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Flamenco Edition
High quality, authentic and intimate flamenco shows are set to become a firm fixture in the UK following the launch of a new producing company which has chosen Birmingham to be its first host city.
Flamenco Edition is a new venture which specialises in taking small to medium sized flamenco productions to venues outside of London. Spanish born Ana Garcia who has spent more than 20 years in flamenco as a dancer and choreographer, identified a gap in the market which led its creation.
Cádiz is the first production from Flamenco Edition and will run at Birmingham’s Elmhurst School for Dance on 21 and 22 June.
Ana said: “There is a great appetite for Spanish culture in the UK but there is very little in the way of true flamenco performances available to those that are not in London.
“Focusing on smaller venues across the rest of the UK, my aim is to engage audiences in world class flamenco art which really revisits the genres roots. Birmingham has a rich and diverse arts scene so I felt it was a great place to start.”
Bringing together original choreography and music, the two intimate shows will see renowned Spanish choreographer Jesús Fernandez reflect on his Andalusian roots.
Using flamenco to explore the city’s landscape, mystery, beaches and past, Jesús will be supported by four renowned artists hailing from Cádiz. The shows promise to immerse audiences in flamenco by bringing them as close as possible to Cádiz’s dancers and musicians.
Ana added: “I am excited about this new production and the opportunity that I have to really connect people to this wonderful art form.”
Following the performances of Cádiz in Birmingham, there are plans to showcase new material across the Midlands and eventually throughout the UK. Flamenco Edition, which is supported by Arts Council England, is able to take its shows around the UK and is looking for host cities and partners for 2015 and beyond.
Two flamenco master classes run by Jesús Fernandez will also take place on 21 June enabling people to try flamenco for themselves. The classes – one for beginners and one for intermediate level - will take place at Elmhurst School for Dance and must be booked in advance at £20 each. More information can be found at the website.
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