Flamenco Casa Patas

Casa Patas Flamenco Foundation of Madrid  returns to Olympia’s Washington Center for Performing Arts for its 6th annual performance. The program “Flamenco Vibrations” is created by Karen Lugo and danced by her with partner Ricardo Moro, accompanied by musicians and singers. Karen, originally from Mexico, has established herself as an award-winning artist among the most illustrious flamenco circles in Spain and internationally, as creator, choreographer, and dancer. Her style is a rich blend, built upon her early ballet training and her creative exploration of the constant evolution of flamenco, from Indian classical dance to its contemporary  interpretations. Her presentations have thrilled audiences and won her prizes in Spain and throughout Europe, as well as the United States, Palestine, Israel, Russia, and in celebration of the roots of flamenco at the Jodhpur Flamenco Gypsy Festival in India.

In this performance, the Casa Patas group presents a spectrum of flamenco’s “palos” or musical forms, ranging from the rich tradition of flamenco’s heritage to the vitality of its modern styling. Karen hopes to engage the audience by dramatically demonstrating that “Flamenco … is a young spirit that is constantly expanding, absorbing and transforming …all that it encounters”.

Casa Patas Foundation & Conservatory promotes this art form, which was designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, through master classes and performances, not only in their home base Madrid, Spain, but also internationally.

This Casa Patas tour is  supported by the Government of Spain through Luis Fernando Esteban, Honorary Spanish Consul in Seattle, who annually brings over 120 cultural events from Spain to Northwest venues, including Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall and Town Hall in Seattle, Meany Hall/UW, CWU Ellensburg, and The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia.

Ianus Foundation (in Olympia) continues to facilitate flamenco events and activities here in the Northwest. Monthly Flamenco Nights are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at Pizzeria La Gitana, Olympia, and regular classes are offered in Olympia and beyond.