A Night of Passion-in-Motion

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, one of the nation's premier flamenco and Spanish dance companies, will perform at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Saturday, February 4, at 7:30 pm. They believe that the universal spirit of flamenco, a multicultural art form, has the power to build bridges between cultures and inspire audiences from diverse backgrounds.

La Pasión Flamenca is a journey back to the cultural crossroads of Andalusia, the southern region of Spain and the birthplace of flamenco. Vibrant influences from Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East can be seen and heard in one of the world’s most dynamic forms of expression. As is the way with traditional flamenco there will be singing, guitar playing, dancing and handclapping. Patrons will be treated to a deeply emotional and culturally enriching performance.

The company is led by Artistic Director and co-founder, Carlota Santana, and comprised of dancers, singers and musicians from around the world who are passionate about keeping the spirit of flamenco alive. Their home-base is in New York City with a second home in North Carolina. In both locations they perform annually and host a tremendous number of arts education and dance classes. Part of their mission is to promote flamenco as a living art form and vital part of Hispanic Heritage and nurture the next generation of Spanish dance artists.

There are two captivating concepts of flamenco: cante jondo and duende. Cante jondo translates to mean “deep song” and is one of the vocal styles of flamenco whereas duende has two popular meanings. One is used in Spanish folklore to mean a fairy or goblin-like creature and the other in reference to artistic inspiration and expression especially with flamenco singers. Singing with duende can be related in a way to how we Americans consider some performers to have “soul.” It’s something that you can’t easily explain and it cannot be faked.

Flamenco Vivo will bring together these two concepts and in the acoustically-rich South Milwaukee PAC it will give you chills up and down your spine! The performance is Saturday, February 4, at 7:30 pm. Flamenco Vivo dancer Julia Chacón will be featured in a pre-show discussion at 6:30 pm. The event will be co-moderated by Alyson Chavez, Director of Education for the Milwaukee Ballet, and Chad Piechocki, Director of the South Milwaukee PAC. Tickets are $35 for mid-level and $25 for side seating. Tickets may be purchased through the Box Office at 414-766-5049 or online at www.southmilwaukeepac.org.

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) provides the greater community with a creative, innovative and diverse exploration of the performing arts. Through the many opportunities offered, the SMPAC is bringing art to life on stage and to the lives of the people in the South Shore and surrounding communities. Located on the South Milwaukee 6-12 campus, the SMPAC serves as a creative outlet for the greater community, as well as the students of South Milwaukee.

Along with the nine-show Performing Arts Series, the SMPAC opens its doors to other presenters to bring such acts as Cantare Chorale, Tommy Emmanuel, John Hiatt, Ian Hunter, Joe Lovano and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. They also provide a home to the School District of South Milwaukee events as well as Grant Park Players, the local community theatre.

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is located inside the South Milwaukee High School at 901 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI between College and Rawson Avenues. It is easily accessible from I-94 and 794. Free parking is located in the northwest parking lot. Patrons should enter door #9. For tickets or directions, call 414-766-5049. For more information about the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, visit their website at www.southmilwaukeepac.org.

This performance is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.