EVOLUCIÓN

Flamenco Certamen USA

The only event of its kind in the U.S., the Flamenco Certamen provides a spotlight for emerging talent while fostering the continued development and expansion of the flamenco art form. Participants showcase their work in performance and have the opportunity to win scholarships to study in Madrid, Spain, among other prizes. The Flamenco Certamen supports rising flamenco artists in their ongoing evolution by providing one-on-one mentorship from international flamenco professionals, workshops, and exposure to a network of global flamenco artists.

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Each year Finalists are chosen to compete in 2 categories: Tablao and Estudio. Up to 5 Finalists will be chosen in each category based on their ability to prepare and perform a solo accompanied by live music at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the NYPL for the Performing Arts in New York City on Friday, October 14, 2022. Leading up to the final performance, Finalists participate in a week-long residency intensive with live musicians, solo studio time and daily sessions with mentors from the professional flamenco community.

At the final competition, Finalists will be evaluated in their category on their performance by a panel of professional artists and awards will be presented at the end of the evening.

ESTUDIO LEVEL

Rising artists at an intermediate stage in their flamenco trajectory who demonstrate a serious commitment to their artistic study, solid technique and the ability to perform a solo with live music. Eligible applicants will have performance experience within the flamenco art form that may include student performances and/or apprenticeship with established artists in a tablao setting. Estudio Level participants have a clear understanding of the flamenco art form including the palos and their structures, exhibit solid flamenco technique (proper form, understanding of and attention to compás, etc.), as well as some experience working with live music in both a studio and live performance capacity.

TABLAO LEVEL

Artists at an advanced stage in their flamenco trajectory. Applicants will demonstrate a solid commitment to advanced study and ongoing artistic development as well as provide an established history of performance experience with live music in both theatrical and tablao settings (group and solo work). Tablao level participants exhibit a well-rounded understanding of flamenco, its palos and structure, demonstrate competence in flamenco technique and form, command of the compás, as well as emerging artistry and presence. Eligible applicants may be actively performing professionally within their respective communities.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Flamenco Certamen USA

Friday, October 15, 2021

Join us live for the Flamenco Certamen FINALS where 8 artists from across the U.S. will compete for cash and other prizes. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!

Bruno Walter Auditorium NYPL for the Performing Arts

111 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY

October 15 (In-Person)

BUY TICKETS

Friday, October 15
7:00 PM

General Admission: $35

October 15 (Virtual)

BUY TICKETS

Friday, October 15
7:00 PM

Virtual Viewing Pass: $25

APPLICATION PROCESS

APPLICANT CRITERIA

Applicants are prepared to workshop and perform a level-appropriate solo with live music.
Tablao bailes are no more than 6 minutes maximum. Estudio bailes are no more than 5 minutes maximum.
This competition exhibits artists in the tablao format, in a solo capacity. Group choreographies, student ensembles, and dance clubs are not eligible at this time.
Flamenco Vivo acknowledges that each artist’s experience is different. There is no industry-wide criteria established to clearly classify what “professional” is in direct relation to the flamenco community.
For the purposes of this competition, you may apply if you:
- Are a flamenco dancer who wants to push the boundaries of your current level and experience exponential growth in a short period of time.
- Are a flamenco dancer who feels that the Certamen offerings (mentorship, working with live music, preparing for a performance, etc.) would benefit you.
- Are a self-classified professional flamenco artist who identifies significant gaps in your training or experience.

Applications will be accepted from anywhere in the world.
Former Flamenco Certamen USA winners in the Tablao category are not eligible to apply for or participate in subsequent Certamen events.
Former Flamenco Certamen USA winners in the Estudio category may apply again to be considered in the Tablao category.
Previous applicants who have not been selected as a Finalist are encouraged to reapply.
Applicants who are not chosen as Finalists may be encouraged to engage with another Evolución program.

* The Pre-Selection jury reserves the right to determine eligibility and the category in which you may participate.

For further clarification on any of the criteria, please refer to the Certamen FAQ’s. If you still have questions, reach out to: Leslie Roybal at leslieroybal@flamenco-vivo.org

FINALIST SELECTION PROCESS

Up to five (5) Finalists will be chosen in each category from the application pool based upon an evaluation of the submitted materials. The Initial Jury, composed of a select group of established flamenco professionals, will determine in the category the applicant may compete and will consider the following:

The environment in which the applicant works/studies
level of experience, training history and performance resume
video submission, biography and personal statement
The Applicant Criteria

The Initial Jury will score eligible applicants on a scale from 1 – 5 (poor – excellent) based on the following:

technical proficiency
artistry
presence
musicality
overall performance

Detailed information about the initial selection process can be found HERE.

All Finalists will be notified of their selection the week of August 12, 2022.

*A $250 participation fee is required upon Finalist confirmation. Subsidies and payment plans are available.

Selected Finalists must be available from Saturday, October 8th through Friday, October 14th, 2022 to participate in all of the following required Certamen events. Optional feedback sessions take place Saturday, October 15th.

October 8 – 13: One week residency at Lake Placid Arts Center in Lake Placid, NY. *For more information about this residency please see FAQs.
October 14, 7:00pm: Final Performance and Judging at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the NYPL for the Performing Arts.
October 16: Optional Feedback Sessions with Mentors and select Jurors.

Full residency and Event details will be included in the Finalist Packet to be dispersed upon selection.

Awards

Awards will be announced on Friday, October 14 , 2022.

Winner at each level

Tablao: $1,000
Estudio: $500

Scholarships to study with our partners include but are not limited to:

Premio Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco: Special invitation to workshops with esteemed flamenco artists and open attendance to the Madrid Certamen competition, live in Madrid, Spain.
Premios Patrocinador: One week of study with one of the Certamen Prize Sponsors in Spain.

2021 Past Prize Sponsors:

Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco
Festival de Jerez
Flamenco Danza Estudio | Úrsula y Tamara López

Applications for the 2022 program year are now open!

Submission deadline: 11:59 pm EDT, June 10, 2022

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UPCOMING PERFORMANCES