A’lante Flamenco to Present Performance in Fowler Center Arts Series
A'Lante Flamenco
JONESBORO — Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center will present the A’lante Flamenco Ensemble in an admission-free public performance at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 9.
The performance in Riceland Hall, postponed from a scheduled performance in 2020 due to the pandemic, is part of Fowler Center’s annual performing arts series.
“Based out of Austin, Texas, this company excites audiences with a blend of traditional and contemporary flamenco music and dance,” said Dr. Marika Kyriakos, Fowler Center director.
A’lante Flamenco was formed in 2011 by artistic director/choreographer Olivia Chacón and music director Isaí Chacón with the goal of presenting flamenco to Texas and regional audiences in the freshest and most creative way possible.
Since then, A’lante Flamenco has grown in both size and vision, now incorporating 11 permanent members – seven dancers and four musicians – and producing popular traditional flamenco shows as well as innovative flamenco theater works incorporating multimedia and addressing relevant social issues.
Ensemble members aim to reach audiences on a visceral level, provoking emotional responses through music and dance that crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries.
The show to be performed at A-State is called “Flamencura,” basically meaning “flamenco-ness” or the art of being flamenco. This is the company’s most traditional flamenco show, adapted for Riceland Hall, featuring four of the A’lante dancers and four musicians: guitar, percussionist, singer, and guitarist/singer.
A’lante Flamenco’s productions have received acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Awards include the Austin Critics’ Table awards for Best Dancer 2012/2013 (Olivia Chacon in The Red Shoes), Best Dance Ensemble 2013/2014 (for Prophecies) and Best Dance Ensemble 2014/2015 (for Desplazados). Their newest production, Juana: First I Dream was nominated by the Austin Critics’ Table for “Best Dance Concert” for the 2017/2018 season.
Sponsored by the Austin Creative Alliance, A’lante Flamenco is a member of the Texas Commission on the Arts’ Texas Touring Roster. The ensemble has also received support from the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, the Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Redd Carpet Fund, and private donors.
While admission is free, Fowler Center will follow safe-seating guidelines. For more details about the performance, one may contact Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, at (870) 972-3471 or visit online, www.yourfowlercenter.com.
