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North Vancouver, BC, Canada: Flamenco originated in diversity. When the Roma people settled in the South of Spain after centuries of migration through India and Northern Africa, they brought their culture, music and dance with them and flamenco was born. Today Flamenco is a global art form, performed worldwide and Vancouver is an epicentre for Flamenco in Canada. Mozaico Flamenco continues to grow by integrating the rich multicultural influences of each artist to keep Flamenco vibrant, alive and continuously evolving. On Saturday November 2 at 7pm, Mozaico Flamenco presents ten flamenco dancers who will take to the stage at the Presentation House Theatre to present their dance solos in their own unique, authentic expression celebrating women and diversity. We are pleased to welcome guest guitarist Gareth Owen (Victoria) with resident guitarist Peter Mole, singers Justine Reinhart and Kelty McKerracher and artistic director and bailaora, Kasandra “La China”. Traditional flamenco is performed by a small group called a “cuadro”. In its most essential form, the cuadro is made up of a singer, a guitarist, a dancer and a percussionist playing “palmas” (handclapping). Mozaico Flamenco loves this art form because the group is “lean and mean” and the cuadro is a constant interplay of communication and emotional exchange between artists, offering spontaneity, energy, excitement and surprise! Flamenco performed this way is always a unique, one-time-only experience!
Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy is proud to showcase our flamenco dancers as they seek transcendence and a connection in the intimate cuadro. Since humble local beginnings in 2014 when we began the Cuadro Project, today we find ourselves showcasing many keen emerging artists in British Colombia.
This year we are pleased to present these soloists:
Amber Rowell – "Río de Oraciones", Petenera
Amira Howes – “Guajiras”
Claire Thomas – “Fandangos”
Cristina Dwyer – “Valiente”, Farruca
Cynthia Shippam-Brett – “Caracoles”
Dinara Nussipakynova – “Alegrias”
Kara Wiebe – “Cana”
Leslie Bishko – “Guajiras”
Pam Wong – "Solea por Bulerias"
Robin Rattlesnake - "Soleares”
Maestra Kasandra “La China” – "Malaguena”
The dancers have undergone rigorous mentorships with acclaimed dancer Kasandra “La China” to realize their potential for this performance. Each dancer has a unique background and personal story that drives them to perfect their art. They represent a range of individual experiences and cultures and each has a unique way of expressing themselves through various flamenco forms. Audiences can expect a performance that celebrates both the diversity of flamenco and of the artists themselves who have various ethnic roots from the Caribbean, China, Hongkong, Ireland, Khazakstan, Romania, Russia and also Indigenous Canada. From pure joy to the deepest sorrow, flamenco encompasses the spectrum of human emotions and in this performance, communicates them through the art of dancers from many different walks of life.
Produced by:
Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy Ltd.
Presentation House Theatre
333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
Tickets: $25 adult, $20 senior/student/child
Box office: Eventbrite tickets will go on sale October 2, 2024.
Dancers
Amber Rowell, Amira Howes, Claire Thomas, Cristina Dwyer, Cynthia Shippam-Brett, Dinara Nussipakynova, Kara Wiebe, Leslie Bishko, Pam Wong, Robin Rattlesnake
Music
Gareth Owen, guest flamenco guitarist (Victoria)
Peter Mole, resident flamenco guitarist
Justine Reinhart, cantaora
Kelty McKerracher, cantaora
About Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy:
A moving force in the world of flamenco and Spanish dance for more than four decades, Mozaico Flamenco has brought countless devotees to the art of flamenco.
Mozaico Flamenco had its beginnings in Los Angeles when Oscar Nieto founded his first school and company in 1972. Over the years it has evolved into Vancouver’s renowned Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy, established in 2002 by Oscar Nieto and Kasandra “La China”. Today, the name “Mozaico” honors the mosaic of students from different backgrounds, ages, abilities and circumstances that are drawn to flamenco and are welcomed into the Mozaico community.
At the heart of Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy is our philosophy – that flamenco is a truly global art form that inspires people from all walks of life. We are a welcoming, supportive community in which there is room for everyone, whatever their age, shape or background. It takes a village.
As we demand artistic excellence from our instructors, we also encourage each student to achieve their personal best. Flamenco is an individual journey. Each person is unique and will carve their own path. Our mission is to offer a rich transformative experience and a life-long journey of discovery and development in flamenco dance, music, song and culture.
www.mozaicoflamenco.com
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Presentation House Theatre, Yoga Root, 333 Chesterfield Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7M, Canada,North Vancouver, British Columbia
