The hour-long programme is a presentation of “pop-flamenco” that fuses traditional flamenco, hip-hop and contemporary movement accompanied by a combination of live traditional flamenco and pre-recorded pop music. Several choreographers have contributed to this creative production, namely Carolyn Holden, Kim Pretorius and trainees from La Rosa; Adam Malebo and Phindile Kula from Jazzart; and Javier Cruiz, Joaquin Ruiz and Immaculada Ortega from Madrid in Spain.
La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of Carolyn Holden, was established in February 1990 in order to provide a platform for local dancers to gain regular opportunities to perform in a professional environment. Presenting productions on a two-yearly basis initially, the company now performs at least two seasons annually, also participating in Arts Festivals and choreographic platforms. Holden has been amongst the nominees for Best Choreographer of a Contemporary Piece at the FNB Vita's Dance Umbrella in 1995, 1997, 1998 and she won the award for Best Choreography for the 1999/2000 year for "Flamenco en curso". La Rosa's three year Vocational Training Programme focuses on the tuition of flamenco, with the additional benefit of exposure to a number of dance and theatre disciplines. It includes exposure to various aspects of arts administration, equipping graduates with the tools to become professional arts practitioners.
This new season marks La Rosa's first since moving into their new premises in Buchanan Square in Woodstock that are complete with three studios, administrative offices and a Resource Centre.
Prior to the On The Edge season at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, there will be a once-off performance at the Theatre in the District in Chapel Street, Woodstock on Sunday 28th June at 18h00 with tickets priced at R40 via 021 461 4201. The performances in Grahamstown take place at the Centenary Hall on Friday 3rd July at 10h00, Saturday 4th July at 20h30, Sunday 5th July at 20h30 and Monday 6th July at 14h00. Tickets cost R50 via Computicket or 083 915 8000.
La Rosa is grateful for the support of the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund, the National Arts Council, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, the Grandwest Cape Cultural and Heritage Trust, the Cape Tercentenary Foundation, the Nussbaum Foundation, and the Schock Foundation.
