Dance Troupe brings Flamenco to Hot Springs

The Symes Hotel in Hot Springs was filled with the sounds of traditional Spanish dancing on Saturday as Flamenco Montana from Missoula displayed their talents for about 30 spectators.

The rhythmic stomping of feet and flamenco guitar resonated off the walls as five female dancers sashayed across the dance floor, accentuating their moves with expressive movement of the hands and the occasional cry of “ole”.

Flamenco is a genre of Spanish song, dance and music that originated in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain. Flamenco developed beginning in the 18th century and has undergone several changes over the years.

During the early years of Flamenco, songs were sung without the accompaniment of guitar that was only added in the late 19th century.

There are over 50 styles or palos of flamenco with only about a dozen that are still performed today. Some include several dancers, some with only a single artist, some unaccompanied while others performed with guitar and other traditional instruments.

Patio Andaluz, the performing wing of Flamenco Montana, was formed in 1998 and has entertained audiences all over the region. Dancers Linda Bailey, Jennifer Corbin, Karen Gonzales, and Lori Stevens were on hand Saturday night joined by one of the founding members, Victoria Lenihan. Some dances included all five members while others featured a single performer.

Lenihan said, “Flamenco is a blend of dances from all over Spain. Think of Flamenco as a tree with many branches.”

The performance on Saturday consisted of three distinct sets. The first set known as the bailes regionales included all dancers in dresses of subtle hues of red and maroon. Stamping feet and clapping hands accompanied the music as performers conveyed the emotion of the dance through the expressive use of their arms and hands.

The second set known as ida y vuelta was made up of solo dances and group performances. Adorned in white dresses with black polka dots, the set featured a diverse range of dance from a delicate solo routine by Linda Bailey followed by a flamboyant piece by Jennifer Corbin with extravagant twirls and flashy movements of the hands.

The third and final set known as fin de fiesta or “end of the night” showcased bright red dresses with black polka dots, the most colorful of the evening. The final set featured restrained, lighter dances concluding the evening with the bulerias, a traditional ending to the performance.

The dancers that performed in Hot Springs will be featured at the second annual Flamenco Festival joined by a live band of singers and musicians in Missoula in October. More information can be found at www.flamencomt.com.