• Part of the BAC programme for Dance Week 2011 with innovative dance work & film from the talented professional dance artists of the ACT.
• Tomás Dietz performed Martinete por Siguiriya.
• Including post performance discussion in the dance studio with Neil Roach, Ausdance ACT Director.

• Cost: $20/$15 Conc.
  

Bizet's Opera, Carmen

• Opera Australia
• Directed by Francesca Zambello
• Tomás Dietz returns to this highly acclaimed production as lead flamenco dancer and assistant choreographer.

2010 Cositas Flamencas

"Cositas Flamencas" literally means 'little flamenco things', reflecting the humility with which these artists present their work. Authentic flamenco comes from the heart with a strong human message - a quality called 'duende' - and this ensemble is the epitome; with the seasoned maturity of many years of experience and highly professional in their artistic delivery, these artists surrender and channel the true sentiment and nuance of authentic flamenco - gutsy, subtle, personal and deeply moving, drawing their audiences well in to share their profound love of this majestic art.

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2009 Cositas Flamencas

Bondi Pavilion, Sydney, September 11th & 12th 2009.

A co-production by Tomás Dietz Flamenco and Flamenco Women Productions, showcasing their new work Cositas Flamencas.

Art meets rhythm in this fiery presentation of traditional, pure flamenco. Joining the sizzling dance energy of Ana Otero, Tomás Dietz, Daniela Gillis and Justin Neely are two very special guests: singer - Olayo Jimenez (direct from Spain) and Adelaide guitarist - Florian Remus.

In Our Own Skin - Dancing Between Cultures

• A collaborative experimental work with Padma Menon
• Role: Narrator/singer

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Bizet's Carmen

• Opera Australia in collaboration with the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra
• Directed by Francesca Zambello
• Role: Dance Captain, flamenco choreography advisor, lead male flamenco dancer.

Bizet's Carmen

• Opera Australia
• Directed by Francesca Zambello
• Role: Lead male flamenco dancer, flamenco choreography advisor.

A Night In The Gardens Of Spain

• Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company
• Directed by Deanna Blacher
• Role: Flamenco Soloist and Choreographer.

Albéniz - Circulo del Fuego

• National Multicultural Festival
• Presented by Latin America Alive and The Embassy of Spain.
• Directed by Jorge Bagnini
• Role: Choreographer/ dancer.

Viva! Octagon Theatre, Perth 2005

• Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company
• Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Danza Viva in Australia
• Directed by Deanna Blacher
• Role: Flamenco Choreographer/ dancer.

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External Events in Canberra:

Arrebato Ensemble
Sunday 26 February at The Street Theatre (Street 1), at 6.00pm.  

Arrebato blends flamenco sounds and rhythms with jazz and other world music traditions. Led by acclaimed flamenco guitarist, Greg Alfonzetti, the instrumental line-up includes oud, cello, saxophone, harmonica and double bass.  The result is arresting and hauntingly beautiful music. Their much anticipated second album, Absolución, continues to excite audiences and critics.

Joining them for this performance is special guest, flamenco dancer Ana Interiano recently seen in Opera Australia’s hit production of Carmen.

To book tickets please click here.

Spanish Sessions Film Festival

A film showcase. First Wednesday of every month.
Presented by Tuggeranong Community Arts in association with the Spanish Embassy.

• September 7th 2011: Juana la Loca, 2001. Vicente Aranda
• October 19th 2011: Yo, También, 2009. Álvaro Pastor y Antonio Naha
• November 2th 2011: En la Ciudad sin Limites, 2002. Antonio Hernández
• December 7th 2011: El Milagro de Candeal, 2004. Fernando Trueba

Full details of films here.

If you wish to submit an event, please use our contact form (your event is posted subject to approval): Submit here.

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External Events in Sydney:

Fundación Flamenca de Sydney, El Murciélago
The Sydney Flamenco Foundation, El Murciélago ('the bat')

The Fundación Flamenca de Sydney, El Murciélago, is the brainchild of Tomás Dietz. Co-managed by Gemma Tamock and Michael Correa, this new organisation aims to bring local flamenco artists and aficionados together in community through social events, performances, discussions, and any other activity that increases awareness and appreciation of the world of flamenco. The Fundación will also look to establishing a scholarship to assist promising flamenco talent.

Since the Fundación is Sydney-based, the mascot chosen is Sydney's iconic Grey-headed Flying-fox or Fruit Bat (Pteropus poliocephalus), listed as vulnerable under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation. A large colony of these resides in the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens. The bat means different things to different people - some gypsies believe the bat lucky and make charms out of bags of bat bones.

If you'd like to keep your finger on the pulse of Flamenco in Sydney join our mailing list -
please click here to let us know.

Israel Galván, "La Edad De Oro"

Sydney Opera House Playhouse, 23 - 28 August 2011.

REVIEW:
I had the chance to see the show on opening night. Just three artists - Israel Galván (dance), brothers David Lagos (voice) and Alfredo Lagos (guitar). Artistic direction by Pedro G. Romero, Lighting by Ruben Camacho, and Sound by Félix Vásquez.

By far the best flamenco I've seen in Australia to date. It was a privilege to see and hear such magnitude of artistry and skill generously lavished upon the audience by all three artists.

I'd never seen Galván's work before except on TV and I was afraid I wouldn't understand his quirky style, but I did. Every bit of it. An extraordinary artist with real communication skills. He compelled me to look closer, to want to talk with him, to know him. His expressions filled every space, with or without movement - such is his presence. His unusual movements and line are not orthodox flamenco, full of shapes and gestures that imply 'contemporary dance' - wrapping his arm around his head to pull up an eyebrow with his fingers, or rapping his teeth with drumming knuckles. Yet all this used within pure flamenco, expressing unmistakable Spanish sentiment and wit, with echoes of classical Spanish aesthetics threaded throughout. These echoes were not trite or flippant. They were refining details worked in to provide context and moments of familiarity, maintaining the thread of his very personal statements.

Simple yet effective lighting carried Galván through the stage and extended his energy beautifully, while the microphones provided differing sound textures which he used as a musical tool both for his feet and for his fingersnaps.

The flamenco music was as good as it was pure. Singer David Lagos delivered supremely well-constructed melisma so distinctive it seemed to leave traces in the air. The perfect medium for his touching lyrics, his sonorous voice rumbled between notes like dark brewing clouds, erupting into a visceral storm of pent up sorrow. He brought tears to my eyes with his electrifying Bulerías de Jérez, paying tribute to Jérez legends, including the late Paquera de Jérez, Queen of the Bulería de Jérez.

The guitarist, Alfredo Lagos, with his crisp, clean technique, had a relaxed force that knocked me back into my seat. Flamenco puro - his rasgueos were full and menacing while his falsetas were conversational and deeply moving - from large, bold statements that could shift granite, to sweet, soft whispers of feather-down tracing drowsy eyelids.

Each artist is a master. Together, this humble trio is a genuine force of greatness rarely seen today - the creative genius of 'the golden age', la edad de oro. It's important to see this.

Performances only at the Sydney Opera House until Sunday. Get a ticket and go.

(Review by Tomás Dietz, The Flamenco Centre Canberra)

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