FLAMENCO'S powerful yet graceful expressiveness comes to Harrow next month, when modern Flamenco group El Aire (Spanish for 'the feeling'), comprising dancer Samantha Quy and singer Fernando Pellon, perform at Harrow Arts Centre on September 27.
The music comes from the southern Spanish region of Andalusia and combines 'cante' (song), 'baile' (dance) and 'guitarra' (guitar playing).
You can experience the spectacle from tables while enjoying traditional tapas and sangria.
Amir Akbari, founder of El Aire, said: "It's a project of Flamenco combined with classic Persian and Indian music; its roots.
"The Moors held Spain for 500 years and influenced its culture. Many scholars and musicians came to Andalusia at that time and were important in Flamenco's development."
El Aire's show features an array of five- and six-minute songs, all of which are original compositions. Many are accompanied by Samantha's intense yet flamboyant steps and some by Fernando's veteran voice.
"The flamenco dance is completely varied from one piece to the next. There's different styles; it's not like samba or salsa, with the same steps," said Amir, 35, from Ealing.
"Flamenco is the general word for music from Andalusia and each town in Andalusia has its own different style.
"The whole of Flamenco is is based on 'Flamenco is life'. We're not allowed, as part of the Flamenco community, to talk about disease, or illness or anything sad.
"Everything is happy."
El Aire Flamenco performs in the Elliott Hall at Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 27. Tickets cost £25, which includes tapas and sangria - order via the box office on 020 8416 8989.
