The performance is led by Estela Vélez de Paredez
Audiences of all ages are invited to clap, move and discover the rhythms of Spain when Furia Flamenca returns to the McLean Community Center’s Alden theatre with a family-friendly performance, “A Trip to Spain,” on Jan. 4 at 2 p.m.
The interactive show offers an accessible introduction to flamenco music, song and dance, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
“The show is basically fun for the whole family,” said Estela Vélez de Paredez, director of the Furia Flamenca Dance Company. “It will showcase flamenco’s music, song and dance, and in between we’ll talk a little bit about the history and background, enough so people walk away with a better understanding of how flamenco came to be.”
A key element of the program is interaction. Rather than sitting quietly in their seats, audience members are encouraged to become part of the experience.
“It also gives the opportunity for the audience to become musicians and dancers for just a bit,” Vélez de Paredez said. “We invite children to the stage, but adults can join too. Everybody is encouraged to participate, and anyone can be a dancer for a moment.”
While geared toward younger audiences, the show isn’t limited to kids. Vélez de Paredez noted that it’s designed to engage people of all ages.
“It’s a great show for the entire family,” she said. “Those who know flamenco will enjoy it, and those who have never seen it will not only enjoy it, but also gain a better understanding of what flamenco really is.”
Unlike some of Furia Flamenca’s more theatrical or fusion-based productions, “A Trip to Spain” presents the art form in a more traditional way.
“This one is more interactive and a little more on the educational side,” Vélez de Paredez said. “We do a lot of thematic shows—jazz and flamenco fusion, avant-garde pieces, productions exploring the roots of flamenco. This one presents flamenco almost raw, without all of those influences. Just the dance, the song and the music.”
That was intentional because flamenco is often misunderstood.
“When I tell people I dance flamenco, they’ll ask, ‘Who’s your partner?’” Vélez de Paredez said. “Many people equate it with paso doble because that’s what they know. This show helps explain what flamenco really is and why it came to be, while still entertaining.”
Surprisingly, Vélez de Paredez wasn’t looking to do this as a career. Raised in Puerto Rico, she trained in dance throughout her childhood before stepping away to pursue higher education, law school and service in the U.S. Navy. It wasn’t until she was stationed in the D.C. area that flamenco entered her life.
“A friend mentioned she wanted to take flamenco classes and asked if I’d join her,” she said. “She never took the classes, but I did. And here I am.”
Over time, Vélez de Paredez became a performer, teacher and eventually the artistic director of her own company, embracing flamenco as both an art form and a way of life.
“Flamenco is a journey,” she said. “It’s a way to channel your highest highs and your lowest lows through movement, song and music. It was created to express life, and that’s why the older you are, the more you understand it.”
Adding to the live experience, the performance will include a nod to Three Kings Day, celebrated Jan. 6 in Spanish-speaking cultures. Because of the show’s timing, families will be welcomed by the Three Kings themselves, with a photo opportunity following the performance.
“It’s a great way to start the new year,” Vélez de Paredez said. “Come warm up with us, learn a little about flamenco, dance a little and celebrate together.”
The Alden has been a longtime partner in bringing global arts programming to the McLean community, and officials believe this is a perfect start to the new year.
“McLean community members have a strong interest in supporting local artists, and Furia Flamenca has been a long-time partner in that goal,” said Sarah Schallern Treff, performing arts director of The Alden. “‘A Trip to Spain’ is an especially fantastic and fun way to welcome our global community and invite them to discover the world of flamenco regardless of age, background or experience with the art form.”
For tickets or more information, visit www.mcleancenter.org.