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PUBLISHED JANUARY 6, 2006 |
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Down the RoadVisiting flamenco artists join locals for a January concert in Atlanta. "This blending of artists from different cities will get hearts beating faster and toes tapping," says Julie Baggenstoss, who is appearing in the show. "The New Orleans artists bring amazing energy to the stage, and Chayito can sing your heart to tears. Meantime, the artists in Atlanta bring a forte of rhythm to the mix, with total percussionist Jerry Fields and the footwork of the dancers." Show headliners are flamenco guitarist John Lawrence and flamenco dancer Solangel "Lali" Calix, both of New Orleans based Alianza Flamenca. Also on stage are San Antonio flamenco singer Chayíto Champión; New Orleans saxophonist Robert Wagner; Atlanta percussionist Jerry Fields; Flamenco dancers Chloe Bragg and Masako Numasaki of Alianza Flamenca, and Atlanta flamenco dancers Rina Menosky and Julie Baggenstoss. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; Children's tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets will be available for sale beginning in January. Date set for FronterasPlans are underway for Atlanta's flamenco student expo.
In 2005, over 70 performers showcased their talent in Fronteras, with over 400 people in the audience. What a show! This year, friends and family will have the choice of two shows: one matinee and one evening presentation. Both will be held in St. Pius' beautiful, state of the art theater. Visit jaleolé.com again soon or ask your flamenco teacher for more information about Fronteras 2006. Family connectionKids connect with their families while they connect with flamenco.Find a kid who is studying flamenco and you'll find an entire family that is sharing in the art. Besides taxiing kids to and from class and paying the bills, the parents of flamenco students provide layer of warm support that connects one generation with another - through a foreign culture and images of young women moving beautifully through life. "We have fun performing (for our parents). Brittanyanne doesn't get nervous because she's used to performing," says Candace. Flamenco caught the eye of Brittanyanne and Candace's mom while she was honeymooning in Spain. "I was taken by it. It was very beautiful," says Alayon, who is also mother to two boys and is expecting a baby this month. After studying flamenco for over a year in Atlanta, Alayon decided to introduce her daughters to it. "I believe that things like (flamenco) are an asset," says Alayon. "When you learn a dance like flamenco, you have to learn discipline. I thought it could spill over into their school, housework and other things. It's like sports. It helps them in life. I thought, 'Why wouldn't flamenco be the same?' And I thought it would be fun. I know they enjoy the tapping of the shoes and the flaring of the skirt." Mom knows best. "My favorite part is the footwork. I like to stomp around," says Brittanyanne. For Candace, satisfaction comes with perfection. "After we learn, we perfect the routine. Then, you really get to do the dance because you already know the steps," says Candace. But when it comes to showing their dances to the public, Candace can get a little self conscious when comparing her performance to that of her sister. "I tell her it took me a long time (to learn to dance flamenco) and there are still things I can't do," says Alayon. Her encouragement doesn't end there. She also tells Candace, "Don't compare yourself to your sister. Everyone moves at their own pace." And, when it comes to pace, Alayon isn't pushing her kids to any lofty flamenco goals. "Now (flamenco) is new. I just want them to fall in love with it and enjoy it. No one complains about the lessons," says Alayon. She believes giving her girls room to like - or dislike - flamenco actually helps keep them interested. Meantime, flamenco makes the space between family members smaller. Mom and daughters dance together and they all share the world of flamenco through their eyes, with the men in their home. This is the first in a series of stories exploring the connection that family members make via flamenco. Watch for the next report in February.
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Por
la calle ~ a flamenco performance transforms the Atlanta International
School Auditorium into a Spanish tablao on Jan. 29. Professional artists
from New Orleans, San Antonio and Atlanta join forces for a live music
and dance concert rich with the traditions of gypsy flamenco. 
"Out
of the blue, they'll say, 'Mom, Dad, come see what we learned (in flamenco
class)' and they'll set up seats for us to sit watch them," says Pam
Alayon of her two daughters, 10-year-old Candace and 15-year-old Brittanyanne,
who take flamenco dance classes with Rina Menosky once a week.