Flamenco del Sol

Approval Type

Community Based

Artistic Discipline

Folk Arts Performing

Program Type

Performances, Workshops, Lecture/Demonstation

Populations/Areas of Interest

Pre-Kindergarten, Grades K-6, Grades 7-12, In School, After-School / Out-of-School, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults, Intergenerational, Persons with disabilities, At-Risk, Underserved

Artistic Approach

Vestiges of Spanish colonialism in the Americas from 500 years ago perpetuate the popularity of Spanish culture, particularly here in the Southwest. Flamenco del Sol is committed to sharing centuries-old traditions with everyone in our mixed community.

Flamenco is one form of Spanish dance. There also are folk dances from various provinces of Spain, as well as classical dance styles stemming from cosmopolitan concert halls and operas. Flamenco del Sol presents all forms of Spanish dance and showcases all the elements: costumes, steps, rhythms, music, song and jaleo (encouraging shouts).

Spanish dance is derived from a melding of cultures through the centuries. Influences can be traced to the Celts, the Greeks, the Romans, the Carthaginians from Northern Africa, the Moors, the Congo, the Caribbean and gypsies originally from India. In addition, Jewish, Muslim and Christian influences are interwoven. Even elements from the Orient and the Philippines, dating centuries back, remain apparent in the costume. Increasing popularity in the United States in recent decades has infused strains of American jazz into the art form.

Teaching Artist Approach

Accessibility is paramount per our philosophy. Spanish dance and rhythm is for--and within--everyone. From the beginning, we pass out percussion instruments and invite all to join us in tapping a tambourine, shaking a maraca or clapping hands along with our movement. Jaleo--encouraging shouts--also is part of revving up the enthusiasm: Ole! Viva Espana! Viva tu madre! Azucar! Earthy vocalization is integral to this art form.

Both of us, Herlinda Lopez and Deanne Poulos, the founders and principle dancers of Flamenco del Sol, have studied dance since childhood and we both teach dance to all ages, so we are familiar with age-appropriate instruction. We begin with warm-ups, imperative for every dancer, to get ourselves in gear, physically. The music we use during warm-ups gets us in gear, spiritually. Feeling the music is the genesis of expressive movement.

After establishing proper posture and breathing, we work braceo (arms), then footwork technique (zapateado). We also review rhythms (ritmos). Then we incorporate all in short combinations. Finally, we can teach a dance and the participants can join us in a performance.

We do teach steps and combinations from our years of training that are standardized worldwide, but we also encourage improvisation. The heart of Spanish dance beats from the soul. Each of us bears potential to express...perform...dance...

Program Management Strategies

The two of us who formed Flamenco del Sol are accomplished business professionals as well as artists. Herlinda Lopez is a business owner and Deanne Poulos is a media relations/marketing specialist.

We regard our association with a sponsor / client as a partnership and aim for our experience to be mutually beneficial. Whether we initiate contact or respond to an inquiry, we work with the sponsor to customize our basic program in correspondence with each unique learning setting, age group and level of capability. In advance, we exchange a contract / agenda delineating our respective expectations and responsibilities.
Always, we are organized and prepared.

If the sponsor can complement our presentation with their materials, that strengthens the program. For example, when we have performed at libraries, the library can display books related to our program. In turn, we refer participants to the books during our program.

Promotion is one of our fortes. We distribute press releases, public service announcements and flyers to inform the media and the community of our program.

After each event, we evaluate and assess--and amend, if necessary.

Overall, flexibility and a sense of humor are elements of a successful program.

Program Description

Music...clapping...dancing among the audience / participants... This is how we open our Flamenco del Sol signature program, Viva Espana: A Journey Through Spain. From the start we engage participants, establishing that this experience is all-inclusive. We invite all to join us as we pass around percussion instruments so individuals can keep the rhythm with a tambourine or maraca. Then, we fasten our seatbelts to travel the country of Spain together.

We begin in the Northern-most region, bordering France, where the Basque peoples have maintained their unique culture amid the Pyrenees Mountains for thousands of years. A hardy folk dance in a village costume and a curdling war cry get us warmed up for the remainder of our journey.

Next, we move southward to a warmer, gentler climate in Valencia where a delicate folk dance, the Jota Valenciana, reflects the sunny disposition of that province. The costume is adorned with flowers, lace and ribbons.

Between costume changes, we demonstrate how castanets are played and if time permits, we invite volunteers to try on extra pairs we bring in tow.

Afterward, we all go to a bullfight in Madrid as the dancers swirl our large mantones (shawls) in a Paso Doble rhythm accented with trumpet fanfares and shouts of fans in the corrida.

For a comical Zarzuela number, from the popular 19th Century operatic tradition, we beckon an unsuspecting member of the audience to join us for some fun...

After these folk and classical numbers, we continue on to southern Spain, the region of Andalucia, where gypsy-inspired flamenco developed. Elements of the 800-year Moorish occupation is apparent in Arabic-accented arms, music and movements.

A Fandangos from the city of Huelva showcases castanets and lively footwork.

Then, we break into Sevillanas, the ubiquitous set of four dances known by young and old throughout Spain. Castanets and shawls embellish these couples' dances.

At this stage, we peek in on a gypsy camp, where palmas (hand-clapping) pound the rhythm for improvised dancing in a circle. The ensemble sings a well-known song with lyrics penned by the great Spanish poet from the 1930's, Federico Garcia Lorca. (We have sung at venues where a few participants who know the number sing along with us!) The name for this improvised dance, Buleria, comes from the Spanish verb, burlar, to make fun.

Finally, we close with a fiesta and invite all to wave a scarf as we dance a Rumba together. The African and Caribbean influences abound as we swirl our hips. Releasing inhibitions and having fun with Spanish dance and culture is our final impression.

People come up to talk with us afterwards, to ask about our costumes, our study of Spanish dance and to inquire about lessons. Most rewarding is watching children stomp their feet, mimicking our dancing. We hope the rhythm continues to beat in their hearts and souls and inspire them to enjoy and appreciate the spirit and movement within each of us.

Technical Requirements

To make the rhythmic sounds that are part of the soul of flamenco, the sole of each dance shoe is covered with nail heads. A wooden floor allows for the best quality sound---and is mandatory to protect the dancers' legs and joints. A CD player with amplification is required and a microphone could be necessary, depending on the space and number of participants.

We can bring our own wooden floor and/or our own sound system for an additional fee. An electrical outlet is required for our sound system.

Space Requirements

Though we would not want limited space to impede an opportunity, to fulfill the potential spectrum, we require room to dance full out and swirl our large, fringed mantones (shawls) over our heads.

We prefer a secure room near the peformance area where we can dash in and out for quick costume changes.

Supply Requirements

Usually, we use a couple or three chairs to drape our shawls and set down our castanets, fans and other instruments and props.

Special Considerations

The fewer the number of students, the more-intimate and comprehensive the teaching and learning. One-on-one interaction affords personalized instruction. With a larger group, we are able to offer exposure and aura, which at least provides a taste and inspiration.

Some venues have constructed/assembled or rented a wooden stage for our performance.

References

Bruce Barnes, Mesa Public Library : (480) 644-3572

Anne Owens, Glendale Public Library : (623) 930-3573

Jessie Palacio, Gateway Community College: (602) 286-8141

Fees

Please contact artist: (602) 841-5185 flamencodelsol@azemporium.com

Please provide time frame and we will provide a graded fee structure that includes various options.
We will aim to work with you!

Educator/Staff Training

Comprehensive exchanges with the sponsor/client precede our presentation. Through phone calls and e-mail--and sometimes a personal visit--we assess the objective of the client, then recommend how we would customize our basic program to suit the situation. Usually, we deliver our supplemental materials in advance; i.e., our Spanish terms and map of Spain, so staff can become familiar with them and prepare photocopies in advance for participants.

Often, we work with library or school staff to identify books, DVD's, CD's on site that relate to Spanish culture so that staff and students might be inspired to learn more, to complement our program.

After the event, we follow up and maintain contact. We are proud that many clients have invited us back numerous times.

How Arizona State Academic Standards are Addressed

N/A