Inspired by the Avant-garde revolution of Paris in the early 1900’s, where the glamour of the Spanish dance ignited, the Echoes of Spain coming to Gustavus is a culturally significant performance that Gustavus students should not miss. Taking place in Alumni Hall on Oct. 12 at 7:00 p.m. the Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre will perform selections from traditional flamenco repertoire.

Flamenco, the folk art of the Andlusia in Southern Spain, holds a long history of representing the legacy of Andalusia. Once holding 700 years of peaceful existence between rich cultures, Musilms and Jews, the city then became initiated with the Spanish inquisition. Their loss of freedom is believed to be the beginning of flamenco.

Emphasizing three main components, the flamenco is made of the song, the guitar, and the dance. More contemporary flamenco performances can be found using other instruments too. The song is seen to be the core of the art form providing a poetic voice of the people. The rhythm patterns are seen as the driving force which gives the form structure. Popularized in the “café” culture of the middle 1800s, it has continued to be an essential part of culture for Andalusia and as part of Spain’s family and social life.

Today, flamenco is a famous cultural and artistic expression that is found worldwide. The Fair of Seville in Spain, a week-long annual celebration where people wear traditional flamenco gear and have non-stop fun. It’s a favorite of Associate Professor in Modern Languages, Literature, and Cultures and Assistant Professor in Spanish and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies Ana Adams, who organized the event.

“I am a native of Seville, Spain, a city where flamenco is part of daily life. From TV and Radio shows to small gatherings, people of Andalusia breathe and live flamenco. It runs in the blood,” Adams said.

She then went on to talk about the culturally significant art.

“It is quite funny because they dance before they can even walk and sing before they can talk; that is how ingrained it is in the culture. I grew up dancing and singing the folkloric music of my hometown. Neighbor friends and I spent countless hours dancing and singing at the entrance of the apartment building where my family lived,” Adams stated.

Adams, who has been a longtime friend of Zorongo, has collaborated with company by performing with them at various local venues.

Directed by Susana di Palma, the show will run for 70 minutes without intermission. Susana di Palma founded the Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre in 1982. Recognized for delivering the region’s best flamenco performance, the theatre is one of the few American Spanish dance companies that presents traditional flamenco programs alongside with their own original programs.

The company is comprised of international artists, dancers, and musicians that bring flamenco to American audiences.  Under the direction of di Palma, the Zoronogo Flamenco’s work combines the passionate soul of Spain with the innovative spirit of America, allowing contemporary audiences to relate to the performance in a way few companies are able to present.

The performance itself is funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board. The show is supported by the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, the office of Marketing and Communication, and the Office of the Provost. The Zorongo’s mission aligns with the work of the Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Their mission being to expand people’s worldview by educating about the cultural diversity of the world. Allowing one to gain a critical appreciation of diverse cultural and intellectual traditions, and a deeper understanding of the complexity of our interconnected world.

“This performance provides an opportunity to learn about one of the most widely known, yet misunderstood, aspects of Spanish culture. Flamenco is raw passion. Whether versed in flamenco traditions or not, it will be an entertaining, enriching and unforgettable evening,” Adams said.

Bringing the very essence of Spain and spanish culture to Alumni Hall, the flamenco performance is one that should not be missed.

-Dan Vruno