Stir Cheat Sheet: 6 things to know about Kasandra Flamenco’s ROJO Y SOMBRA (Red and Shadows)

Red silk fabric is woven into Kasandra “La China”’s blend of contemporary and flamenco dance

By gail johnson

Kasandra Flamenco. ROJO Y SOMBRA.

The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts presents Kasandra Flamenco’s ROJO Y SOMBRA (Red and Shadows) on May 26 and 27 at 8 pm at the Studio Theatre

KASANDRA FLAMENCO IS known for taking its namesake artform to new heights, whether combining it with Irish, tap, and Egyptian belly dance (2016’s Encuentro) or fusing it with Cuban rumba (2023’s Rumba Rumble!). Now, the company headed by Kasandra “La China” is going in yet another new, multilayered direction. ROJO Y SOMBRA (Red and Shadows) is a mash-up of fiery flamenco and contemporary dance, the forms connected by a huge, billowing swath of red-silk aerial fabric.

Joining Kasandra on-stage are Alvin Tolentino and Andreana Karogiannis. The work features live music by Cuban-born composer-guitarist Josue Otero Tacoronte. Here’s all you need to know about the show that’s sure to sizzle.

#1

ROJO Y SOMBRA (Red and Shadows) explores the energies of the root chakra. Chakra means “wheel of energy”. There are seven main chakras situated along the spine, from the bottom of the spinal cord to the crown of the head. The root is said to reside at the base of the spine and to represent feelings related to safety, security, primal animal self, physical embodiment on Earth, and connection to our ancestors. Kasandra “La China” notes that the show is frequency-attuned to line up with the energetic chakra system.

Kasandra “La China”.

#2

The red silk fabric spans the stage, undulating and spinning in circles and infinity symbols to mirror the way the show spirals into emotional complexity in its look at ego, fear, passion, and primal instincts. Sometimes the cloth is soft and gently flowing; at other times, it’s stretchy and violent. The extremes represent yin and yang, ebb and flow, and the balance of feminine and masculine energies.

#3

Kasandra “La China” is one of Canada’s leading flamenco artists. Having first trained under Oscar Nieto, she joined him in 2002 to form Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy and the professional company Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre. Kasandra is the prima bailaora and choreographer for the latter, while also pursuing her solo career with Kasandra Flamenco Ensemble. She has performed at Vancouver International Dance Festival and Victoria Flamenco Festival; with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra; and with international artists such as Maria Bermudez, Ivan Vargas, Jose Manuel Alvarez, Joel Hanna, and more. She has travelled to Spain numerous times since 1998 to expand her understanding of and skill in flamenco.

Alvin Erasga Tolentino.

#4

Alvin Tolentino is the Manila-born founder of Co.ERASGA, a contemporary dance company that explores subjects such as identity, gender, migration, and cross-cultural issues through the artist’s fluid, unpredictable, and sensual movement. A prolific choreographer and performer, he has trained with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, York University, SUNY Purchase, and Limon Institute and collaborates with local, national, and international artists. Tolentino has earned the Vancouver Mayor’s Arts Award for Dance and the ExploreAsian-Pan Asian Award for contribution in the arts and multiculturalism.

Andreana Karogiannis

#5

Andreana Karogiannis is a first-generation Canadian of mixed European ancestry who began studying dance in her youth, first exploring her Scottish-English heritage through intense training in ballet and highland dance. After completing advanced exams in both forms, she went on to study at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and National Ballet School. From there, she added tap, jazz, and contemporary to her dance training and attended Goh Ballet’s pre-professional program, where she took her first flamenco class. She has performed with University of Calgary’s dance program, Alberta’s La Caravan Dance Theatre, Josh Beamish/ MOVETHECOMPANY, Mozaico Flamenco and at Latincouver Carnaval, Latin American Heritage Month, Lumiere Festival, and the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival. She considers Kasandra “La China” her mentor.

#6

Josue Otero Tacoronte is a flamenco guitarist, composer, and musical arranger originally from Havana, Cuba. He began his musical studies at age six and trained in classical piano and guitar before later discovering  Spanish flamenco guitar, studying with masters like Antonio Rodriguez, Pedro Sierra, Paco Jarana, and Jesus Torres. He has studied flamenco guitar with many maestros including, José Luís Rodriguez, Eduardo Rebollar, Pedro Sanchez and Antonio Rey and worked for the Spanish Ballet of Cuba, Havana’s Aires Flamenco Company, and Mexico Flamenco, among other organizations. Tacoronte also researches, arranges, performs, and records the Cuban guitar repertoire. He has recorded several albums, including Josué Tacoronte y Skpao, Mexico Flamenco, and Brouwer Flamenco. Touring regularly across Cuba, Spain, Argentina, USA, Switzerland, Austria, Morocco, France, Dominican Republic, Peru, Mexico, and now Canada, he brings shows to life with classical, flamenco and contemporary guitar as well as electronic soundscapes and percussion.

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