On Friday, February 18th, the Stockton University Performing Arts Center welcomed the Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana dance company for a one-night-only flamenco performance at 7:30 PM. The company, based in New York City and led by founder and artistic director Carlota Santana, consisted of six dancers: Fanny Ara, Adrian Dominguez, Alberto Sellés, Laura Peralta, and Brizeyda Zarate. The dancers were accompanied by guitarist Calvin Hazen, percussionist and singer Francisco “Yiyi” Orozco, and singer Jose Moreno. 

The company performed a variety of original pieces, including Seguiriya, Aries de Cádiz, and Taranto. Santana and her company are renowned for their flamenco performances; the former has been awarded La Cruz de la Orden al Mérito Civil by the Spanish King and Government for her years of “passion, excellence and dedication to the flamenco art.”

Flamenco is a traditional musical form of art native to southern Spain; it is characterized by intense expression and percussive footwork, accompanied by complex body movements, clapping, and guitar. 

“The performance was mesmerizing. Each performer was captivating in their own unique way,” said audience member Sara Pavesi. “I used to perform The Nutcracker here with the Atlantic City Ballet, so it’s always exciting to be back here supporting the arts.”

Upcoming events at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center can be found here.

More information about Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana can be found here.