Omayra Amaya : A Legacy of Flamenco

"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest Omayra Amaya In this episode of Dance Talk, host Joanne Carey speaks with Omayra Amaya, the artistic director of the Flamenco Dance Company. They explore Omayra's rich background in flamenco, her family's legacy, and the cultural roots of flamenco dance. Omayra shares her journey from childhood performances to founding her own dance company, emphasizing the emotional and expressive nature of flamenco. The conversation also highlights the importance of live performances and the connection between dancers and audiences. Omayra discusses her upcoming performance and the influence of gypsy culture on flamenco, providing insights into the artistry and passion behind this vibrant dance form. Omayra Amaya is modern flamenco dancer and choreographer deeply rooted in proud gypsy tradition. The daughter of flamenco dancers Olga and Curro Amaya and grandniece of the legendary Carmen Amaya, Omayra brings new relevance to flamenco while never losing sight of her legacy. Omayra first appeared on stage with her parents’ company as a 3-year-old and often interrupted their performances. Her first choreographed role came at age 12, when she performed as her father’s partner. Since then, she has developed a style that is both elegant and emotional, and her powerful performances and impeccable technique have won her fans all over the world. Omayra and her company have performed at Lincoln Center and the Players Theater in New York City; flamenco festivals in Madrid, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles; the Shanghai Theater Center in Shanghai and the Guo Tai Theater in ChongQin, China; and in a critically acclaimed nine-month residency at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Omayra has also appeared on film: She was the subject of “Gypsy Heart,” a documentary by Jocelyn Ajami, and performed with Steve Martin in “The Pink Panther II.” The Omayra Amaya Flamenco Dance Company, based in Miami, Florida, performs all over the world under the artistic direction of Omayra Amaya. Founded in 1994, the company is grounded in flamenco’s centuries-old rhythms, traditional structure and deep emotions, yet also stretches to embrace world music and Jazz, innovative staging and modern movement. Critics have hailed Omayra Amaya’s choreography as “mesmerizing,” “intense,” and “stylish” and described the company’s world-class dancers, singers, and musicians as having “a knock-your-socks-off synergy.” https://www.omayraamaya.com/ Upcoming Performances: https://www.omayraamaya.com/performances/ “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey wherever you listen to your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Joanne on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance  Tune in. Follow. Like us. And Share.  Please leave us review about our podcast!  “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey "Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."