Compañia Flamenco José Porcel
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 8pm
Roy Thomson Hall | $69.50 – $39.50
Renowned dancer and choreographer José Porcel is one of Spain’s finest flamenco artists. He brings his premiere dance troupe, infused with irresistible erotic appeal and irrepressible energy to Roy Thomson Hall. FOR TICKETS CALL 416-872-4255
Toronto, ON, October 21, 2008 – Spain’s flamenco superstar José Porcel and his celebrated troupe of dancers, singers and musicians, showcase the art of flamenco with vivid costumes, fiery footwork and soaring vocals at Roy Thomson Hall on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 8pm. The world’s most joyous dance is transformed into an explosion of rhythm, colors, and emotions in the company’s new touring show “Alma Flamenco” (The Spirit and Soul of Flamenco), a seductive blend of traditional and modern flamenco.
Compañia Flamenco José Porcel has showcased flamenco throughout the world, providing an invaluable window on Spain’s rich history. The company creates a dramatic evening of precision and pageantry in a new program of electrifying solos and ensemble pieces including a taranto (a sensual duet), a rondena (a light yet rhythmic piece with the women of the company), the farruca and solea, joyous group pieces of choreographic complexity; and the great Porcel in two solos: the virile seguirilla and a largely improvised alegrias.
Born in Seville, José Porcel began performing the passionate folkloric dances of his Spanish ancestors at the age of 13. He made his professional debut with the Ballet de Valencia in 1989 and went on to become one of his country’s leading flamenco dancers and choreographers, touring the world as a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Spain and Compañia Espanola de Antonio Marquez. As a choreographer, Porcel’s lavish music and dance spectacles display both abundant creative genius and a desire to challenge convention while honoring tradition. Porcel leads his renowned company with a focus on unique choreographic interpretations of traditional flamenco styles.
Flamenco dancing, originally conceived as a way of accentuating rhythms while singing, is one of the world’s most richly expressive traditions. Bright costumes, sensual movement and exhilarating musical accompaniment have made flamenco one of the most popular forms of folkloric dance. It is believed that flamenco originated during the 15th century, when Gypsies arrived in the Andalucian region of Spain, bearing with them a culture that was a mixture of Arabic, Egyptian, Jewish and Indian.
This performance by Compañia Flamenco José Porcel is one of seven concerts chosen this season for Share the Music, the Corporation’s arts and education outreach program. 250 tickets have been distributed to under-served youth with the purpose of enriching their lives through exposure to world-class performers and related educational activities. The young guests will also attend a pre-concert flamenco workshop led by members of the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company. Share the Music is sponsored by Sun Life Financial and supported by many individuals and organizations. For more information visit http://www.roythomson.com/shareMusic.cfm.
