Vida Flamenca Productions Presents Flamenco Dancer Domingo Ortega

Based in Jerez de la Frontera, one of the cradle cities of flamenco in southern Spain, Domingo Ortega is known for his riveting performances as a soloist and innovative choreography. The show name "Cumbre Flamenca" meaning Flamenco Summit represents the dazzling display on tap at the newly renovated La Cumbre Theatre at 2255 Modoc Road in Santa Barbara on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm with tickets available through http://domingoortega.brownpapertickets.com.

Domingo Ortega was born in 1969 in Jerez de la Frontera, where he began dancing at the age of eight. He studied with Cristobal Fernandez, Juanerre, Paco del Rio and Fernando Belmonte. In Seville, he studied with Manolo Marín. At the age of 18, he won first prize in a flamenco contest organized by the Province of Cádiz. One year later, Domingo was a soloist in Albarizuela, which was managed by Fernando Belmonte and presided over by the Prince and Princess of Spain. In 1989 and 1990, he received the prize for the best Flamenco dancer in the national competition of Ubrique and in the Cadiz province competition.

Not only has he danced in the companies of Carmen Cortez and Manuel Soler, he has collaborated with Antonio Vargas, el Guito, and Luis Davila. In 1998, Christina Hoyos presented him at the el Teatro Central de Sevilla.

In 2003, Ortega presented the original Rodri Entertainment and Vida Flamenca production of "Orfeo" at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Heroic passion, devastating loss and a belief in the power of art made this ancient Greek myth of Orpheus an ideal subject for this flamenco dance drama. The company returned to Los Angeles in 2005 for a closing performance for the World Music Institute as part of the UNESCO Festival hosted by the City of Los Angeles' Cultural Affairs Department and Major Antonio Villaraigosa.

In 2008 and 2009 Domingo travelled to Brazil, Canada, the USA and Tokyo for Master Classes and workshops, and presented the show "Hay otras formas ésta es la mía" in "El Flamenco" in Tokyo and Polonia.

When Domingo is not touring with his company, he is one of the most sought after flamenco teachers in Jerez de la Frontera, as well as Canada, Brazil, Japan, Italy, the United States, and Tel Aviv.

This is a must see opportunity. Domingo Ortega is one of the most prominent flamenco dancers of our generation.

GUEST ARTISTS:

Ramón Trujillo (Guitarist), This performance marks the U.S. Debut of guitarist Ramón Trujillo. Born in Jerez de la Frontera, Trujillo, has excelled as an accomplished guitarist. He is virtually unknown outside Jerez despite being the winner of the Young Guitarists Award of the 1990 Biennial in Sevilla as well as the annual guitar competition organized by the Jerez Peña Los Cernícalos.

Following the example of Paco de Lucía, Trujillo shows excellent technique and uniquely contemporary harmonies. He is a powerful soloist and a magnetic, soulful complement to any ensemble. Trujillo is superb in his accompaniment and has been a popular attraction in numerous festivals. His musicianship, integrity, and professionalism are unsurpassed.

Ramón has been featured on numerous recordings by important artists such as La Macanita, Potito, Niña Pastori as well as Camarón de la Isla.

Ryan Zermeño (Dancer & Percussion) began studying flamenco at the age of nine with Roberto Amaral. Since then, Ryan has been performing professionally throughout Southern California. Born in Santa Barbara, his passion for flamenco has driven Ryan to explore all aspects of flamenco, including guitar and percussion. When in Spain, Ryan studies with Domingo Ortega, Ramon Martinez and Juan de los Reyes. Ryan currently owns and teaches at Casita Flamenca in Montrose, California, along with his wife, Alexandra Zermeño. Alex and Ryan can be seen performing regularly at Casa Cordoba also in Montrose.

Daniela Zermeño (Dancer) was born and raised in Santa Barbara and began dancing at the age of three along with her older brother Ryan. Her love for this passionate art form pushed Daniela and her family to travel to Los Angeles throughout her childhood, to study with numerous professional dancers and instructors such as Juan Talavera, Briseyda Zarate and Roberto Amaral. She began her career at eight years old, performing professionally under the direction of LA's renowned flamenco instructor, Roberto Amaral and in numerous productions as a featured soloist.

In 2009 Daniela won the prestigious title of Santa Barbara's 'Spirit of Fiesta,' serving as the Santa Barbara and Old Spanish Day's ambassador. The following year she passed down the title to her first student winner, Erika Martin Del Campo in 2010. She continues to prepare numerous finalists for this prestigious audition each year through her studio Zermeño Dance Academy.

Jesús Montoya (Singer) is from Seville, Spain. Born into the one of the oldest Gypsy families, Jesus was steeped in flamenco purity and power, earning him the name "El Rey Del Fandangos Grande" at age sever, and at age nine he began his professional singing career.

Jesús has been the featured singer for the legendary Fernanda Romero, Isabel Vargas, Andres Marin, Pepe Rios, La Cipri & Manuela Salazar, Juan Ogalla, Alejandro Granados, Isabel Lopez, Omayra Amaya, Ciro, Juaquin Ruiz, Esrella Moreno, La Truco, Carmela Greco, Pepa Montes, Manolete, Jose Galvan and many more.

Now a true master of the flamenco arts, Jesús is a man of overwhelming integrity who sets a paramount high standard both in self expectation and in those who work with him. In addition to his Spanish and European touring credentials, he has toured tirelessly with major flamenco companies throughout the United States and Canada to sold out audiences including: Jose Greco, Maria Benitez, La Tania, Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos, Eric & Encarnación's "Raíz Flamenca," and with some of the best guitarists in United States including Chuscales, Pedro Cortes, Jason McGuire, Roberto Castellon, Ricardo Marlow, Jose Tanaka and Eric "El Comanche Gitano."

José Tanaka (Guitarist) was born in Kyoto Japan, and raised by family steeped in the Flamenco arts (his father and uncle both flamenco guitarists, and mother a flamenco dancer). He has a natural flamenco musical ability and edge, which raised him above other artists. The Spanish name José was given to him by his parents to further strengthen his ties to the flamenco art.

After working as a guitar instructor for few years, at the age of twenty-four Tanaka rediscovered his passion for flamenco and pursued further study in Seville and Madrid where he polished his technique studying with the masters and developed and honed his soniquete (groove) and aire (feel) playing the guitar everyday amongst the gypsies. Tanaka continues to return to Spain to further his accomplishments on the flamenco guitar.

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