ARTICLE
The Ringling Presents International Flamenco Company Nov. 6-7 Casa Patas Flamenco: Raiz de 4 Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 ext 2803 Sarasota, Florida- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to welcome Casa Patas Flamenco: Raiz de 4 as part of the 2019-2020 Art of Performance series. Performances will be held Nov. 6 and 7 at 7: 30 p.m. in the Historic Asolo Theater. Created by and featuring dancers Rafael Peral and Marisa Adame and musicians, Raíz de 4 was born out of the admiration and esteem for the art of Flamenco by delving into its most primitive roots—origins which evoke the convergence of cultures and the folklore of Spain. The purest rhythms and dances of Flamenco, some of which are romances (ballads), martinetes, fandangos and soleares are brought into the forefront in a performance made up of a cast of distinguished artists. Song (cante), dance (baile), guitar (guitarra), and percussion (percusión) come brilliantly together onstage, while they convey a genuine love for this art form and take the audience on a simple and unswerving visceral and emotional journey. The Casa Patas Flamenco Foundation and Conservatory came into being in the year 2000 with the objective of becoming a center that brings together the activities related to the study, teaching and promotion of Flamenco: cante (song), toque (the guitar and other instruments), and baile (dance). One of the foundation’s chief goals is to disseminate this art form throughout Spain and the rest of the world. The Casa Patas Flamenco Foundation was selected by UNESCO in 2010, to be included on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which is comprised of cultural "practices and expressions that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance." The Casa Patas Foundation and Conservatory organizes performances, master classes, and intercultural activities in Spain and abroad. A large variety of artists grace the Casa Patas stage every week for totaling more than 300 performances in any given year. In addition, the Foundation regularly sponsors and coordinates performances at theaters, festivals and cultural centers throughout the world. Elizabeth Doud, The Ringling’s Currie-Kohlman Curator of Performance said, “We are very fortunate to be able to host a performance by these artists, especially with the international reputation that Casa Patas enjoys. This performance will be a treat for lovers of all forms of dance and performance. Avid followers of the form will be delighted by the virtuosity of the artists, whose work is solidly rooted in the finest Flamenco traditions.” Doud also encourages dancers and those who have an interest in the art form to attend the Masterclass with Rafael Peral and Marisa Adame and musicians of Raiz de 4. The class, held Nov. 4, 2019, at 2 p.m. will work on rhythmic and choreographic technique. Masterclasses take place in the Perret Performance Studio. Cost is $10 or $9 for members. Advance registration required as space is limited. Tickets and more information are available at ringling.org/events/casa-patas-flamenco-raiz-de-4 or by calling 941-360-7399.