Westminster University, Salt Lake City, Utah
April 6 & 7, 2025
There are as many different interpretations of flamenco as there are ways of loving in the world. We can sing and dance passionately, with great suffering, or quietly, with longing and nostalgia. We can play the guitar slowly, savoring every note, or thump it mercilessly in a rhythmic explosion. We can hear the beat of the hands and feet as an unrelenting, headlong sprint in pursuit of….what? Life? Death? Or get lost in the exquisite silences between notes that seem to expand to encompass a whole landscape: the place where, as the poet Rumi says, “lover, loving, and beloved are one.” For A’lante Flamenco, this art is like a demanding lover: it takes up all our time and energy, and we couldn’t be happier.
“Amor Flamenco” is not only a love letter to flamenco, but also an exploration of the different ways of loving. Always intensely personal, and never the same experience twice.
A’lante Flamenco Cast:
Music Director, Guitar/Vocals: Isai Chacón
Guitar: Jose Manuel Tejeda
Vocals: Celia Corrales Sellers
Percussion: Anthony Nocelotl Hampton
Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer: Olivia Chacón
Guest Dancer: Bianca Rodriguez
Dancer: Sofia Hurtado
Program:
Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla
Meaning “Neither from here nor there,” this piece was composed, arranged, and choreographed by A’lante Flamenco with Bianca Rodriguez in 2024 to celebrate the different cultural identities and immigrant stories of our company members. Musical influences from Mexico, Cuba, and Spain blend in a lively conversation about community and belonging.
Limosna de Amores
Celia Corrales interprets this passionate torch song of the “copla” style, made famous by the immortal Lola Flores.
Composers: Quintero, Leon, y Quiroga
Cuando Yo Me Muera (Seguiriya)
Sofia Hurtado dances this somber Seguiriya using the Manton de Manila.
Music: Traditional, arranged by Isai Chacón and Jose Manuel Tejeda
Choreography: Olivia Chacon with Sofia Hurtado
Spain
Composer: Chick Corea
Arranged and played by Jose Manuel Tejeda & Isai Chacón (guitars), Anthony Hampton (percussion)
Paseando por La Havana (Guajiras)
Bianca Rodriguez dances her playful choreography to a traditional song style with lyrical and melodic influences from Cuba.
Music: Traditional, arranged by Isai Chacón and Jose Manuel Tejeda
Choreography: Bianca Rodriguez
Cái
Celia sings this composition of Alejandro Sanz, dedicated to her home region of Cádiz.
Music: Arranged by Isai Chacon and Jose Manuel Tejeda
Hacia la Mar la Vela (Cantiñas)
Olivia Chacón dances one of the most popular styles of flamenco: the Cantiñas (or Alegrias de Cádiz) with her Bata de Cola–the traditional dress with a long train.
Music: Traditional, arranged by Isai Chacón and Jose Manuel Tejeda
Choreography: Olivia Chacón
Malagueña
Sung by Celia Corrales with Jose Manuel Tejeda on guitar.
Music: Traditional, arr. by Celia Corrales and Jose Manuel Tejeda
Almonte (Fandangos de Huelva)
Music: Traditional, arranged by A’lante Flamenco
Danced by Sofia Hurtado, Bianca Rodriguez, and Olivia Chacón.