Aurora Reyes: Keeping the Flamenco Flame Alive
In this insightful interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Aurora Reyes, a renowned flamenco dancer and dedicated teacher whose artistry is deeply rooted in her Spanish heritage. With decades of experience on stage and in the studio, Aurora opens up about her rewarding experiences in nurturing young talents, staying connected with her heritage, and her lifelong dedication to flamenco. Discover her inspirations, commitment to her craft, and the unique ways she connects with her Spanish roots through the art of flamenco.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing projects come together through rehearsal, practice and imagining. Another reward is helping young and emerging dancers meet their goals and gain confidence in their ability to perform and communicate through flamenco dance.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
I am a second generation Spanish American. My parents were born in the US, but their parents were born in Spain; Valencia and Coruña. I did not grow up speaking Spanish because my father's mother died when he was 4, so he lost Spanish speaking skills. My mother's family still spoke Spanish but less and less as the years progressed. So my first trip to Spain staying with family and studying flamenco at age 22 explained a lot of things about my upbringing that I had taken for granted. Why was my house and decor in a Spanish architectural style? Why was wine served at every dinner? Why did my family enjoy dishes like Empanadas de Bacalao, Tortilla Española? So many things I learned in Spain had a strong resonance for me, the food, the people, the way they converse, the way they party, the way people are so strongly family-oriented
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
Where can I study Flamenco?
What are you committed to doing no matter what happens?:
I am committed to performing and teaching as long as possible. Flamenco allows for that. You don't have to be a particular classic dancer body type, you don't have to be young. You have to have a strong foundation in flamenco technique and have to be able to transmit emotion and rhythm. As a veteran flamenco dancer, I have a lot to teach flamenco students and can give them opportunities to perform as they perfect their art and knowledge.
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
At home listening to Flamenco music on Spotify.
If you were to meet 10 year old you, what would you say to them?:
Take dance classes! You've got talent!
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
I allow myself to rest. I listen to my body. I find that a good night's sleep heals a lot of ills.
Same goes for imposter syndrome. How do you combat those feelings (if any)?:
I feel validated by my experiences in Spain with Spanish flamenco artists, and my experience with American flamenco artists. We are a strong supportive community.
How do you stay connected to your culture, heritage, and community?:
Staying connected to my cultural heritage and community is so important. I do it by posting all of Flamenco Latino's events on social media, having conversations with fellow artists (of all dance and music styes) staying in touch with friends and relatives in Spain, listening to flamenco music and going to flamenco shows in NYC, and finally my husband Basilio and I are planning a long awaited trip to Spain in 2025.
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now?:
I think she would be impressed with what Basilio and I have accomplished. We make our living from out art. As an 18 year old, I recognized my artistic leanings in theatre, music and dance but struggled to find supportive education and career path towards my artistic goals.
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
I am proud of being able to support emerging flamenco artists in their journey, proud of being able to provide training in important components of flamenco like providing palmas (handclapping support), historical context of dances within flamenco repertoire, and real-time opportunities to perform. Basilio and I committed ourselves to flamenco and Flamenco Latino 45 years ago and are even more committed now!
Drink 🫖
What is Aurora’s go-to drink?
At home it's Bustelo
Listening To 🎧
What is Aurora listening to at the moment?
Antonio de la Malena, from Jerez de la Frontera, his latest album Yo Soy Asi, Asi Soy Yo
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Aurora’s truth?
I remember the moment in Spain back in 1977 when I realized I was in Flamenco for the long haul. I asked Tomas de Madrid, a prominent flamenco dancer and teacher to watch him giving a private class to a student. The dance he taught was a Farruca, usually performed by male dancers and which is a display of footwork aligned to guitar. The teaching was meticulous, paying attention to every detail of how to comport one's self as a male flamenco dancer. I saw how much work went into this dance and the complete trust between student and teacher. At the end of the hour I thanked Tomas de Madrid through tears, because I came to the realization of how much work and dedication to technique lay ahead of me before I could become a real flamenco dancer. I was scared, but committed!
Your Plug 🔌
What is Aurora plugging today?
Flamenco Latino is thrilled to announce its 2024 Más Allá Series, which runs from Wednesday, July 24 to Saturday, August 24, 2024. The annual Más Allá (“Way Beyond”) Series, which has been a part of Flamenco Latino since 2015, represents the company’s most creative, innovative offering within the world of Flamenco dance and music. For more info, visit https://www.flamencolatino.com/.
This year’s series centers on the tongue in cheek notion that “We’ve Been Here Before,” a direct response to the rise of authoritarian ideas in United States, told through lyrics both sung and rapped, and above all, through movement. The 2024 Más Allá Series features guest artists Omar Edwards, tap and Paige “Queen TuT”Stewart, hip-hop, who each compliment Flamenco Latino’s creative mission and style. The Más Allá Series continues to produce innovative flamenco with salsa, jazz, blues and hip-hop flavors.
More about Aurora Reyes
Aurora Reyes, Director, Founder/Flamenco Latino is a highly esteemed dancer, choreographer and teacher in both the Flamenco communities of Spain and New York. Her abilities as both a dancer and singer, and willingness to experiment in collaboration with Basilio Georges has produced new forms of heelwork which authentically replicate the rhythms played in Latin music by the congas, bongos and timbales. Most of the current repertoire of Flamenco Latino has been choreographed by Ms. Reyes.
Aurora has been dancing flamenco for 40+ years and was drawn to flamenco through her Spanish descent, which also inspired her to sing flamenco. She initially studied in Spain with Mercedes and Albano, La Tati, Ciro, Maria Magdalena, and Manolo Marin, and began working in NY with Luis Vargas, Diego Castellon and Paco Montes in the old 14th St. Spanish club district. After studying with Estrella Moreno, she worked with her at the Chateau Madrid, and later toured with Jose Molina Bailes Españoles. During 1985-1986, La Tati facilitated a position for her at La Corral de la Pacheca in Madrid. Upon her return to NY, she worked in the companies of Carlota Santana and Andrea del Conte.
Aurora has created new original works for Queensboro Dance Festival (QDF) for 6 years 2018 to 2023, and will be touring a 7th time with Bulerias Blastoff in the 2024 summer tour. All of Flamenco Latino’s work for QDF has included original music for the dance composed and recorded by Basilio Georges. Pieces include: Sevillanas AfroCubanas, 2018; Tangos/Bulerias 2019; Hand me Down my Walking Cane, World Premiere 2020 Pena/Alegria, (World Premiere) 2021, The Fandango Continuum (World Premiere) 2022; We Ain’t Doin Nothin New 2023. She currently teaches flamenco group classes at Creative Cultural Center/St Veronica Catholic Church in West Village in NYC 2016 to present and at 2ndStory Pilates & Yoga Studio in Jackson Hts, 2021-present. She teaches flamenco to Seniors at South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS)in Flushing as part of SU-CASA program in 2019 and has been directly hired by SACSS for once a month flamenco classes 2023 to present.
Flamenco Latino 2024 Mas Alla at Secret Theatre Fri Aug 23 Eventbrite
Flamenco Latino Mas Alla 2024 at The Secret Theatre Sat Aug 24 Eventbrite
Panel Discussion at Secret Theatre Wed Aug 15 FREE Eventbrite