Transparent and in balance with tradition, Belén has perfected her technique and expression to become the best female flamenco dancer in Spain
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Residency with Belén Maya, February 3-6, 2016, Duke University.
Belén Maya, joins scholars Michelle Heffner Hayes and Meira Goldberg for a conversation about the Art of Flamenco. Wed, Feb 3, 12:00pm, Ark Dance Studio. Free. Lunch provided.
New: Belén Maya, gives a lecture and demonstration of the art of flamenco with guitarist José Luis Rodríguez and cantaor Francisco J. Orozco. Friday, Feb 5,11:45am-1pm, Ark Dance Studio. Free.
Belén Maya, gives a lecture and demonstration of the art of flamenco with guitarist José Luis Rodríguez and cantaor Francisco J. Orozco. Friday, Feb 5,7pm, Ark Dance Studio. Free.
Belén Maya will teach an open master class of flamenco. Sat, Feb 6,11-12:30pm, Ark Dance Studio. Free and open to the public. (DDP)
Belén Maya, daughter of two great flamenco artists, Carmen Mora and Mario Maya, began her dance studies in Madrid. Trained since a young age by the best – Paco Fernández, María Magdalena, Goyo Montero, Rosa Naranjo, Carmen Cortés and Paco Romero among others – she continued her studies in Seville with Anunciación Rueda “La Tona” and started performing at several prestigious flamenco shows, such as Café de Chinitas and Corral de la Pacheca in Madrid, or Los Gallos in Seville. After spending a year at the Spanish National Ballet, she joined the Mario Maya Company where within three years she went from being a member of the ensemble to becoming the principal dancer and répétiteur of the company. She was invited by renowned Spanish film director Carlos Saura to represent the new generation of flamenco in his world-renowned film Flamenco. Belén’s performance in this film would become a milestone in flamenco dance as interpreted by women, opening new avenues in terms of concept, musicality, movement, and costuming. Transparent and in balance with tradition, Belén has perfected her technique and expression to become the best female flamenco dancer in Spain. Free, creative, daring, restless and open-minded: Belén still symbolizes progress in flamenco dance. The constant quest for innovation and new challenges drives her from one extreme to another, from the neo-classical entente with Mayte Martín to the contemporary alliance with Rafaela Carrasco.
Belén Maya will be accompanied by Francisco Orozco “Yiyi” a percussionist and singer from an Andalusia family. Born in Barcelona, was introduced to Flamenco rhythms at the tender age of four. Yiyi was trained by flamenco singer and father – “Joselón de Jerez” in his Spanish peña named “Peña Fosforito.” Considered a “child prodigy” of percussion Yiyi began his professional career at the age of 12. By age 17, and one CD later, he became more involved with singing, and left Spain for Germany on a long-term contract with the company “Flamenco Rubio.” Since that time he has performed throughout Europe and Japan; with María Benitez at “Teatro Flamenco” and Domingo Ortega as well as at “Casa Patas” in Madrid; with Jose Greco II; and with world-renowned guitarist Serranito. He has also performed with Alejandro Granados, Yolanda Heredia, El Toleo, El Pelao, María Serrano, La Tania and Antonio Granjero.
We are also fortunate to have flamenco guitarist Jose Luis Rodriguez who began his training at age nine in the local Peñas Flamencas and soon began performing in the "tablaos" (Flamenco clubs) alongside the famous gypsy guitarist El Niño Miguel several nights a week during his teenage years. In 1995 he appeared in Felix Grande's book "Agenda Flamenca" as one of the twenty best guitarists in Spain. He has performed in numerous countries such as Belgium, Holland, Italy, Morocco, Turkey, Israel, Germany, England, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Canada, and the United States. Most recently, Rodriguez debuted a piece of musical history at the Miami Dade Auditorium entitled "Avalon - Suite for Flamenco Guitar and Orchestra." After moving to the US in 2011, Rodriguez co-founded Nu Flamenco Collaborative, Inc., an organization that aims to introduce US audiences to the cultural heritage of flamenco and its emerging artistic expressions.
We are excited to announce the Spring 2016 residencies of two acclaimed flamenco dancers from Spain. Belén Maya and Leonor Leal are placed among the best flamenco dancers in Spain today. Both have impeccable credentials in the traditional flamenco form, and both are pushing the boundaries of what flamenco can be and say in the contemporary world. Each artist will visit established courses, and present master classes, demonstrations and small group sessions during their four-day residencies in February and March. We are also co-sponsoring the return of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana to Motorco Music Hall over the Valentine’s Day weekend, February .
These events are co-sponsored with the generous support of Spanish Studies and the Program in Women's Studies at Duke.
