The Toronto International Flamenco Festival is back with a week long celebration of the Flamenco arts, including dance, guitar, and singing classes, live performances, and even a film series. The highlight of the Festival will be the Toronto debut of Flamenco superstar Susana Lupiáñez Pinto, “La Lupi,” at the Ryerson Theatre on Saturday October 19.
Through her uniquely expressive performance, La Lupi roots her dance in the essence and purity of flamenco in all its rhythmic passion, expertly demonstrating a percussive flow that moves through her hands, feet, and body in a way that honours tradition while being fully modern.
About Susana Lupiáñez Pinto
Susana Lupiáñez Pinto “La Lupi” has been a flamenco performer to watch for decades. She graduated with distinction from the Superior Conservatory of Málaga; was discovered by Juan Maya Marote who brought her to Madrid to work in his contemporary dance and flamenco company alongside Ángeles Arranz; and is a much sought-after teacher of flamenco around the world. Performing alongside La Lupi will be guitarist Curro de Maria, Nelson Doblas on violin, David Galiano on percussion and singers El Londro and Miguel Ortega.
Here is an excerpt of La Lupi’s performing a beautiful “Abandolaos.”
Says one fan: “This woman is one of the core inspirations of Flamenco Dance for me. The performance is moving beyond words, transcendent. Love how you can hear every movement of her fan, the beat, how at 3:08 the crowd hushes after cheers, the execution of her turns. As a Flamenco dancer a year and half in, what a blessing to witness such a unique dancer! ”
Other Artists
Opening for La Lupi are Toronto-based Japanese dancer Rie Ishizuka performing with her Flamenco group Renka, and the Triana Project, a group of culturally-diverse professional musicians, singers, and dancers who share a common passion for flamenco. The Triana Project is Silvia Temis (singer); Fernando Gallego Torres (singer); Alison Macdonald (dancer); Iryna Gordon (dancer); Benjamin Barrile (guitar); and Michael Kavanagh (guitar).
Tickets range from $45 to $90 (inclusive of all fees and taxes) and can be purchased online at www.torontoflamencofestival.com, by calling 1.866.274.7349, or in person at the
Ryerson Theatre box office 3 hours before the performance.
About The Toronto International Flamenco Festival
The Toronto International Flamenco Festival is a Not-for-Profit organization dedicated to increasing the popularity of Flamenco in North America by creating an inclusive environment for both artists and spectators. Each year the Festival brings internationally acclaimed and Canadian artists to celebrate this powerful yet graceful dance on the main stages of Toronto.
Founded by Lionel Félix in 2007, in order to showcase and celebrate the best of Flamenco in Toronto, the Toronto International Flamenco Festival is the first of its kind in Canada. It models itself on the world famous Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque in New Mexico and The New York Flamenco Festival.
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