Flamenco Troupe to Storm the Singletary Center Stage

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 21, 2011)- The University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts brings you José Porcel and Compañia Flamenco, showcasing an explosion of color and rhythm blending traditional flamenco with some more contemporary music, moves and looks. The flamenco troupe will storm the stage with their new production "Gypsy Fire" beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

José Porcel and Compañia Flamenco celebrate the vitality and passion of the Spanish people by performing a dance unlike any other, flamenco. Flamenco dance is a folkloric celebration that originated sometime around the 15th century as gypsies came to Spain. As a theatrical performance, flamenco dance has only developed in the past century through evolving stylistic expression and experimentation.

José Porcel was born in Sevilla, and at the age of 13 began dancing Andalucian folkloric dances and flamenco in cultural centers in Valencia. He has danced with such troupes as Ballet de Valencia, Ballet Nacional, and Compañia Española. In 2000, Porcel danced as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, under the direction of maestro Héctor Zaraspe. That same year he performed around the world and at the Ópera de Paris for more than 20 sold-out performances, followed by a critically acclaimed tour of the United States.

The Compañia Flamenco was founded in Madrid, Spain, and is among the premier dance troupes exhibiting this exciting dance form of flamenco. The company brings this tradition to life vibrantly and colorfully with live musicians, vocalists and of course, dancers.

A part of the UK College of Fine Arts, the Singletary Center for the Arts presents and hosts around 400 artistic, cultural and educational events annually for the university community, Lexington community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Tickets for this event are based on seating location and range from $25 to $35. In addition, students with a UK ID card can purchase student rush tickets the evening of the performance for $10. A processing fee will be added upon completion of the transaction. Tickets can be purchased through the Singletary Center ticket office at (859) 257-4929, via the web at www.singletarytickets.com or in person at the ticket office.