San Francisco Flamenco Dance Co. presents the premiere of Mares: Myths, Migrations and the Mothers of Flamenco

Featuring world class flamenco artists from Spain including guitarist Antonia Jimenez, gypsy flamenco singers Kina Mendez and Jose Cortes and percussionist Luis de la Tota

Artistic Director Kerensa DeMars

Saturday, September 17, 8pm
Sunday, September 18, 2pm

Mares: Myths, Migrations and the Mothers of Flamenco, a Flamenco dance performance inspired by controversial female Flamenco artists of the 20th century, is an exploration into the shaping of tradition by breaking with tradition. The intrepid women of Flamenco in the 20th century, the “mothers” of modern Flamenco, are the inspiration for the collective work and individual choreographies. 

These women broke with tradition and marked new pathways for the art form. From Carmen Amaya wearing pants on stage to Spain’s first out lesbian Gypsy Flamenco dancer, they have opened doors, creating new Flamenco traditions. The San Francisco Flamenco Dance Co., under the artistic direction of Kerensa DeMars, partners with world class Flamenco artists from Spain to bring this production to the stage.

Musical Director Antonia Jimenez is one of the very few professional female Flamenco guitarists in the world. A native Spaniard, she has risen to prominence in the international Flamenco community with her expertise both as a guitarist and composer. Jimenez will make her San Francisco debut with Mares. Gypsy Flamenco singers Kina Mendez and Jose Cortes will be joined by expert percussionist Luis de la Tota to create a rich, vibrant and authentic soundscape for the choreography. Flamenco dancer and choreographer Melissa Cruz performs as a featured soloist.

This presentation is made possible in part by the San Francisco Arts Commission.