Arts Flamenco Introduces Alegrias Tablao Performances In Queens Alegrias In Union Square Continues

March 28, 2012 - PRLog -- NEW YORK, March 16, 2012 – Arts Flamenco, the premiere source for experiencing traditional flamenco culture and instruction in NYC, announced today that in addition to the weekly Saturday performances, a monthly performance would take place at Centro Español Theater in Astoria, Queens. La Nacional, NY’s oldest Spanish Benevolent Society presenting Spanish cultural events (est’d 1868) has been hosting Alegrias, a weekly Saturday showcase for live Flamenco Theatre, since 2003. The addition of a second monthly showcase at the spacious Centro Espańol in Queens allows Arts Flamenco to increase availability and access to flamenco culture outside of Manhattan.

Arts Flamenco offers New Yorkers and visitors a rare opportunity to be transported into a traditional and intimate flamenco setting outside of Spain. Founded in 1997 by Jorge Navarro and wife Soonah Navarro, Alegrias performances promote Spanish flamenco cultural and replicate a typical tablao cabaret setting with live music and performances by the top flamenco professional dancers and musicians. Traditional tapas, sangrias and 18th century influences add to the evening’s appealing ambiance.

In addition, Arts Flamenco is taking part in the 2012 US Flamenco Festival, offering the quaint Alegrias performances to festival attendees and flamenco fans. A well-known event and venue, flamenco dancers from around the world perform at Alegrias when passing through NYC, and the top local talent can also be seen regularly. Throughout March, attendees can watch a dynamic mix of performers including dancers – Antonio Hidalgo, Almudena Serrano, Jorge Navarro, Auxi Fernández and Nelida Tirado; and musicians – Roberto Castellon and Oscar Valero.

“Alegrias is a unique opportunity for dancers and musicians to personally connect with the audience through live music. Every move, breath, stomp, clavé and swoosh of the skirt is delivered with conviction. Performers personal style and connection to the movement shines through each performance,” said Jorge Navarro, Executive Director, Arts Flamenco. “The dancers and musicians put it all out there on the stage in this quaint setting – a lot of heart and soul. Within each performance the full repertoire of flamenco vocabulary can be seen in unlimited variety.”

Jorge Navarro began flamenco dance instruction at the age of twelve in his homeland of Andalucia, Spain. Six years later he was performing throughout Europe and the Americas in a professional dance company. In 1980 Navarro founded Pasión Flamenca, a NYC-based flamenco performance company, and the company performed in large theaters and school auditoriums throughout North, South, and Central America. Navarro felt a special pride in reaching young audiences and providing them with the experience of live music and dance. This dedication to arts education lead him to form Arts Flamenco in 2003 – focusing the organization’s mission on arts education outreach, traditional flamenco instruction and various performance opportunities.

A go-to flamenco expert, Navarro has been featured on MTV, BRAVO, Flamenco TV and more. He worked with Harvard University doctors in 2004 regarding a brain activity study on coordination. He has taught around the world including Lee Stromberg Theater and Film Institute in NYC. He will be featured in an upcoming UNESCO documentary, which recognized flamenco as a part of the “intangible world heritage of humanity,” and also features popular dancer and choreographer Rafael Amargo.  

Alegrias regularly features new shows and performing artist. Visit alegrias.com/performances for schedule.

EVENT LISTINGS and TICKETS
Alegrias La National on 14th Street in Union Square offers two flamenco performances (approximately 40 minutes) every Saturday – 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Alegrias in Queens will take place once a month on the last Friday of every month.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance through SmartTix for $22 (includes processing fees) - http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=ALE18. For those who seek to purchase tickets at the door, reservations are required - call Arts Flamenco/Alegrias at (917) 667-2695. Student tickets for $15 are available at the door, with current ID. Tapas and drinks are sold additionally.

Union Square
Alegrias La Nacional
239 West 14th Street, 2nd Floor
Accessible by 1/2/3/A/C/B/D to 14th Street and the 4/5/6/N/R/Q to Union Square

Astoria Queens
Alegrias Centro Español Theater
41-01 Broadway, 2nd Floor
Accessible by R/M trains to Steinway Street, entrance on 41st Street

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The New York Center for Flamenco Performing Arts (Arts Flamenco) was officially founded in 2003 to preserve the traditions of flamenco, while also evolving it as an art form for now and the future. Led by Jorge Navarro the organization focuses in flamenco education and performance to foster an intelligent appreciation of the Andalucian culture. Nearing its 10-year anniversary, Arts Flamenco has established a home for Flamenco dance instruction in NYC and presents weekly Saturday evening Alegrías tablao performances to live music.

Arts Flamenco is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which relies on sponsors, individual donations, and class and performance revenue to further its mission. Current 2012 funding provided by: New York State Council on the Arts, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Daniel Rosenblatt Foundation, Material for the Arts, Live Music for Dance and multiple private donors.