DANCE

Society for the Performing Arts presents Compañia Flamenca José Porcel - Gypsy Fire, at 8 pm, Saturday, October 8, 2011, in Jones Hall, as part of the SPA International Series.

It is believed that flamenco singing and dancing originated in Andalucia around the 15th century, during the Gypsies’ encounter with the people of southern Spain. Direct from Madrid, Houston favorite Compañia Flamenca José Porcel returns with its seductive blend of traditional flamenco performing its newest work “Gyspy Fire.”

Porcel and his company will present the purest and oldest forms of flamenco from Andalucia, combining song, dance and guitar with passionate Spanish rhythms, preserving the style, customs and experiences of that region.

Seville-born Porcel, who began dancing at 13, performed with Ballet de Valencia, Ballet Nacional de España and as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl before starting his own company.