Los Gitanos Spanish School of Dance is back at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre this weekend with a performance of El Fuego Flamenco showcasing teacher and master dancer Bev Mantovani and her talented students.
“This year's performance is choreographed to ignite flames of raw passion and explosive footwork accompanied by live musicians,” said Mantovani.
The first part of the show focuses on traditional flamenco rhythms with Peter Mole on guitar and the beautiful voice of Maria Avila.
“You have guitarists that play flamenco and you have guitarists that play for dancers. This is no easy feat as flamenco rhythms are very complex and he has to follow every step, timing and tempo of the dancers,” said Mantovani. “I have to say Peter is a master and we are lucky to have him in Tsawwassen.”
Avila is well-known performer from Vancouver and has been training Cante (flamenco singing) and dance extensively in Spain.
“Her understanding of the flamenco rhythms is very deep and Maria brings a passionate, sensual accompaniment for our Los Gitanos dancers,” added Mantovani
The second part of the performance turns into a fiesta with the lively music of the Gypsy Kings featuring a moving, emotional solo performance by Mantovani to the beautiful song A mi Manera, which is the flamenco rendition of Frank Sinatra's I Did It My Way. It will be followed by various choreographies that will keep the audience moving to the beat.
The dancers wear magnificent costumes created by Tsawwassen's Margareet Preston.
“Margareet has a vision of what is needed to make an impactful presentation and allows Los Gitanos to produce a professional and exciting performance,” said Mantovani. “I am so grateful she is part of our amazing family of dancers.”
Mantovani is proud to have created a local community of Flamenco culture over the past 17 years in Tsawwassen and excited to feature what her 40 students, ranging in age from eight to 84, have been working on this year.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25. Tickets are $25, available by calling 604-948-8081 or email [email protected].
