Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca - State Theatre

Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca 3About the CompanyPraised by critics worldwide, Noche Flamenca is recognized as the mostauthentic flamenco touring company in the field today. The company wasfounded in Madrid in 1993 by Artistic Director Martín Santangelo and hiswife, Soledad Barrio. Over the years, they have emerged as one of Spain’smost successful flamenco ensembles. Performance highlights includeregular seasons in New York City and Buenos Aires, performances inAustralia, Greece, and Egypt, and annual tours in North America. Thecompany has been recognized with awards from the National DanceProject (2006), the National Endowment for the Arts (2007 & 2008), and theLucille Lortel Award for Special Theatrical Experience (2003).Noche Flamenca’s artistic vision is to present and preserve the heart andsoul of flamenco: the communal spirit that springs from theinterconnectedness of dance, song, and music. In support of its mission, thecompany offers extensive education and residency programs for people ofall ages. The members of Noche Flamenca are based in Spain, withcompany offices in New York City.“Our goal is to maintainthe essence, purity, andintegrity of one of theWorld’s most complexand mysterious artforms Without the use oftricks or gimmicks.”—Soledad Barrio andNoche FlamencaSoledad BarrioA native of Madrid, Soledad Barrio didn’t begin formal dance traininguntil she was 18. “I started studying very late, but the only thing Iremember about my childhood is that I wanted to dance,” she says. Shebegan her training at Amor de Dios, the Center for Flamenco Art andSpanish Dance in Madrid. “It was an obsession,” she recalls. “Every hour Iwould dance until my muscles were shot.”Soledad Barrio has appeared as a soloist with Manuela Vargas, Blancadel Rey, Luisillo, El Guito, Manolete, Cristobal Reyes, and El Toleo, BalletEspanol de Paco Romero, Festival Flamenco, and many other companies.She has performed throughout Europe, Japan, and North and SouthAmerica with such artists as Alejandro Granados, Isabel Bayón, Jesus Torres,Miguel Perez, Belen Maya, Manolo Marin, Javier Barón, Merce Esmeralda,Rafael Campallo, and Belen Maya. She has won awards from over 12different countries around the globe for her excellence in dance. Sherecently received a “Bessie” award for Outstanding Creative Achievement.She is a founding member of Noche Flamenca with her husband MartínSantangelo.Soledad Barrio and Juan OgallyPhoto courtesy of Marie Daix