FLAMENCO WITH ANDREA DEL CONTE DANZA ESPAÑA is Perfection. The tiny Thalia theater in Sunnyside was packed with aficionados. Normally severe at dance performances, this New York audience held its breath when the dance began. From that moment on, no one moved but the dancers. The women had sinuous arms and hips as they made "flowers" with their hands.
Singer/dancer Barbara Martinez from Venezuela, grandniece of Argentine tango singer Libertad Lamarque, sang soulfully. Dancer Sol Koeraus from Argentina was a strong dancer with a fine presence. The women of the company are beautiful--the men are amazing! They dance with lightning speed and tremendous precision.
Miguel Angel Lucena is a Spanish Belmondo born on the Costa Brava, Spain. He is enchanting, delightful and has so much fun! He looks at the audience and invites them into the dance. He is irresistible.
Jose Junco from Madrid is a powerful and stunning dancer as he goes into a trance and we come with him. Jose is guest artist/choreographer for numerous American dance companies and has performed with Maria Benitez and Carlota Santana Flamenco Vivo.
Andrea del Conte, the founder and director, has shaped this company bringing together world-class artists with the fire, vitality and strict form of Flamenco. The setting is intimate and friendly. The musicians are also first rate especially Alfonso Cid who sings and plays the flute.
Andrea del Conte moves with a refined grace and the assurance of a beloved performer and flamenco teacher. In 1975 she created a one woman show debuted at Repertorio Espanol. Since then Andrea has performed, directed and choreographed for her company. She has won many awards, including the Outstanding Life Achievement Award from the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics.
It's the 30th season of the Thalia Spanish Theater and the 18th season in Queens for Andrea Del Conte Danza Espana.--well worth the trip to Sunnyside, just 8 stops from Times Square.