Flamenco Company Brings Fiery Dance to Manassas

Passion. Vitality. Sensuality.  

Northern Virginia audiences will experience all of this and more when Spain’s premier flamenco dancer and choreographer, José Porcel brings his celebrated company to two venues in the greater Washington, D.C. area this October. 

Compañia Flamenca José Porcel performs its new show called “Gypsy Fire,” featuring the purest, oldest and most fiery forms of flamenco from Andalusia, an autonomous community in southern Spain known for its rich cultural identity. 

On Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Compañia Flamenca José Porcel appears at the Center for the Arts on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus as part of the Center's Great Performances at Mason series.

The dance ensemble also visits the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Merchant Hall on George Mason University's Prince William Campus on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. as part of its Hylton Presents series.

“Gypsy Fire” showcases an explosion of sensual rhythms, powerful movement, vibrant colors, brilliant costumes and breathtaking choreography. The program features a collection of flamenco dances that are at times solemn and sad, and at other times, festive and joyful, yet are always passionate, deeply emotional and reflective of this unique Mediterranean culture.

The origins of flamenco are still unclear, yet it is believed that flamenco singing and dancing originated in Andalusia in the 15^th century when gypsies encountered the inhabitants of southern Spain. While it is difficult to trace the starting points of these nomadic populations, their culture reflects a mixture of Arabic-Egyptian, Jewish and Indian influences. Originally a rhythmic form of accentuation for singing, in the last century, flamenco dancing has evolved into the rich art form we recognize today. 

Born in Seville in Spain, Porcel has danced Andalusian folkloric dances and flamenco since age 13 and began his professional dance studies at age 16. During the last several decades, Porcel performed with several dance companies, including Compañía Española de Antonio Márquez, on both international tours and at flamenco festivals. Throughout the years, Porcel has received considerable attention from audiences and critics alike for his stunning interpretation of flamenco and dazzling performances. 

For tickets and information about the performance at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax, please visit cfa.gmu.edu.

For tickets and information about the performance at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, please visit hyltoncenter.org. Tickets can also be purchased via phone at 888-945-2468 or visiting the venues’ box offices.