Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company Presents Espejo de Oro / Mirror of Gold

The Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company proudly presents Espejo de Oro / Mirror of Gold, a provocative and captivating evening of flamenco dance and music that reflects tradition and change in some of Spain's unique customs. This stellar company of Canadian and International Artists presents its annual Toronto Season from Thursday, November 25 to Sunday, November 28 as part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps Dance Series at Fleck Dance Theatre.

In the world premiere of Espejo de Oro / Mirror of Gold, choreographed by Esmeralda Enrique and Juan Ogalla with music composed and arranged by Nicolás Hernández and José Valle "Chuscales", expressive flamenco dance and music reveal a world of ritual and symbolism that celebrates Spain's cultural complexity, deeply rooted in the collective thoughts and feelings of its people - particularly in Andalusia, the geographic home and heartland of flamenco. The evolution of these traditions - from past to current times - will be explored in this passionate and inventive new work.
Esmeralda Enrique's company of fierce powerful dancers and consummate musicians are joined by guest artists from Spain: the astonishing Juan Ogalla returns from Cádiz after appearing in ¡LORCA!: In Search of Duende last year and garnering 2009 Dora Award nominations for Outstanding Performance and Outstanding Choreography (with Enrique) for the company's Cantos de la Tierra; composer/arranger José Valle "Chuscales" of Antequera returns after being nominated - with Nicolás Hernández - for a 2010 Dora Award for Outstanding Original Sound Design/Composition for ¡LORCA! as well as Cantos the previous year; and extraordinary singers Niño de Elche and Manuel Soto join the company for the first time.

Through its songs, rhythms and emotions, flamenco is an art form that connects viscerally and deeply on a universal level. Enrique and her exemplary company of dancers and musicians with expert guest artists from Spain, never fail to rouse the passions of their audiences as they capture the mood and soul of traditional and contemporary flamenco.

Choreographer, dancer and teacher Esmeralda Enrique, a multiple Dora Award nominee, has been a driving force of flamenco in Canada for the past 28 years as well as one of the most celebrated flamenco artists in the country. With a history rooted in flamenco puro and a strong grasp of classical Spanish dance, her company is renowned for its innovation, versatility and artistic excellence that allows it to present both contemporary and/or classic forms.

Toronto Artists:
Esmeralda Enrique: Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer
Paloma Cortés, Ángela del Sol, Ilse Gudiño, Noelia La Morocha: Dancers
Nicolás Hernández: Musical Director, Composer, Arranger, Guitarist (nominated three times for Dora Awards for Original Sound Design/Composition: ¡LORCA! last year, Cantos de la Tierra in 2009 and Esencia Flamenca in 2007 - all with guitarist José Valle "Chuscales".

International Guests from Spain:
Juan Ogalla from Cádiz: Choreographer, Dancer (nominated for two Dora Awards in the dance category, Original Choreography with Esmeralda and Outstanding Performance for Cantos de la Tierra)
José Valle "Chuscales" from Antequera: Composer, Arranger, Guitarist (who has worked with Enrique since they met in Spain in the 1970's); nominated for three Dora Awards as above with Nicolás Hernández.
Niño de Elche from Elche, Alicante and Manuel Soto from Jerez de la Frontera: Extraordinary singers who join the company for the first time.

Flamenco has shaped my life's history. It is my great passion. Through flamenco I find truth, beauty and goodness.
- Esmeralda Enrique
ESMERALDA ENRIQUE SPANISH DANCE COMPANY presents the world premiere of
Espejo de Oro / Mirror of Gold choreographed by Esmeralda Enrique and Juan Ogalla
part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps 2010-11
Thursday November 25 - Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 3 PM
Harbourfront Centre's Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen's Quay West, 3rd Floor
Tickets: $25-$41 (Discounts for students, seniors, CADA and NextSteps subscribers)
Box Office: 416-973-4000 or visit www.flamencos.net