Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, an international Flamenco company based in Miami, is led by artistic director Ilisa Rosal. The group presents Fiesta Flamenca this Sunday at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
Improvisation is the word and the excitement of "Fiesta Flamenca" coming to the Miami Beach Bandshell for one performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, according to its creator.
Fiesta Flamenca is at the Miami Beach Bandshell on Sunday, July 17. (Photo by Abreu)
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, an international Flamenco company based in Miami, is led by artistic director Ilisa Rosal.
"In 'Fiesta Flamenca,' my latest Pure Flamenco work, I focus on traditional, authentic Flamenco dance with live music, with some of the finest dancers and musicians living in Miami, and having come from Spain, Latin America and throughout the U.S," says Rosal.
She says when she began choreographing her new flamenco work, she began by choosing the "palos," or rhythms in the Flamenco repertory, and conceptualized the point of view and message for the theatrical expression of the music and lyrics.
"Paying special attention to the strengths and talents of each of the artists, I mold them into my vision of the work," says Rosal.
When speaking of the artists she's selected, Rosal comments: "It is both challenging and gratifying to have such excellent artists to work with and thus bring new insights on many levels to the work."
She has chosen four dancers to work with her, saying that each have their own styles and are able to perform as soloists as well as part of a group, adding "adapting their own style to a choreographic concept."
Fiesta Flamenca features dancer Maria Mercedes Perez, pictured, Sandra Bara, Carolina Torres and Pilar Fernandez.
When asked what audiences should expect from "Fiesta Flamenca," Rosal says:
"The beauty, power, drama, emotion and stellar technique that make Flamenco such a universal and resonant art form." She continues: "The elegant grace, breathtaking athleticism and riveting energy of the dancers, along with the exquisite and potent guitar melodies and rhythms, and the rich, clear and thrilling vocals, accented by the lush colors and textures of the costumes, and dynamic and complex choreography."
Rosal says one of the things that makes the program so exciting is improvision that is part of Flamenco dance.
"Improvisation is one of the most important aspects of the art form. Flamenco developed as an individual art form, with families and friends gathered in what was essentially a 'jam session,' a fiesta (party) of musical and dance expression. Even in its most sophisticated form, with complex choreography and musical compositions, there remains the opportunity to improvise in each performance according to the flow, inspiration and energy of the artists on any given day.
Rosal, a master teacher, choreography and soloist, explains that there is an expression in Flamenco, "duende," which is similar to "muse."
"It describes the artist summoning or tuning in to inspiration of a mood, character, or spiritual and-or emotional plane of authentic Flamenco experience."
Singing is where Flamenco started with guitar accompaniment and dance interpretation of the songs following and talks about the importance of having a cante singer or cantaor, according to the choreographer.
She explains that singing is where Flamenco started with guitar accompaniment and dance interpretation of the songs following and talks about the importance of having a cante singer or cantaor. "The cantaor is the 'soul' of the group. They are the inspiration at the heart of each piece and the glue that holds it together."
About her upcoming show, Rosal says: "The singers and dancers in Fiesta Flamenca are expected to improvise giving a fresh performance every time, this is the original way of an authentic flamenco. It should be expressed or performed with spontaneity."
The music will be composed, arranged and performed live by Guitarist Rodrigo Valdez and Singer El Cachito, creating an interchange with the choreography, danced by Maria Mercedes Perez, Sandra Bara, Carolina Torres and Pilar Fernandez.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Ballet Flamenco La Rosa
WHEN: 7 p.m., Sunday, July 21
WHERE: The Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
HOW MUCH: $25
INFO: 786 453 2897 and www.balletflamencolarosa.com
