Kean Stage Presents COMPANIA FLAMENCa JOSE PORCEL

(Union, NJ) -- Kean Stage presents a stunning dance performance by Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel on Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 pm in Kean University's Wilkins Theatre.  A former star dancer with the National Ballet of Spain, José Porcel has assembled a troupe of his country's most acclaimed flamenca artists, renowned for performances that radiate emotion, vitality, and intensity.  The ensemble performs Gypsy Fire, a celebration of the most famous styles of this passionate dance form.  An explosive program of evocative choreography performed by Porcel and his 20-member company features colorful costumes and brilliant live music by an onstage ensemble.

The flamenca performance will offer the audience an overwhelming sensation of happiness, a joyful and sensual mood unlike that evoked by other dance forms.  Flamenca's irresistible erotic appeal and irrepressible energy remain the trademarks of the art form, which had its origins in Andalucia toward the end of the fifteenth century.  Occurring during the Gypsies' encounter with the inhabitants of southern Spain, it is difficult to trace the origin of these wandering populations whose culture blends Arabic-Egyptian, Jewish, and Indian influences.

As a "theatrical performance," flamenca only developed in the past century through a constant effort of stylistic experimentation, refinement of expression, and technical codification that gave this form of dancing a true artistic dignity of its own.  Flamenca retains its strong identity as folk dancing that is indissolubly bound to the Gypsy spirit.

The Compañia Flamenca Jose Porcel was founded in Madrid, Spain and is among the premier dance troupes that exhibit this exciting art form.  The company brings the flamenca  tradition to life under the guidance of Sevilla native José Porcel, who rose to prominence with the Ballet Nacional.  As a renowned soloist, Porcel performed internationally prior to establishing the ensemble.  He danced as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and as the first dancer in the Compañía Española de Antonio Márquez.  Performances around the world and at the Ópera de París were followed by a critically acclaimed tour of the United States.  The Company was a sensation with its coast to coast tour of North America in the 2008-2009 season and returns to the United States and Canada in the 2011-2012 season with their thrilling new program, Gypsy Fire.

Tickets to Gypsy Fire by Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel are $30 standard, $20 seniors & students, and can be purchased by calling Kean Stage Box Office at 908.737.SHOW (7469), online at www.keanstage.com , or in person at Kean University's Wilkins Theater Box Office, located at 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ.

Photo by Jesus Vallinus