Zorongo Student Matinee Study Guide About Zorongo Show

Zorongo Student Matinee Study Guide
About Zorongo
Susana di Palma founded Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre in 1982.
One of the few American Spanish dance companies that present both
traditional flamenco programs as well as original theater flamenco
works. The company is comprised of an ensemble of international
artists, dancers and musicians - renowned for bringing the power,
passion and virtuosity of the art of flamenco to American audiences.
Under the Artistic Direction of Susana di Palma, and assisted by
Musical Director Pedro Cortés, Jr., these innovative flamenco ballets
are powerful and provocative theater experiences. The essence of
Zorongo Flamenco's work combines the passionate soul of Spain with
the lively innovative spirit of America and relates to contemporary
audiences in a way that few companies do. Zorongo Flamenco brings
the very essence of Spain to the performance hall.
Show Information
IDA Y VUELTA/DEPARTURE AND RETURN (world premiere)
Choreographed by Susana di Palma and Deborah Elias
Original music composed by Pedro Cortés, Jr.
“Ida y vuelta,” a Spanish expression which translates to “round trip,”
musical forms are said to have infused New World cultures into
traditional Spanish flamenco through the travels of merchant sailors.
This interplay between Spanish musical traditions and those of the
African slaves and Native Americans are playfully sensual and
rhythmically romantic. Zorongo will bring this flamenco style to area
audiences for the first time through a suite of four pieces which
highlight Latino influences: La Guajira (Cuban influence from the 19th
century, also called “punto cubano”); La Milonga (based on Argentine
folklore); Colombianas, from Colombia; and Rhumbas. The music for
this section comes from Pedro Cortés, Jr.'s new album, Los Viejos no
Mueren (The Old Don't Die), which will be released in tandem with this
show.
PURE FLAMENCO
The concert will end with ever-popular “hard core” flamenco. This
brings the artists and audiences a fantastic give-and-take between
dancer and musicians, much in the way jazz musicians riff off of each
other. It’s a time for the dancers and musicians to enjoy life and dance
to the fullest and to challenge themselves and each other to constantly
go further. Most of the dances in this section will solos with a new
group work for Zorongo’s dancers.
The Cast
Susana di Palma – Artistic Director, choreographer and director, dancer – Susana
di Palma is the preeminent flamenco dancer and choreographer in the Upper
Midwest, and has developed an international reputation for her searing flamenco
ballets, which combine narrative structure with classic flamenco technique.
Pedro Cortes, Jr. - Musical Director, composer, guitar – A Gypsy guitarist living
in New York City, Pedro is excited to release his new CD Los Viejos no Mueren
(The Old Don't Die)
Antonio Granjero - Guest Dancer – originally from Jerez, Spain, internationally
recognized dancer who has performed his explosive style of flamenco at the
Flamenco Biennal in Seville, Spain.
Jesús Montoya – Vocalist – An extraordinary flamenco singer from Seville,
Spain, now living in Los Angeles.
Barbara Martinez - Vocalist, Dancer – A mainstay of the New York jazz and
salsa club scene, Venezuelan singer Barbara Martinez has also performed at
Carnegie Hall and with the Metropolitan Opera.
Gary Schulte – Violin – Gary has performed with companies like Theatre de la
Jeune Lune and Ballet of the Dolls.
El Yiyi (Francisco Orozco)- Percussion, Vocalist – Francisco, also known as El
Yiyi, originally from Barcelona, Spain, is just coming off a world tour. He has
toured and recorded extensively since childhood.
Tony Hauser – Guitar – The Twin Cities' own Tony Hauser is a highly regarded
guitar instructor who also co-founded the Minnesota Guitar Society.
Deborah Elias - Assistant Director, choreographer, dancer – Deborah Elias brings
her passion for flamenco dance and choreography to the stage again under the
auspices of Zorongo. Her own company, Danza Espanola, has toured Minnesota
and she has conducted dozens of workshops and residencies in local schools.
Colette Illarde – Dancer – Colette Illarde got her start in flamenco in Chicago
with Ensemble Espanol. She is the recipient of a McKnight fellowship, and has
just returned from a month of travel and study in Spain.
Vocabulary
Flamenco: Music and dance of Spain, originating in the Southern
region
Letra: Verse of a song
Jaleos: Call outs
Salida: Entrance
Llamada: To call (for the Flamenco singer)
Contestacion: Answer (finishing dance move)
Bien!: Good
Olé!: Very good
Eso Es!: That’s it!
Vamos!: Lets Go!
Flores: Flowers
Zapato: Shoe
Palmas: Hands
Castinets: Clam-shaped hand percussion instruments
Caratia: Roll on the castanets
Golpe: Strike
Guitarra: Guitar
Dances: Fandango
Classroom Activity
1. Have students watch the clip to learn about Zorongo:
http://www.thecowlescenter.org/calendar-tickets/zorongo-flamencodance-theatre
Ask the following questions:
1. Where does Flamenco come from?
2. Why is Flamenco similar to Blues?
3. What is the relationship between dancer and musician?
4. Are the dances set or can they be improvised (made up
on the spot)?
5. What did all the cultures have in common?
2. Look up Spain on a map to see where Flamenco originated.
3. Watch this youtube video to see Flamenco dancing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqxJMCQxb_Q
Discuss the relationship between dancer and guitarist. Discuss what
the students like about the dancing.
4. Make a list of questions the students still have about Flamenco.
Encourage them to ask them at the Q and A or research them after the
performance.
Theatre POLICIES
Arrival
o Arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the performance start time.
o Drop off on Hennepin in front of The Cowles Center
o Upon arrival, stay on the bus until a member of The Cowles
Center staff comes to get you.
o Record the bus number of all buses you have picking you up.
o No running in the theatre, no standing on the chairs in the
lobby or theatre.
o Follow an usher to your seat, no seat saving and no moving
once assigned seats are given.
o We have seating for students with special needs. It is important
that you notify us prior to the performance so that we can
facilitate the student’s needs efficiently.
Your Role as an Audience Member
o Turn off cell phones before entering the theatre.
o Once the lights dim and performance begins direct your
attention to the stage.
o Please don’t talk during the performance. Our theatre is only a
500-seat house so the dancers can hear all talking, even
whispers.
o We encourage the audience to clap during and after the dances
to show appreciation.
o No cameras or recording devices are allowed in the theatre.
o Participate in the Question and Answer that follows the
performance. Ask questions about what you saw, heard or felt
during the performance.
Dismissal
o After the performance please stay seated until you are
dismissed. Your school will be called from the stage.
o Make sure to gather all your belonging, check under and
around your chair.
o Please find your chaperone and go straight to your awaiting bus,
do not linger in the lobby.
o If you are participating in a workshop or tour, please stay
seated until you receive further directions from the stage.