro-Cubanas” is a folkloric flamenco form setting the traditional dance structure to variations on a song from the Cuban Orisha Elegua. The musical sections depict various musical flavors: from Cuban to Blues to Funk to Latin Jazz. Flamenco Latino core dancers and Queen TuT’s Teen dancers respond to each flavor, each with their own arsenal of expressive technique.
The Friday Aug 5th repertoire will focus on Flamenco and Tap improvisation. Omar Edwards has both a style and philosophy which develop his pieces through spontaneous improvisation. He prefers to perform with little rehearsal, and boasts of being an expert at “Navigating the Black Hole.” His pieces begin with rhythmic conversations with each musician, he then takes us on a thrilling ride and often incites the audience to a call and response participation. Sometimes the rhythmic cycle, four beats or six beats is only decided at the last minute. Aurora Reyes’ solo, “Mas Dulce Que Melocotón,”is a flamenco representation of Cuban Guajiras. While not in the same meter, both musical forms describe the way of life and love in the country side of Cuba. Basilio inserts a verse of the Decima, a Cuban form into the compas of flamenco Guajiras. Aurora performs with sexy sassy charm. Sevillanas Afro Cubanas will also be on view Aug 5. Restaged for Flamenco Latino dancers and The Kingdom Dance Co. collaboration, this choreography seamlessly blends Spanish folkloric traditional dance with Afro-Cuban movement. A video link of the 2021 Más Allá Outdoor performance at JPAC is attached below.
Basilio Georges is supported Danny Rivera, baritone saxophone, who has played with and arranged for Bobby Sanabria, and Hamed Traore, bass and cajón, who has performed with Noche Flamenca and Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana.
Tickets:
$20/General Admission $10 Students/Seniors/JCAL Members
For further info regarding August 4 & 5, 2022 Más Allá shows at JCAL Black Box Theater, go to www.jcal.org or call 718-658-7400.
This project is made possible (in part) with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall, and (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
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