Photo Credit: Sari Makki
Celebrated by the artists of Jerez de la Frontera as an Ambassador of Gypsy culture, critically acclaimed director, choreographer, and lead dancer, Maria Bermudez brings her internationally successful Sonidos Gitanos (Gypsy Sounds), a thunderous evening of flamenco music and dance, back to Los Angeles for two nights only at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood on November 18 and 19. Featuring master musicians from her adopted home, the “birthplace of Flamenco,” Sonidos Gitanos has presented California audiences unique opportunities since 1995 to experience Flamenco in its most authentic form, laced with spontaneity, improvisation and highlighting the most accomplished dancers Spain offers with distinctive and ever-evolving performances.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bermudez who invokes the traditions she knows intimately from her earliest days of study under some of Spain’s most cherished dancers and through a ConVivencia – the sense of Community or “a life lived,” seeks to strengthen the connection between the Andalusian elders and her Southern California communities.
Bermudez was driven to learn from the legendary gypsy artists with whom she has professionally collaborated with for more than two decades – one of very few foreigners to do so. Bermudez is highly recognized for her extraordinary loyalty to the art form and furthering its worldwide reach. In a spirit of coming full circle, this show celebrates the arc of Bermudez’ formidable professional career, as well as the path ahead of aspiring young artists. Maria’s journey was the inspiration for the award-winning documentary “Streets of Flamenco.”
El Portal Theatre is located at 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood. For more information and tickets please visit www.elportaltheatre.com or call (818) 508-4200.
