Stars

Conductor

Director and Designer

Full Cast

Performance Program

Composer

	José Porcel was born in Sevilla, and at the age of thirteen began dancing Andalucian folkloric dances and flamenco in cultural centers in Valencia. He began his dance studies at 16 with the master Martín Vargas. He moved to Madrid and continued his studies with Paco Romero, Isabel Quintero, Cristóbal Reyes, Pedro Azorín and José Granero. In 1989 he made his professional debut
with the Ballet de Valencia, directed by Martín Vargas, and was promoted to soloist in the company the following year. Within the Ballet Nacional, he worked with masters including José Granero, Victoria Eugenia, Juanjo Linares, Currillo, Manolo Marín, Javier de la Torre, Antonio Canales, and Pedro Azorín. As soloist with the company he danced in Los Tarantos as Picaos, Medea as the man of Medea, and Grito as Soleá (flamenco). As premier dancer in the Ballet Nacional de España he interpreted Farruca (flamenco) and Danza y tronío. In December 1999 Mr. Porcel danced as soloist in the company of Rafael Aguilar, interpreting the Torero in Carmen during a major tour of Germany and Switzerland. In 2000 he danced as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, under the direction of maestro Héctor Zaraspe. In this same year he was contracted as the first dancer in the Compañía Española de Antonio Márquez, performing on tour around the world and at the Ópera de París for over 20 sold-out performances, followed by a critically acclaimed tour of the United States during the 2001-2002 season.
COMPAÑIA FLAMENCO Flamenco is an explosion of rhythms, colors, and emotions that contains all of the vitality, sunniness, and passion of the Spanish people. It is a folkloric celebration where, even when performed as "theatre art,” its irresistible appeal and irrepressible energy remain intact. It is highly probable that flamenco singing and dancing originated in Andalucia around the fifteenth century, during the Gypsies' encounter with the inhabitants of southern Spain. Over the past century, through a constant effort involving stylistic experimentation, refinement of expression, and technical codification, flamenco has come into its own as a “theatre art,” giving this form of dancing a true artistic dignity of its own, without losing its strong identity as folk dancing that is intimately bound to the Gypsy spirit. The Compañia Flamenco was founded in Madrid, Spain and is among the premier dance troupes exhibiting this exciting art form. The Company brings this tradition to life vibrantly and colorfully with live musicians, vocalists and of course dancers, and has delighted audiences around the world for many years.