Maria Osende is on the line from sunny Madrid: "I think I picked the right winter to spend away from Nova Scotia." Osende, along with being a master of understatement, is a dancer and choreographer who created her own dance company, Maria Osende Flamenco, when she moved to Canada in 2004. She is spending the winter in her home country "reconnecting with flamenco," but has arranged a show to warm us here in storm-stayed Halifax.
For one night only, Virginia Castro Durán will perform at the new Seahorse. Durán is a flamenco dancer who came up through Spain's intensive dance education system. She began training at the age of five in Cordoba, and was awarded a place at the Cordoba's Dance Conservatory at age seven. The 14-year-long professional flamenco program offered at Spain's National Conservatories combines the school curriculum with dance training, history, music, pedagogy and choreography.
"There's something very special about seeing a dancer who has been brought up in the flamenco culture," says Osende. "There's a unique feel when dance is linked to cultural essence, and Virginia brings that."
The show will include music played by guitarists Daniel MacNeil and Bob Sutherby, accompanied by the powerful voice of Joyce Saunders.
To add to the experience, Osende says the Seahorse has put together a special tapas menu. "It's a chance to sit back and sip sangria while watching an amazing performance. It's a little escape from winter."
Flamenco happy hour w/ Virginia Castro Duran
Thursday, March 19 at 6pm
The Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen Street
$30
