Flamenco is a language | Alice Blumenfeld | TEDxFulbrightSantaMonica

Based in New York City, Alice Blumenfeld's powerful performances onstage, and her scholarly work offstage, make her a preeminent force in the American flamenco dance scene. Soon to hold an MFA in dance from Hollins University's low residency program (will graduate in 2017), she continues to push her artistic development forward. At TEDxFulbright she performed with musician Gabriel Osuna.

Blumenfeld currently tours with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, along with creating her own work, featured most recently at The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts’ Millennium Stage (June 2014)

Alice Blumenfeld's powerful performance onstage, and her scholarly work offstage, make her a preeminent force in the American flamenco dance scene. According to Thinking Dance: "[Blumenfeld has] a fierce presence (her movements seem to arise from several feet beneath the ground) ..."

[DynamicVibeCraft]

I couldn’t believe I would join a flamenco club and perform flamenco songs to audiences. But the truth is I love every minute of it

[martin]

what a kind, candid and clear way of explaining the beauty art of flamenco to non-flamenco audience! Ole, ole y ole!

[kulitputihhatiputih]

I have learnt flamenco since 2008. When I was a student of classical guitar. I can't lie flamenco it's more absorbed in my soul than classical music.

[steverlfs]

I am a retired man who decided to study flamenco guitar. The more I learn about flamenco, I see that it is a Chinese puzzle of wonders, with one thing leading to another through incredible passion and beauty. It is indeed a language!

[WM]

She communicates well the passion of flamenco and also the technical cues that dancers and musicians use to meet each other in their own frequency, and swim together!

[charlessmith]

I have autism, and because of the high creative improvisation scale flamenco dance provides, I was self-taught in it and I try to flamenco dance, emulating some of the great flamenco artists out there. Moreover - since I also have music training - long experience of composition, I was able to compose at least several original flamenco songs myself, even though I never had grown up in the area of Andalucia - the place where they say that flamenco started. I also know that there is also an Romany-gypsy side to the history of flamenco too - nomads who were kicked out of certain regions and forced to move someplace else several times but expressed their oppressions with guitars, singing, tapping, clapping (or "palmas") and arm movements that flamenco dance has today.

[vivianbouet]

I feel like I knew nothing about this beautiful and expressive dance and now...want to learn so much more!

[mathieulanglois]

That Gabriel Osuna doing the cante and awesome guitar accompaniment of the baile at the same time is really impressive! She's quite the dancer as well! OLE!

[kaushikroy]

Few days ago I got to know about the history of roma people, there was mentioned flamenco dance is from this group of people who actually migrated from India. Now it seems quite true as she mentioned improvisation like jazz(but I think deliberately ignored Indian classical music or dance), it has emotive qualities too. If anyone has any other information, feel free to put light on it.

[kbkesq]

Not many can sing and play flamenco guitar. Great performance by both. Olé!

[NEFFIBLE]

When one's body language can ACTUALLY "spell" out the word, a perfect dance will be achieved within graceful calligraphy portrayed by The Artist. ☝️😇🤚

[lawcch]

flamenco is a form of art combination of singers, dancers, percussionists, and guitarist. Just like a mini/ small orchestra.

[luciamoir]

great way to show what flamenco is...thank

[evabradley]

A wonderful presentation, very valuable as I pursue my Flamenco journey.

[astridrodriguez]

Wow! I Just Started Flamenco Classes And I’m Seeing This, I Hope This Is Me In The Future!

[Effimeraspesso]

Olé!

This is hands down the best description to Flamenco! 👏🏼

[piehound]

Having an appreciation for all kinds of music, all kinds of visual arts, and all kinds of dance . . . i already knew that flamenco is a type of communication . . . as all art forms are. But this day i learned the specific term " *subida* " which (i'm told) means "going up" or "increase the tempo." Jolly good show. I LUV to learn new stuff.

[tanjagittasattler]

Fantastische Tänzerin, wunderschöne Bewegungen, charmant, kreativ und exakt auf den Punkt, ebenso tolle Fußarbeit, perfekt! Oléééé!

[kristinahahn]

Thank you, Alice, for sharing your #fightsworthfighting on the TEDxFulbright stage!

[SassafrasTee]

Every time I see flamenco dancers, I wanna join them.