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Flamenco

Andalusia’s Bohemian society is regarded as the cradle from which flamenco sprang; a dance which, at the start of the 19th century, developed from a mix of African, South and Central American influences and the musical culture of the Sinti and Romanies. Its DNA: A mostly soloistic dance, its plaintive, emotional vocalising as well as the music coming from guitar and percussion. Gathering, community and connectedness are at the centre of this culture, too, and the corresponding expression surfaces in the much evoked “el duende”, a sort of flow. Deeply rooted in Andalusia’s culture, flamenco has become a global phenomenon by now. It follows a strict movement vocabulary, including a fast, rhythmic kick step of the feet performed in shoes that are especially reinforced with nails, or dedicated arm and hand choreographies. José M. Sánchez Moreno, a native Andalusian and a longstanding teaching artist at tanzhaus nrw, provides mediation of the flamenco basics as well as the spirit residing in this dance and music culture. An annual flamenco festival and a number of different guest performances and workshops in the ongoing programme complement this, and tanzhaus nrw bows before this genre with its indefatigable determination to regenerate.

Instructors

José M. Sánchez Moreno

Show courses (3)

José Manuel Sanchez Moreno comes from Málaga/ Andalusia and encountered flamenco there when still a child, going on to learn from genre greats, among them Enrique Burgos, Pepito Vargas and Manolete. He has been teaching at tanzhaus nrw for more than twenty years: José Manuel is not only an expressive dancer, but also a valued, patient and motivating teacher capable of conveying flamenco in all its facets. Also, flamenco’s history will be included, adding to his eclectic classes. “It is important to me to teach flamenco authentically, including background knowledge – but without neglecting the fun.” José Manuel is a dancer who impresses with his innovative freshness and honest dancing style. He toured internationally as a dancer, guesting in many countries including Japan, while also participating in TV performances. Apart from his teaching assignments throughout all of Europe, he travels innovative artistic ground with his Compañia José Manuel while also working as a guest choreographer and dancer at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in the opera “Carmen”.