Flamenco Edition 2018 Presents Manuel Liñán, Spain's National Dance Prize Winner, In SINERGIA National Tour 2018

Now in its fourth year and the brainchild of Birmingham-based flamenco artist, choreographer and producer Ana Garcia, Flamenco Edition 2018 presents the UK premiere performances of Sinergia. Starring Manuel Liñán, one of Spain's most celebrated flamenco artists with his company of singers and musicians, Sinergia opens at DanceXchange in Birmingham on Thursday 26 April, followed by one-night-only performances in Canterbury, Bournemouth, Salford Quays and Nottingham and concludes at Corn Exchange in Newbury on Wednesday 9 May.

Flamenco Edition aims to engage audiences outside of London through small-scale flamenco productions with the focus on intimacy and authenticity at the centre of every performance. Its founder Ana Garcia originates from Valdepeñas, La Mancha, in the heart of Spain, and has been part of the flamenco industry in the UK and her homeland for over twenty five years.

Sinergia stars multi award-winning Manuel Liñán, a choreographer, director and dancer and the winner of Spain's prestigious dance accolade, the National Dance Prize (Premio Nacional de Danza) in 2017. Spain's Ministry of Culture explained why Liñán won the award: "...the maturity achieved in his artistic career, being an especially versatile interpreter of great expressiveness, as well as the richness of his interpretation, which draws from diverse influences, while at the same time broadening the horizons of flamenco."

Liñán is known for pushing the traditional boundaries of flamenco - in past productions he's performed in a bata de cola dress and shawl. In Sinergia he expresses his most inner feelings and emotions and gets up close and personal with musicians, singers and audience. With Liñán's raw power, determination and artistry in Sinergia, and his unique approach to flamenco, it is easy to see why he's lauded one of Spain's top flamenco artists working today.

Sinergia celebrates many flamenco styles from tango to soleá. They seamlessly blend to create a distinctive performance that highlights the very best of Spanish culture. The show has been seen across the world and amongst aficionados is known as an innovative work that has evolved from a clear understanding of flamenco.

On stage, Sinergia's director, choreography and dancer Manuel Liñán is joined by regular collaborators: singers Ismael de La Rosa and David Carpio; and guitarist Victor Márquez 'Tomate'. Music is by Victor Márquez 'Tomate' and Popular. Lighting design is by David Pérez and sound by Kike Cabañas.

Flamenco Edition 2018 is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.