Flamenco group for Performances

Melbourne Flamenco can provide a performance group for functions cabarets, weddings and other events with two, three, four or more performers, depending on your requirements and budget. These include a dancer and guitarist, plus percussionist and second or third dancer etc.
note: A wooden floor is needed for flamenco performances.

Call Melbourne Flamenco to discuss your performance needs.

94160095

Flamenco Singing Workshop with Olayo Jimenez

Olayo Jimenez Singing Workshop
Ever wanted to learn to sing a fin de fiesta Bulerias?
Try your hand at a bit of dance?
And what's that hand clapping all about?

Olayo Jimenez will reveal all during his Melbourne workshop
at Melbourne Flamenco on Sunday 18th September at 3pm.
It will go for at least 2 and a half hours.
This is an unmissable opportunity to gain an invaluable insight into three flamenco elements (song, dance, palmas) from a flamenco maestro.

Olayo Jimenez was born in Northern Spain into a Gypsy family of flamenco singers, dancers and basket makers, (canasteros). His grandmother "La Milia" was a flamenco singer and a friend of the great Carmen Amaya with whom she shared the stage when they both made their debut in Barcelona.

Where: Melbourne Flamenco. 201 Gertrude st Fitzroy
When: Sunday 18th September 3pm till 5.30 pm.
Cost: $50 Sounds like a bit, but it is a rare opportuniy as no one ever teaches this here, and there will be food and drink. It will be a fiesta. The night after their last show in Melbourne.

Book: 94160095.
This workshop is open to all flamenco enthusiasts.

Israel Galvan- Sydney Opera House

I flew to Sydney this week especially to see Israel Galvan, an avaunt guarde dance artist who crosses over in style between traditional flamenco and his own contemporary take on dance. His flamenco technique is masterful, so much so, that it seems he can throw it away and move to new realms: interesting ones, flights of fancy, imaginative and interpretive. Coming from strong flamenco roots within his family, who are dancers and singers, it seems that the traditional knowledge of the art form is so strongly under his belt that he is able to play and interpret in a new way.
His performance was unlike anything I have seen before.

After the show while he was being interviewed by Paul French from Flamenco Australia Magazine, I bought him an Australian beer and I got to ask him one question.

Flamenco dancers are highly trained athletes and after dancing for 75 minutes with only short breaks in between, Israel's black shirt was soaked through and clinging to his back.

"You use so much energy in your shows and you have to sustain it night after night. Do you have any tricks, secret tips or remedies that you use?"

Israel answers "Well I take vitamins and bee pollen and eat well; pasta, meat, bananas and chocolate for energy, but most of all one needs the will and desire to dance."

Israel Galvan was accompanied by singer David Lagos and guitarist Alfred Lagos, who complemented his work and added artistry of their own.

Also the encore they all took on Tuesday night was a nice surprise so if you get to see the show, make sure you clap alot at the end. It runs till Sunday 28th August.

Tatiana Bistrin
Photography by Prudence Upton