Flamenco is a dance that burns with a zest for life, colour and romance. It is a scintillating showcase of plucked guitar strings, snapping fingers, clicking castanets and a singer’s haunting cries.
Accompanied in an equal partnership by a guitarist and singer, dancers express themselves through sweeping arm movements, palmas (rhythmic clapping) and lightning-fast stamping.
“Flamenco is a passion of the people,” says flamenco guitarist Oscar-Jose Garcia, music teacher at St. Mary High in Westlock. “It is a way to express feelings of the hardships they have gone through. Flamenco is a melting pot of different cultures everyone in Spain has absorbed — Moorish, Jewish, Gypsy, Christian.”
Garcia, along with his dancer wife Judith, founder of Flamenco En Vivo, are hosting and performing in Libre, a variety showcase at the Arden Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 16.
The vibrant evening features flamenco dancers and musicians and is interspersed with belly dancing, classical ballet, and opera and musical solos.
Both Garcia and Judith have studied in Seville and Granada’s southern Andalucian region as well as the more centrally located Madrid. “There are different subtleties in every area and the subtleties characterize where they come from. We have picked up different characteristics from many regions and that is what makes us unique.”
As a child, Garcia first studied classical guitar before refining his technique with flamenco guitarist Tim Clark, a former University of Alberta doctoral student trying to earn extra money.
At the same time Garcia was hired by Conchita de Pechto Spanish Dancers to accompany the performers when he met Judith, one of the troupe’s most provocative flamenco dancers.
Over the past 30 years, the power couple has performed at numerous public affairs including a stint with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. During breaks they’ve flown to Spain for workshop instruction and Judith has honed her technique studying with outstanding teachers such as Angel Muños, who last performed at the Arden Theatre last year with the legendary Paco Peña.
In the upcoming Libre, Garcia begins the evening with the haunting rhythms of his acoustic guitar followed by Judith and five Flamenco En Vivo dancers serving a broad representation of cheerful allegrias, sorrowful soleares and seguiriyas.
“Seguiriyas are sad and sombre. They are the most profound of pieces often dealing with death,” explains Judith.
Also featured are the Bedouin Beats Bellydancers, who are unveiling two new creations, Double Veil & Wings of Isis.
“It’ll be very colourful and beautiful. Like flamenco, this has its roots in the Middle East,” Judith says.
In addition to Garcia’s flutter of fretwork, the duo is also partnering flamenco guitarists Nyles Varughese and Neela Wheadon with cajon specialist John Neelin. As well, the Azar Azerbaijani musicians liven up the evening with their exotic beats.
Rooted in longstanding tradition and fiery beauty, this upcoming production will also be encrusted with surprise gems.
“The rhythm of the guitars and the dancers are very beautiful. Anyone who likes flamenco will enjoy the show,” she says.
