Flamenco, a Cultural Collective, a Gateway to Duende
We may not all speak the same language but, there are experiences which allow us to feel connected at the human level. Flamenco is one. It is a gateway art form which draws you in with its strength of presence and storytelling. Flamenco is a cultural experience which can be enjoyed locally as an inclusive and accessible event. Though its origins and current styles are a topic of academic debate, flamenco music and dance, continues to be a passionate demonstration of how multiple cultures have synthesized into a global language, which at times can manifest itself as duende. Duende, moments of soaring emotions, expressions and authenticity that cannot be explained. Perhaps it is the moment we as observers are part of a vicarious outpouring which manifests itself in the performer. We don’t understand the language but, we know & feel the passion and want to elevate ourselves as human beings. Flamenco performers and their use of song, dance, guitar & percussion will be included to better demonstrate the meaning and the multi-cultural elements of the art form and how it comes together to tell our collective story of human existence with its tales of sadness & struggle, love & joy, hope & celebration. A Flamenco performance will be included to better demonstrate the meaning of duende and to highlight the multi-cultural elements of the art form.
About Paula
Paula is the owner and operator of Carmens de la Calle Cafe where, for 17yrs, she has curated a weekly experience which includes a global perspective of both food and live music. A Chicago transplant, her past jobs as a wastewater chemist for AE Staley and food technologist and production manager for Kraft Foods, allowed her to join, the once San Antonio based, Pace Foods. As a former Director of Operations for this legendary salsa company, one of her biggest takeaways was that we have more things which connect us than divide us. If we’re willing to recognize our biases and reshape our thinking, great success is possible. She recently founded a non-profit, Peoplehood, to further unravel, acknowledge and promote the history of our cross-cultural connections.
- Website – http://www.carmensdelacalle.com/
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/carmensdelacallecafe/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carmensdelacalle/