Its one of those hot summer nights but the warmth emanating from has nothing to do with the weather.
As Rosario Ancer takes her 20 students through their dance steps at the Alma Street studio, the intensity of the movements builds into the final crescendo of well-clad feet stomping repetitively on the wooden floor.
First its the hands fingers fanning in and out in a delicate swirling motion. Then its the perfectly arched toes accompanied by a tap of the opposite heel. The hips have no option but to sway in tandem. Uno, dos, tres, cuatro; uno, dos, tres, cuatro. Now the hands come together in a clap, adding an even more pronounced sense of passion to each move.
Theres no anger in the stomps, only a determined purposefulness. The hips move with a sensual grace thats far removed from the overt sexuality of other types of dance forms. Dont mess with me, the dance says, offering both a challenge and an invitation. I am strong and you must accept my strength. But when you do, you will see my beauty.
This is the power of flamenco dancing.
You celebrate who you are big or small, tall or short, young or old, says Ancer, who with her guitarist husband Victor Kolstee, is the driving force behind Flamenco Rosario and the from Sept. 17 to 23. (Shes hosting a free dance lecture and demonstration at the 麻豆传媒映画library on Sept. 17 at 8pm.)
Flamenco puts me in a special place, she says. When Im performing and get involved with the music, I get swept by this force that is flamenco. You feel part of a whole... I feel Im part of the universe. It puts me in a place where theres no sense of self. Its just pure joy.
Highlights of Flamenco Fest include:
Sept. 20, 8pm: Fiona Malena Flamenco Ensemble, Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island, $30/$25
Sept. 21, 8pm: Montreals highly innovative flamenco company La Otra Orilla and local favourites, Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island, $30/$25
Sept. 22, 8pm: Del Quivir by Spains Angeles Gabald贸n and performance by Flamenco Rosario, 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse, 8 pm, $55/$50
Sept. 23, 7pm: La Musica del Flamenco: Guitarist Victor Kolstee hosts Alicia Acu帽a and guitarist Raul Cantizano, Cory Weeds Cellar Jazz Club
WE 麻豆传媒映画asked Rosario Ancer how people can keep their passion for flamenco alive.
1) Take lessons at flamenco schools and
attend their social events
2) Kino Cafe on Cambie and Chai restaurant on Main offer weekly flamenco shows tablao style
3) Watch flamenco movies (Centro Flamenco offer free movie nights)
For details and tickets go to VancouverFlamencoFestival.org. For information on Rosarios dance and guitar lessons, go to CentroFlamenco.com. Enter to win two tickets to the September 22 Del Quivir performance .
