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Nancy Cardwell
Flamenco and classical Spanish dance have become a vital part of the Canadian dance scene. Flamenco refers to the musical tradition of the gypsies in southern Spain. This rhythm-based, predominantly solo dance form combines singer, guitarist and dancer in an improvisational setting. Accompanied by castanets and balletic in style, classical Spanish dance moves in a choreographed manner to orchestrated scores by Spanish composers.
Several Toronto-based dance companies have worked to create an awareness of, and an audience for, the expressive art of Spanish dance. In particular, the efforts of four charismatic women, each of whom has established a professional company with an affiliated school, have built a vibrant Spanish dance community in Toronto. Paula Moreno is Toronto's pioneer. Established in 1971, presenting classical and regional dance, flamenco and escuela bolero (a precursor to classical Spanish dance), this company has an illustrious history. Esmeralda Enrique started her company, the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company, in 1982. A company committed to traditional work, with a flair for contemporary and innovative choreography, they bring Spain to Canada with annual workshops given by Spain's master teachers. ¡Arte Flamenco! was founded in 1989 by Elena La Comadre, and this company explores the facets of Spanish dance through the unique medium of dance theatre. Carmen Romero directs the Candela Flamenca Dance and Music Ensemble, formed in 1986. Music and rhythm are the focus of the ensemble. Committed to staying current, they organize yearly study trips to Spain.
Because of the collective efforts of these companies, Spanish dance is represented in forums including fFIDA, the Canada Dance Festival and Dancers for Life. These tireless, gifted women, their committed fellow artists and enthusiastic audiences have fostered a thriving Spanish dance community in Toronto.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pohren, D.E. The Art of Flamenco. Musical New Services: Dorset, England, 1984.
Pohren, D.E. Lives and Legends of Flamenco. Society of Spanish Studies: Madrid, 1988.
Pohren, D.E. A Way of Life. Society of Spanish Studies: Madrid, 1980.
Schreiner, Claus, Madeleine Pauly and G. Reinhard. Flamenco: Gypsy Dance and Music from Andalusia. Edited by Claus Schreiner. Amadeus Press: Portland, Oregon, 1990.
Thiel-Cramér, Barbara. Flamenco: The Art of Flamenco, its history and development until our days. Remark: Lidingö, Sweden, 1991.
LINKS
La web del Flamenco
www.flamenco-world.com
RESOURCES
Blood Wedding - director Carlos Saura, drama and dance.
Carmen - director Carlos Saura, drama and dance.
Sevillanas - director Carlos Saura, documentary.
Flamenco - director Carlos Saura, documentary.
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Photo: Paula Moreno
Photo: Esmeralda Enrique
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