natalia monteleon, director
Arte Flamenco
Flamenco
is an art that explodes outward
capturing the imagination of the spectator
with its fire and fury....
Ms. Monteleon created Arte Flamenco while residing in New Orleans.
The group achieved wide success, and was invited to return three years in a row to the world famous New Orlleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Under a grant from the Consulate oif Spain the company arranged for the first presentation of authentic cante flamenco at Jazz Fest, bringing Manolo Leiva as guest singer.
Upon relocating to Maryland, Ms. Monteleon re-created the company here. Their first major concert, in February of 1998 was a sold-out performance at Howard Community College's Smith Theater. They perform annually for EBLO Latino Festival in Baltimore, and have performed at the Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, Baltimore Artscape, the Columbia Arts Festival, the Takoma Park Folk Festival, James Rouse Theater, the University of Maryland, the Mexican Cultural Institute, in addition to other local venues in the Baltimore Washington area.
Because Flamenco is an art form
rooted in a cultural basis, the company strives to present shows which both educate as well as entertain the audience.
Great care is taken to retain authenticity and the highest caliber of talent is used, culled from local dancers, musicians and singers, as well as occasional invited international guests.
The company uses live musical accompaniment exclusively, and is well known for its impassioned performances.
Arte Flamenco is based on the concept
that each performer has a unique quality to contribute to the ensemble. All of the artists, be they dancer, guitarist or singer, are highly experienced professionals, and are encouraged to engage in the creative process, as both soloist and participant in ensemble pieces
