HHS Spanish Students Attend Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Ensemble

Harrison High School students studying Spanish were treated to a unique learning opportunity when they traveled to the Queensborough Performing Arts Theater in Bayside Queens to see the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Ensemble Inc. perform two different shows.

For over 10 years, Arts & Dance Company has taken great pride in delivering the finest in cultural education for students. Shows such as those presented by the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Ensemble Inc. are designed to not only entertain, but also enlighten, giving students an opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of the Hispanic people as seen through the performing arts.

The first show was titled Latin America Fiesta. This exhilarating performance showcased a dazzling and colorful display of costumes, music and dance from Hispanic nations of the Caribbean, Central and South America. Traditional classics such as the Cumbia from Colombia, Mexican Jarabe Tapatio, Samba from Brazil, Argentinean Tango and Malambo, as well as Bachata and Merengue from the Dominican Republic were performed. In addition, two forms of Salsa (Salsa Caleña from Colombia and Cuban Salsa) accompanied by the percussion section added all the ingredients for an authentic, multicultural experience.

All this plus the magic of Argentinean Boleadores, live musicians playing folkloric music between dances, and an interactive finale where students are invited onstage to participate alongside the featured international artists. Four Harrison High School students- Ava Zinman, Nathaniel Applebaum, Justin Montanez and Karen Lliguipuma Campoverde, were invited on stage to perform.

The second show, Spain Alive, was a delightful and soulful display of folkloric music and dance from Spain. The program included classic Jota, Muñeira and Paso Doble, the tradition of La Tuna Troubadours (a group of traveling minstrels from the King’s Court in the 16th century playing Spanish guitars, mandolins and tambourines), and a special Spanish fantasy with fire symbolizing the passion and elegance of Spain. The second part of the show was dedicated to various styles of Tablao Flamenco, including Tango, Jaleo, Martinetes, Tanguillo, Alegrias, and Rumba. Between dances, the audience was treated to live classical guitarists performing a variety of traditional Spanish music.