Flowers and Flamenco are Blooming in April

By Djinn Shockley

It's not just flowers in bloom this April, but also plenty of talent is bursting out for all to see. Spring is here and it has brought some wonderful entertainment to the area, but we also said goodbye to one of Louisville's most graceful Flamenco performers. Camino Flamenco reluctantly bid adieu to Christina Smith. They held a wonderful dance party to see her off on April 14 at their studio at 962 Baxter. I had the honor of witnessing her performance at the Mosaico Andalus show last month, and it was absolutely fabulous. Louisville has lost an incredibly talented Flamenco dancer, and California has just gained one.

On the upside, FlamencoTalk once again brought a renowned Flamenco performer to Louisville from April 6 through the 13., However, this time it wasn't just to awe us with amazing dance, but also to teach. Antonio Hidalgo, from Cordoba, Spain, did a week-long workshop, instructing both beginner and intermediate Flamenco dance at the Clifton Center. Maestro Hidalgo has performed in Spain, Europe, Japan, USA and South America and was a part of the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla in 2006.

Antonio received the 2007 Premio Andaluz award for artistic achievement and this is obvious when seeing the performance of Cuerpo Y Alma. This was a delightful bonus in addition to the classes. Cayito Champion and Vincente Greigo were guest singers during the show. The show focused on the traditional dance that has been practiced for centuries by the Andalusian Gypsies, so seeing it outside of Spain is a true delight for those that love authentic dance.

I'll be posting about upcoming shows from here on out just to keep dance fans updated on what's available. There are a few shows coming later this month that you should definitely try to attend if you are free:

On April 27, The Bards Town, 1801 Bardstown Raod, will play host to Sassafras Dance's Tutu Review's debut performance. April Flowers is known for her wonderful charitable events, choreography, costumes, unique performances and skilled dancers. This is her new burlesque troop, so it is sure to be a good show. The festivities start at 9:30 pm and will be part of the Bard's Town "12 Days of Derby" festival.

The Crescent Moon Dance Company is having a show on April 29 at 4801 Progress Blvd. The star performer is Faten, who was born in Egypt and dedicated her life to performing traditional dance. She has studied, taught and performed a variety of Middle Eastern dance across the world.

Faten studied and became at one with Flamenco in Seville and Madrid. She has worked with Yousry Sharif, Mahmoud Reda and Bobby Ferah. This talented performer has traveled the world and currently both performs and teaches Middle Eastern and Flamenco dance at Garfield Park Fine Arts Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is sure to be an entertaining show that will emphasize the grace, flow and powerful passions behind these authentic dances.