A passionate evening of world class flamenco

The award-winning Noche Flamenca will be quite a passionate Valentine’s date for those who were lucky enough to book tickets for Friday night. 

Lauded for its “transcendent and deeply emotional performances, Noche Flamenca (pictured) is recognized as the most authentic flamenco touring company in the field today.

Under the direction of Martin Santangelo, it has become Spain’s most successful touring company.

The Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts brochure says of Santangelo: “He has successfully brought to the stage the essence, purity, and integrity of one of the world’s most complex and mysterious art forms without the use of tricks or gimmicks. 

“All aspects of flamenco — dance, song, and music — are interrelated and given equal weight in the presentations of Noche Flamenca, creating a true communal spirit within the company — the very heart and soul of flamenco.”

The company is dedicated to educating its audiences about flamenco and offers residency programes that are open to people of all ages.  

It stars dancers Antonio Jimenez and Marina Elana. Jimenez began dancing at an early age in the flamenco festivals, fairs and peñas of Andalucía. He has performed with the National Ballet of Spain and has shared the stage with Carmen Ledesma in the National Opera of Tokyo. 

He has also choreographed for Yoko Komatsubara and continues to dance in Tabalos in Seville and Granada.

Elana studied in Sevilla and Madrid with artists such as Juana Amaya and Yolanda Heredia. Marina was a soloist and company member of Caminos Flamencos, where she performed in San Francisco’s premier venues and with artists such as Andres Pena and Miguel Rosendo. You can see them in action this Friday and Saturday night at City Hall from 8pm. Tickets are available from www.bdatix.bm for $65 (adults) $26 (students).