Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company Presents PORTALES, 4/25-28

The award-winning Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company (EESDC) will present the world premiere of Portales featuring new choreographies by three high-powered guest artists from Spain, two of whom also join the acclaimed ensemble for performances April 25-28 as part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps at Fleck Dance Theatre during the Canadian Dance Assembly's National Dance Week.

Portales means doorway or threshold in Spanish and with this latest work, Artistic Director Esmeralda Enrique seeks to open the door to one of humanity's most remarkable qualities: the ability to dream.

"I was inspired by the notion of 'when one door closes, another opens.' Sometimes we are obligated to take a certain path; in other instances, we choose our path," says Enrique. "Our ensemble of top flamenco dancers, musicians and singers from Canada and Spain seek to showcase not only the power of flamenco and Spanish classical dance but the power of hope and dreams, the power of new beginnings."

In a first for the company, EESDC will feature two bailaores (male flamenco dancers) on stage, both of them from Cádiz, Spain: El Junco (Juan José Jaén Arroyo), whose vibrant and virtuosic prowess highlights the earthy essence of flamenco, debuts with the ensemble while charismatic audience favourite Juan Ogalla, 2011 Dora Award winner for Outstanding Performance, returns for his fifth season.

These formidable two are both friends and colleagues who have performed together in Spain. They will choreograph as well as perform new works for the evening, solo and together, and join consummate company dancers Esmeralda Enrique, Paloma Cortés, Noelia La Morocha and Pamela Briz in ensemble pieces.
EESDC features another triumph: flamenco master Manuel Betanzos, whose highly regarded academy in Triana, the flamenco neighborhood of Seville, is a mecca for aspiring dancers, was commissioned to choreograph the opening piece of the evening. His new work points to thresholds, hardships and hope.

EESDC is equally honoured to welcome from Spain, singers Manuel Soto (of Jerez) who returns for a third season and Naike Ponce (of Sanlúcar) who makes her first appearance with the ensemble; together they express the depth of emotions portrayed in flamenco song with their intuitive, nuanced rhythms.

EESDC veterans - guitarist Óscar Lago (of Cádiz) and Musical Director/guitarist Nicolás Hernández (who were co-nominated for a 2012 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Sound Design/Composition in the Dance Division) as well as Cuban percussionist Rosendo "Chendy" Leon (who performs with Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran) - return, joined by Halifax violinist Chris Church (who can be heard on Jesse Cook's Rumba Foundation) to provide a rich, musical accompaniment.

The award-winning Esmeralda Enrique is one of the most celebrated flamenco dance artists in Canada. Lauded internationally as a performer, choreographer and teacher, Enrique's vision and passionate commitment to flamenco have earned her 5 Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations. She spent 13 years in Spain perfecting her artistry as a flamenco dancer; she toured North America with the prestigious company of José Greco and has appeared throughout Europe, the Middle East and Mexico with the distinguished dance companies of Paco Ruíz, Miguel Sandoval, Antonio Del Castillo, Sara Lezana and Cristóbal Reyes. In 1982, Enrique immigrated to Toronto and founded the Academy of Spanish Dance and the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company, renowned for its innovation, versatility and artistic excellence - nominated for a total of 12 Dora Awards. Her talented musicians, singers and commanding dancers perform finely wrought pieces that hold tradition and a modern, contemporary aesthetic in perfect balance. Capturing the essence of flamenco, the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company never fails to mesmerize their audiences while bringing to life the contagious excitement and full breadth of feeling that this passionate art delivers. Esmeralda Enrique reveals in her work a total mastery and love of the art.

Watch two short videos featuring El Junco as well as Juan Ogalla with EESDC: http://harbourfrontcentre.com/nextsteps/esmeraldaenrique