Inspiración Flamenca’s upcoming performance will be the closing act of this year's Live and Local Fridays. Last year, Inspiración Flamenca performed to a soldout audience — crowds were being turned away at the door. Julia’s dance company returns to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on August 26 at 8 p.m., featuring professional performers from the Valley as the closing act. The upcoming concert will showcase solo and group numbers. “We improvise and build energy together,” Julia said. “It is impossible to create the same dynamic with recorded music. Our performance includes traditional and theatrical flamenco. We feature not only our five dancers, but guitar, vocals, piano, flute and percussion. While our dancers are taught much choreography, we also improvise many moves during the show. We have a large cast and live music — it’s sure to be a great time.” The upcoming concert will highlight famous flamenco dances, such as "Guajiras," a flirtatious duet between Julia and co-dancer Carlos Montufar; "Sevillanas," which uses props such as fans and the mantón de Manila, a large fringed shawl manipulated around the body; and "Alegrías," a joyful exploration of feminine movement. Tickets for the show are available on Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ official website. Costs range from $12-15. All the costumes for the show are handmade specifically for the company. There has been an incredibly positive response from the Valley toward Inspiración Flamenca. The genre is definitely growing in the community and reaching more people. Julia Chacon is also available to teach dance lessons to those who wish to join in the fun of flamenco. She teaches classes of all levels to all ages. “My passion is the promotion of international culture in the Valley,” Julia shared of her love for flamenco. “Flamenco is powerful and strong — it has a special kind of ferocity about it. It reaches people in many profound ways and transmits such a range of human emotion and experience. People of all ages can enjoy this art form. I do what I love. Do what you want to do and it can take you on amazing pathways.” scottsdaleperformingarts.org juliachacon.com AUGUST 2016 IM AGE S A Z.C OM
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