FLAMENCO – deep, rich and often complex musical art form originating from the amalgam of cultures of medieval Andalucia, the southern province of Spain. From the “deep song” to the driving rhythmic patterns and ancient melodies that connect the spirit to the earth, the art of Flamenco held dear by gitanos (spanish gypsies) and payos (non-gypsies) alike has reached every corner of the globe. This month, this singular musical form returns to Whatcom County!
We are pleased to have dancer, historian, and award-winning teacher, Oscar Nieto lead this workshop series in Bellingham!
To many, Oscar Nieto needs no introduction. Co-founder of Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy in Vancouver, BC, he has been dubbed “a flamenco Fred Astaire” by the L.A. Times, and is the winner of the prestigious Jacqueline Lemieux Prize (Canada Council for the Arts) in 2005. A native Texan and raised in Los Angeles, he began dancing at eight years of age under the musical influences of TexMex rock and pop, show tunes, musicals, jazz, Latin, Mexican and Spanish music and dance. He launched his professional career in Antonio Gades’ production of El Amor Brujo at the Chicago Lyric Opera House in 1969, and has built his reputation as a dancer performing with the Jose Greco Company, Lola Montes, the Boston Flamenco Ballet, and Jose Antonio Ballet Siluetas (Madrid). He worked with Ciro in New Orleans and Chicago and has choreographed for the Vancouver Opera, British Columbia. Oscar has been a longtime friend of Teo Morca and the late Isabel Morca, founders of the Morca Academy of Performing Arts in Bellingham, Washington (1975-1999).
A great opportunity to learn with one of the best in our region, and one of the best people one could ever hope to meet. Sign up and join us for a day!
Workshop dates
Sat. Sept. 12th
Sat. Sept. 19th
Sat. Sept. 26th
Sat. Oct. 3rd
3 Classes:
3:00 – 4:00 pm Intro. to Flamenco – Music, Rhythm & Movement
4:10 – 5:10 pm Foundational Flamenco Baile Technique
5:20 – 6:20 pm Learn to Dance a Choreography
$25/1 class; 40/2 classes; 55/1-day pass
location: Chinese Martial Arts Academy, 1705 N. State Street, Bellingham, Wa 98225 (2 hours north of Seattle off I5)
All levels and beginners are welcome! Class size limited.
Contact Audrey: myat@att.net / (360) 483-8633,
or RSVP at our Facebook events page “Oscar Nieto Flamenco Workshop”
(These workshops are dedicated to the memory of Isabel Morca).
