Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel Performs Gypsy Fire at Nazareth College Arts Center, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m.

ROCHESTER, NY (11/04/2011)(readMedia)-- Founded in Madrid, Spain, the Compañia Flamenca José Porcel is among the premier dance troupes that exhibits the exciting art form of flamenco dance. This dazzling company of flamenco dancers and musicians brings this cultural tradition to life vibrantly and colorfully.

"The dances are evocative and exciting, blending traditional flamenco with some decidedly more contemporary music, moves, and looks," says the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Flamenca is an explosion of rhythms, colors, and emotions, and demonstrates the vitality, happiness and passion of the Spanish people; it is a folkloric celebration that combines "theatre art," irresistible erotic appeal, and irrepressible energy.

The Compañia Flamenca José Porcel scored a sensational success with their coast to coast tour of North America in the 2008-2009 season and returns to the United States and Canada in the 2011-2012 season with their thrilling new program, "Gypsy Fire".

About José Porcel, Artistic Director

José Porcel was born in Sevilla, and at the age of thirteen began dancing Andalucian folkloric dances and flamenco in cultural centers in Valencia. He began his dance studies at 16 with the master Martín Vargas, and in his early years, studied with Paco Romero, Isabel Quintero, Cristóbal Reyes, Pedro Azorín and José Granero.

In 1989 he made his professional debut with the Ballet de Valencia, directed by Martín Vargas, and was promoted to soloist in the company the following year.

In 1993 José Porcel took part in a tour of America with Clara Romana's company, in the work "Carmina Burana." In 1994 he was invited to join the Ballet Nacional de España. In 1997 he brought his performance entitled "Entrañas flamencas" to the flamenco festival of the Palacio de la Música in Valencia.

Within the Ballet Nacional, he worked with masters including José Granero, Victoria Eugenia, Juanjo Linares, Currillo, Manolo Marín, Javier de la Torre, Antonio Canales, Pedro Azorín. As soloist with the company he danced in "Los Tarantos" as Picaos, "Medea" as the man of Medea, and "Grito" as Soleá (flamenco). As premier dancer in the Ballet Nacional de España he interpreted "Farruca" (flamenco) and "Danza y tronío". In December 1999 Mr. Porcel danced as soloist in the company of Rafael Aguilar, interpreting the Torero in "Carmen" during a major tour of Germany and Switzerland.

In 2000 he danced as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, under the direction of maestro Héctor Zaraspe. In this same year he was contracted as the first dancer in the Compañía Española de Antonio Márquez, performing on tour around the world and at the Ópera de París for over 20 sold-out performances.

About the Arts Center's 2011-2012 Season

Billed as a season of "inspiration," the Nazareth College Arts Center's 2011-2012 Subscription Series features a diverse roster: everything from awesome acrobats to fabulous Flamenco; an innovative, black-light puppet show to internationally renowned contemporary dance; an all-ages a cappella concert to explosive Japanese drumming.

Visit artscenter.naz.edu to download a copy of the Season brochure.

Tickets

Tickets to the Compañia Flamenca José Porcel are $30-$60.

To purchase tickets, visit or call the Arts Center box office: 585-389-2170 or visit us online: artscenter.naz.edu.

Box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until curtain time on performance days. The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618.

Nazareth College Arts Center Student Rush Tickets:

Area students with a valid student ID can attend outstanding dance, theatre and international entertainment at the Arts Center for only $5 per show! Arts Center Student Rush Tickets are available for all non­sold-out 2011-2012 subscription series shows – beginning an hour before the performance time. Students must pay cash for Rush Tickets. Limit: one Rush Ticket per student ID. Student Rush Tickets are not available for premium seating, or for family shows. (Note: Nazareth College students, with valid ID, receive one free ticket per performance.)

About Nazareth College Arts Center: Nazareth College Arts Center is the region's premier mid-size theater and venue for world-class dance, children's theatre and international entertainment.