60 years of formidable bailaores: Theatre Flamenco’s milestone flourish

Staccato footwork of the flamenco dancers punctuates the air as their sinuously sweeping arms intertwine. The piercing wail of the singer interlocks with the guitarist s fierce attack on the fretboard. How could anyone not fall in love with this visceral form of dance and music? And if you haven t already, now is your chance—Theatre Flamenco celebrates its 60th anniversary home season with De Ayer a Hoy / From Yesterday to Today on October 17 at the Herbst Theater. The troupe is the second oldest dance company in town after San Francisco Ballet, and it also has maintained a very high artistic standard due to three artistic directors who have continually sought to evolve the art form. From left, Cynthia Sanchez, Bianca Rodriguez, and Radha Svetnicka. Photo by Christine Fu Adela Clara founded the troupe in 1966 and was the artistic director until 1987 when Miguel Santos, who had danced and choreographed with the company from the very beginning, took over as the new director. In