(noticia) Flamenco bursts into full bloom

Hedy Weiss

January 30, 2006

BY HEDY WEISS Dance Critic

The art of flamenco -- and that art encompasses both dance and music, because the two disciplines are inextricably linked -- has been undergoing a renaissance during the past decade or so. This may be the result of the ever-widening world-beat movement in music, or the fascination with percussive dance of all kinds. Or it may just have something to do with the fact that Spain has grown into a major destination for travelers, and its culture has once again exerted its full allure.

Whatever the reasons, after a long period in which the most passionate practitioners of flamenco were frequently relegated to performing in tourist venues, there has been a great resurgence of interest in the style on the concert stage. And flamenco festivals -- including the one now under way in Chicago, which will continue at various venues through Feb. 25 -- have become the rage.

(leer +) [vía suntimes]