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Can you feel the passion?
Flamenco Latino will present the 2024 Más Allá Series in a few Queens venues from Wednesday, July 24, to Saturday, Aug. 24.
This year’s program features guest artists Omar Edwards (Tap) and Paige Stewart (Hip-Hop). It has a “We’ve Been Here Before” theme, a tongue-in-cheek response to claims about the rise of authoritarianism in the United States, told through movement and lyrics sung and rapped.
Here’s the schedule.
July 24, 7 pm: Free Flamenco and Hip-Hop Class with Aurora Reyes and Paige Stewart, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave.
Aug. 1, 7:30 pm: Flamenco Latino in Concert, JCAL, $20, but $10 for JCAL members, students, and seniors. For group discounts, call 347-771-2440.
Aug. 14, 7:30 pm: Panel Discussion: The Nature of Combining Flamenco, Tap and Hip-Hop with Aurora Reyes, Basilio Georges, Omar Edwards, and Paige Stewart. Free. The Secret Theatre, 38-02 61st St., Woodside.
Aug. 23, 7:30 pm: Flamenco Latino in Concert, The Secret Theatre, $30, but $15 for students and seniors. For group discounts, call 347-771-2440.
Aug. 24, 7:30 pm: Flamenco Latino in Concert, The Secret Theatre, $30, but $15 for students and seniors. For group discounts, call 347-771-2440.
Oct. 24, 7:30 pm: Highlights Watch Party, free on Flamenco Latino’s Youtube and Facebook channels.
Based on folk traditions from Southern Spain, Flamenco mixes music, dance, percussion, song, and unbridled passion. The ever-evolving art form has distinct styles such as Alegrías, Bulerías, Farruca, Guajiras, and Siguiriyas.
Founded in 1979, Flamenco Latino is a Queens-based troupe that performs traditional Flamenco at restaurants, private parties, corporate events, and professional venues. The nonprofit has presented the annual Más Allá Series since 2015.
Here’s some info on the artists.
Flamenco Latino Artistic Director Aurora Reyes has been dancing for 40 years and choreographing for 23 years.
Flamenco Latino Executive Director Basilio Georges began studying Flamenco in 1977. His first tour was with Jose Molina Bailes Españoles from 1983 to 1985.
Omar Edwards is a tap dancer, entertainer, and musician who has been dancing since age 12. He had a big role in the Broadway show Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk.
Paige Stewart teaches at various public schools, dance schools and arts centers. Her favorite Hip Hop technique is “Tutting,” which is inspired by Ancient Egyptian drawings.
Images: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning/Flamenco Latino/Eric Bandiero