Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana performs La Pasion Flamenca Feb. 21 and 22 at Diana Wortham Theatre

In a fierce and eclectic evening of Spanish dance and music, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana provides passion and drama in its inspiring program La Pasión Flamenca at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place on Thursday and Friday, February 21 and 22, 2013 at

8:00 p.m. Known for the purity of its work and the unique and creative way in which it has enriched the art of flamenco, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana conveys emotions that speak to everyone and transcend cultural boundaries. “Carlota Santana’s company keeps its options open and, with joy in the giving, offers a little something for everybody,” remarks The Village Voice. The company is internationally renowned, having performed in venues including Lincoln Center, The Joyce Theatre, Summerdance in Santa Barbara, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga in Colombia, South America, and Palacio de Congresos in Granada, Spain.

During the February performances at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana will perform La Pasión Flamenca, a journey back to the cultural crossroads of Andalusia, the southern region of Spain and the birthplace of flamenco. Dance Magazine calls the show “A theatrically savvy flamenco drama…its drama admirably relayed via the stage presence and acting skills of the…dancers and musicians.” Through the dynamic expression of dance, influences can be seen and heard from Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Artistic director Carlota Santana co-founded the company with Roberto Lorca in 1983 with a vision to actively encourage the creativity and innovation of young artists from both Spain and the U.S. while keeping the company faithful to the powerful traditions of flamenco. Her commitment to creating new works and developing young artists and choreographers to carry on the traditions of flamenco has earned her the title “The Keeper of Flamenco” from Dance Magazine. Under Ms. Santana’s direction the company has expanded its repertory by presenting new music, dramatic works, and a mixture of dance vocabularies, and by integrating Hispanic-American influences. She created the company’s innovative arts-in-education program, integrating Spanish dance and culture with school curricula. She is on the faculty of Duke University, is a recipient of a Choreographer fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council and a member of the North Carolina Dance Alliance.

Intersections Pre-show Discussions: For insight and increased enjoyment of the performances, ticket holders can attend free pre-performance discussions led by Carlota Santana, company founder and artistic director, in The Forum at Pack Place at 7:00 p.m. before both performances.

Intersections Master Class: Dance students of all skill levels are encouraged to attend a Master Class with a Flamenco Vivo dancer on Wednesday, February 20 at 5:30pm on the Diana Wortham Theatre stage. This hands-on workshop includes instruction in rhythmic handclaps (palmas), arm movements (braceo), body posturing, and footwork (taconeo). Cost is $30 and includes a reception at Cúrate in downtown Asheville after the Master Class. For more information or to register, call the DWT Box Office at 828-257-4530.

In addition to its evening performances, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana presents La Pasión Flamenca as part of the 2012/2013 Matinee Series for Students and Families at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2013. Performances in the Matinee Series are open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana’s performance is currently sold out. For more information about the Matinee Series for Students and Families, contact Associate Director Rae Geoffrey at (828) 210-9837, or visit www.dwtheatre.com.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana’s Asheville performances are presented in partnership with The Art Fryar Charitable Trust Fund, and are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council. The performances are made possible by Performance Sponsors Kimberly Beavers & Ken Drexel and Michael Witaszek; and by Mainstage Dance Series Sponsors Wells Fargo, Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull, Tina & John McGuire, and Ronna & Rob Resnick; with additional support from Media Sponsors The Laurel of Asheville and WCQS 88.1 FM.