Rhythms of Flamenco with José Torres
Friday, March 15 | 9:30 - 11:00 am
Friday, April 12 | 9:30 - 11 am
Students will explore the rhythms of flamenco utilizing palmas (hand clapping), zapateado (heelwork), various flamenco-style vueltas (turns), and braceos (port de bras). The technique portion of the class will flow into the choreography portion during which students will learn a short flamenco choreography in the rhythm of 12.
About José Torres:
José Torres was born and raised in Chicago and started his formal Spanish dance training with Dame Libby Komaiko in 1995, as part of the Ensemble Español’s Youth Company. He has performed nationally and internationally in principal roles with the company and has traveled to Spain for intensive study. He was trained at the Amor de Dios Spanish Dance Academy (Madrid), and has trained with such instructors as Carmela Greco, Juan Mata, Ana Gonzales, José Barrios, Paloma Gómez, and Raquel Gómez. He was a guest artist and choreographer of Danza Viva Spanish Dance Company in Perth, Australia, under the direction of Deanna Blacher OAM in 2007, 2011, and 2013.
He choreographed Flamenco Pas de Deux with fellow first dancer, Claudia Pizarro, as well as numerous solos. He was featured in Dereque Whitur’s Cicatrices, with fellow Ensemble Español dancer, Juan Carlos Castellón. José also danced a principal role in Mil Clavos by choreographer, Ron de Jesus. Jose was appointed as repetitore in 2021 and in 2023 was promoted to Rehearsal Director for the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. In his current role, he has collaborated with celebrated choreographers such as Antonio Najarro, La Lupi, and Isaac Tovar.”
Join us at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts for Open Technique Classes with the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program*, select Fridays at 9:30am. The class will feature rotating guest artists and Ruth Page School of Dance faculty. Method and technique will vary by teacher.
*The Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program is an elite group of pre-professional dancers, ages 17-25 who train daily, 9am-4pm, August – June at the Ruth Page School of Dance.
Trainee members will hone their contemporary and ballet techniques in an international environment of artists and educators with dedicated time and personalized attention to create lifelong ambassadors for the art of dance who embrace diverse cultures as a source of inspiration and human self-expression.
