Flamenco is flourishing in Atlanta and dancer Ania Bartelmus, who performs under the name La Candela and founded the ensemble La Candela Flamenco, has insight as to why. “Flamenco has something to offer everyone because it resonates with a wide range of human emotions and brings together elements of Spanish, Latin American, African and Jewish cultures,” she said during an interview with ArtsATL.
“Audiences are searching for an immersive experience that transports them beyond themselves, and I firmly believe flamenco provides just that,” she said.
Flamenco is an inextricable intertwining of dance, music and community, and this Saturday La Candela will perform twice at the Mask Center in Inman Park. “What makes flamenco especially appealing is its ability to reach not only dance enthusiasts but also fans of performing arts and live shows in general,” said Bartelmus, who sees performances as opportunities to educate as well as entertain.
Traditionally, the form comprises three essential ingredients: a singer, a dancer and a guitarist. It constantly evolves, however, depending on the context and training of the artists and the setting of a particular show.
On Saturday, for example, Bartelmus will bring the persona of La Candela to life with flutist Teodora Stoyanova; guitarist José Chirinos; and percussionist Dave Holland, who, in addition to the cajon, a box-shaped drum familiar to most flamenco aficionados, incorporates instruments like bongos, doumbek, udu (ceramic drum), djembe, tar (frame drum), maracas and even wind chimes. “Dave has the creative freedom to select instruments for each show, adding a magical element for the audience,” Bartelmus said.
The dancer, musicians and — when there is one — the singer are partners in creating the flamenco experience. The audience also often…
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