Arts Flamenco Introduces Alegrias Tablao Performances in Queens

Arts Flamenco, a 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 Espa?ol in Queens allows Arts Flamenco to increase availability and access to flamenco culture outside of Manhattan.

Arts Flamenco offers New Yorkers and visitors an 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.

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