Cultures of Spain, Mexico and Latin America are explored in this exciting program of world music and dance which traces the origins of these art forms from China, the Middle East and Africa. Ali-Olé is a powerful duo of women artists from Spain and America who take students on an exciting educational and interactive journey of music and dance that illustrates cultural harmony which is decidedly relevant in today’s world.

“De Colores: A Hispanic Music and Dance Journey” celebrates connections across continents and civilizations. History and cultures come alive through the language of the fan, the mystery of castanets and the magic of a shawl in action! Students are invited to learn flamenco footwork and play Palmas (flamenco clapping), interact with the performers with Jaleo (shouts of encouragement) participate in a fan dance and later join in a lively group rumba dance!

Verónica Medina Cano is a flamenco artist from Barcelona, Spain while Julia Banzi is one of a very few female flamenco guitarists worldwide. Veronica is a captivating Spanish dancer who holds degrees in Spanish & Flamenco dance from the Conservatory of Barcelona. Veronica’s performance is characterized by injecting traditional moves with bold theatrical flair! Dr. Julia is a rare bird, a female flamenco guitarist who lived in Spain for many years. She holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology (a specialist of Music Cultures of the World) from the University of California, Santa Barbara is fluent in Spanish, conversant in French and can mumble in Arabic.

Sometimes Laura Dubroca fills in as the flamenco dancer for Veronica. Laura was born in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirites) to Spanish expat parents and received rich cultural influences in each of the countries she lived in including much of her life in Venezuela, Qatar and Indonesia. She later lived and studied flamenco dance in Spain for over fifteen years.

Program can be in English, and Spanish.

This program offered by: Ali-Olé