¡ARTE! Flamenco explores and celebrates the transformation of the art of flamenco through various elements (poetry, passion, and pain). Their performances brings together a range of artists, musicians, poets, and dancers ...pushing the boundaries of their fields using the art of flamenco. Glancing at the future exploring the impact of contemporary music, poetic culture, dance communities and the creative possibilities offered by the art of flamenco including augmented traditional music and contemporary flamenco dance. 

Music Director, guitarist extraordinaire, and internationally-renowned flamenco guitarist Ricardo Diaz takes the musical reins of ¡ARTE! Flamenco. He is a sought-after performer for many reasons, but his ability to create and improvise is incomparable. Celebrated and esteemed flamenco companies from all over the world like Andres Marin, Pastora Galvan and Alejandro Granados and prominent companies such as Teatro Flamenco of San Francisco, Yjastro Dance Company of Albuquerque, NM and Flamenco Sur of France have commissioned his work for performances. 

Celedonio Garrido is a true cantaor singer of flamenco, whose passion, strength and vitality on stage have seduced not only critics in this field but also the most demanding audience. Born and raised in Huelva, Spain, Celedonio has flamenco in his blood thanks to his cantaor grandfather who was known for his command of the Fandango de Huelva in his town. Having toured internationally and even performed in the infamous Seville Bienal Flamenco, Celedonio is sure to inspire you, move you to tears and to send shivers up your spine. 

 

¡ARTE! Flamenco is headed up by dancer Miguel Infante, who was the principle dancer for the world famous Juan Martín Flamenco Dance Ensemble 2011-2012. He has toured all over Europe and North America as a soloist dancer with the legendary guitarist Juan Martin. Hailing from Malaga, Spain, Miguel is a festero to the core, part percussionist, part singer, part dancer and all artist, integrated and inseperable. Miguel is spontaneous and full of charisma, communicating passion through his music and dance wherever he finds himself, be it at a local bar, in the kitchen, at a private party or on stage. 

Kari Alba, “La Aceitunita", has been living and breathing the art of Flamenco for many years. She has performed with many high profile artists such as world renowned flamenco guitarist Juan Martin in 2011. In 2013 she was invited to perform her production "Flamenkura" at the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival. Alba has spent a total of 4 years in Sevilla, the hotbed of Flamenco in Spain, mentoring with some of the best dancers as well as attending the Teachers' Specialization Course at La Fundación Cristina Heeren; she returns regularly to hone her skills with many of the most prominent flamencos (Eva La Yerbabuena, Farruquito and Pastora Galvan) of Spain. In 2000, Alba founded Alma Flamenca Performances and Instruction which is responsible for bringing International and Spanish artists (such as Manuel Gutierrez, Jose Vega, Celedonio Garrido, Jesús Muñoz and Ricardo Diaz) to Canada to train and perform with Alma Flamenca members. Their most recent professional production was in March 2014 called "Flamenco Chill" at the Roxy was given rave reviews by critics in Saskatoon and then the show was sold-out in Calgary. In 2014 and 2006, Alba took several of her dancers on the “Canada Meets Spain” trip, in which students had the opportunity to experience and learn Flamenco in the heart of Andalucia, Spain.

¡ARTE! Flamenco full ensemble includes: guitarist Ricardo Diaz, cantaor singer Celedonio Garrido,dancer/palmistas percussionist Kari Alba, dancer/palmistas percussionist Miguel Infante, dancer/percussionistNatashia Gagnon, cajon percussionist Jose Antonio Fuenzalida and violinist Kirstan Couture

¡ARTE! Flamenco cuadro ensemble includes: guitarist Ricardo Diaz, cantaor singer Celedonio Garrido,dancer/palmistas percussionist Kari Alba, dancer/palmistas percussionist Miguel Infante

¡ARTE! Flamenco trio ensemble includes: guitarist Ricardo Diaz, cantaor singer Celedonio Garrido,dancer/palmistas percussionist Kari Alba