Over the past several decades, the popularity of Flamenco has rapidly transcended the borders of its Andalucían birthplace and has become a truly global art form. "Zamani," derived from the Arabic root "Zaman," means all at once "past," "bygone," and "contemporary." It is in this sometimes paradoxical (and sometimes perhaps profound) spirit of ephemera and foundation that Zamani Flamenco taps both Andalucían tradition and cross cultural innovation to bring an energetic and living flamenco to contemporary audiences. Based in Seattle, WA, this ensemble of musicians and dancers has trained with Marcos and Rubina Carmona, of the Pacific Northwest’s beloved Carmona Flamenco.
A lifelong dancer, Zanbaka (whose sobriquet comes from an Arabic word meaning "white flower") began studying Flamenco in 2000 with her primary instructor, Rubina Carmona. In 2001, she was invited to join La Peña Flamenca de Seattle, which is comprised of the advanced students of Marcos and Rubina Carmona. In addition to Zanbaka's dedication to La Peña for the past six years, she's had the opportunity to study with Oscar Nieto, Kasandra Lea, Maria “Cha Cha” Bermudez, and Timo Lozano through workshops and recently completed a weeklong course with Antonio El Pipa at the 2007 Festival de Jerez in Spain. Besides her passion for Flamenco, she is also a performer, choreographer, and instructor of Middle Eastern dance.
Although he has been playing guitar for longer than he cares to admit, Andy's passion for flamenco began with a tour through Anadalucía in 2001. Since then he has studied and played with musicians in Jerez, Granada, Paris, and in his hometown Seattle. Most recently he has been a student of Marcos Carmona and has had the fortunate opportunity to play for Rubina Carmona's flamenco dance classes and La Peña Flamenca de Seattle.
A long time interest in Spanish art and culture combined with a background in competitive figure skating was the foundation for Daniela's initial enthusiasm for flamenco. This has lead to a dedicated study and appreciation for all aspects of the art. She has studied with Rubina Carmona since 2001 and began performing with La Peña Flamenca de Seattle in 2002. Other influential teachers in the U.S and Spain have been: Oscar Nieto, Maria Bermudez, Marisol Moreno, Antonio El Pipa and Belén Cabanes. She has also performed with La Jarana and appeared at Seattle's Folklife Festival in 2007 with Carmona Flamenco.
Julianna has been dancing in the Seattle area for over 20 years. In her studies at Cornish College of the Arts, Julianna gained a diverse experience of dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and folk dance. Julianna has had the opportunity to bring the art of flamenco into the classroom, performing and teaching in local high schools including Lakeside School and Renton High School. Performances include La Peña Flamenca de Seattle bi-annual concerts (from 2000 to the present), featured performer with the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra (2007), the International Folklife Festival, DameFest, as guest artist at Bellevue Community College, the Seattle Art Museum's "Spain in the Age of Exploration" exhibit, Crossroads Cultural Festivals, Hurrican Katrina benefit concert, the PONCHO auction, and at a variety of private functions. The complexity, expression, and cultural history of flamenco are what motivates Julianna to expand her performing lexicon, seeking to share the richness and depth of the flamecno artform.
Stephanie is a longtime vocal student of Rubina Carmona and has been an active flamenco cantaora in the Seattle area for several years. In addition to having sung with Zamani Flamenco, Stephanie has performed regularly with La Peña Flamenca de Seattle. Stephanie's previous projects include Cafe Cantante and Flamenco Verde.
© 2007 Zamani Flamenco; all rights reserved.
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