FROM THE VAULT

Perspectivas with Cihtli Ocampo

Check out this episode of Perspectivas, our interview series that brings you unique insight into the world of established flamenco professionals. Cihtli Ocampo is a former Flamenco Vivo company dancer, Fulbright scholar, and co-founder of Arte y Pureza Flamenco Company. This spring, she toured with Flamenco Vivo as Assistant to the Director. She also recently completed her MFA in Dance at Hollins University––enhorabuena, Cihtli!

FIGURA FLAMENCA

Remembering Pepa Vargas

(1945-2022)

The flamenco world mourns the loss of a beloved singer, Pepa Vargas, who passed away last week at the age of 77 in her hometown of Sevilla. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Pepa was born in Lebrija, in 1945, to the famous Vargas flamenco family and married into another famous flamenco family, la familia Fernández. These renowned Gitano dynasties include her husband Curro Fernández, daughter Esperanza Fernández, sister Concha Vargas, nephew Ismael Fernández, and great nephew Ismael el Bola, among others.

Pepa’s life story was captured in the book Pepa Vargas, Memoria de una Mujer Flamenca. The story of Pepa Vargas is unique. A life linked to the home, motherhood, and familial duties but always with flamenco as its core. Pepa’s life shows a clear example that flamenco is much more than shows and tablaos, it is part of daily life in many families. The memoir reflects on the dreams of a girl born in Lebrija who, in love with flamenco, went from being a spectator and fan to making a major life change and dedicating herself to a career in flamenco. Pepa became an esteemed professional cantaora (singer) and made her voice heard in tablaos around the world.

Article written in Spanish.

PANDEMIC RECOVERY

Tablao Villa Rosa Reopens

Following what threatened to be a permanent closure due to the pandemic last year, Villa Rosa has recently reopened its doors! This historic venue, the oldest tablao in the world, announced that it will finally resume its daily performances and that its new artistic director is the esteemed bailaor and maestro Antonio Canales!

Article written in Spanish.

FUN FACT

FLAMENCO COSTUMES

Guess how long it takes a skilled artisan to make a hand-embroidered mantón (shawl)?

Hint: A long time…

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ANSWER:

Anywhere between 2-7 months! The making of mantones involves more than what meets the eye––first, the design must be hand-drawn, and then follows the meticulous process of embroidering the fabric by hand. You can read all about it by clicking below for a recent interview with artisan María José (pictured above) who represents the third generation in her family of embroiderers in Sevilla!

Article written in Spanish.