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Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Active Life Fitness & Instruction Dance Studios Performing Arts, Dance Studios [Edit]
401 Richmond Street WestSuite B104
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
(416) 595-5753
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 1 pm - 9 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
One review for Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company
1 review in English
-
Review from Denise S.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Esmeralda is really an incredible woman who is largely responsible for building a flamenco community in Toronto. Her company and school are well-established (they have been around 20 years!!) and committed to excellence and authenticity.
The Company: the Esmeralda Enrique Dance Company performs in various venues, but I always enjoy their fall performances at the Fleck Dance Theatre the most. You can also catch them at various cultural festivals. She often brings guest artists from Spain that are incredible. You don't have to know a lot about flamenco. Just GO. You will be blown away. Also, I love that many of the dancers are middle-aged and still super-fierce on the dancefloor!
The School: located in the basement of the 401 Richmond Building, the studio itself is pretty small. There is the main room and in the back, a tiny studio for the beginner classes. The change room is pretty basic; you can rent a locker if you dance there a lot. The washroom is outside the studio, down the hall.
They offer quite a few classes for all levels, divided into spring/summer/fall/winter terms. I tried the intro to flamenco I and loved it. The two teachers, Larisa and Sonia are both excellent, though their teaching styles are quite different. Larisa's classes are more 'dance-y' and seem to move a bit faster. Sonia focuses more on technique and will give you great feedback and corrections. For the intro classes, they try to not just teach the steps but educate students about the history of flamenco itself. Classes are pretty small, less than 10 people. For more advanced dancers, there are different classes, many with a live guitarist (e.g. bullerias, bata de cola).
Etc.: Lots of people here speak Spanish, but classes are taught in English. If you need flamenco shoes, the best thing is to buy them from Esmeralda. She gets authentic shoes from Spain and they are wonderful. Much better than what you can find at the regular dance stores like Malabar. You can pay for classes by the term or buy a 'card' of 10 hours. Prices are pretty reasonable; it works out to about $12-15 per class.
The Verdict: if you've ever wanted to try flamenco, this is a wonderful and welcoming place to do it! The environment is very welcoming and the teachers and other dancers are inspiring.Listed in: Dance Dance Revolution
Specialties
This award winning flamenco company was founded in 1982 under the artistic direction of Esmeralda Enrique. Dedicated and driven, the talented musicians, singers and expressive, powerful dancers perform finely wrought pieces that hold in perfect balance tradition and classicism with a modern, contemporary aesthetic. Passionate and driven, the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company continues to enthrall audiences with its commitment to imaginative choreography and artistic excellence.
Academy of Spanish Dance, the company's affiliate school, has been in operation since 1982. A sound training in flamenco, classical Spanish and regional dance is offered to all students whether they take class for recreation, to gain grace and poise or with hope of pursuing a professional career. Working closely with dedicated teachers, our students are stimulated and challenged in a positive atmosphere. The satisfaction that comes with achievement benefits many other aspects of their lives.
History
Established in 1982
EESDC has been presenting an annual Toronto Season since 1990 and is recognized internationally for the outstanding quality of its yearly productions, receiving numerous Dora Mavor Moore nominations and awards. Over the years, the company has invited some of the top dancers, singers and guitarists in the flamenco world, including Juan Ogalla, Ramón Martínez, José Anillo, Encarna Anillo, José Valle "Chuscales," and Oscar Lago. The Company maintains a busy performance schedule and is available for touring locally, nationally and internationally as well as private functions.
The Academy of Spanish Dance is recognized both in Canada and aboard as a centre for superior training in flamenco. ASD maintains a standard of excellence in teaching that is rewarding and enriching. Over the years, the ASD has invited many of Spain's top dancers to give workshops, such as Pilar Ogalla, Belén Maya, Úrsula López, Isabel Bayón, Manolete and Andrés Marín.
Meet the Business Owner: Esmeralda E.
One of the most celebrated Flamenco dance artists in Canada, Esmeralda studied dance as a child and was working professionally by the age of 14 as a member of the company of Luisa Triana and the prominent company of José Greco. She perfected her art under the watchful eyes of Spain's greatest masters and performed in some of the world's most prestigious theatres. Her vision and passionate commitment to flamenco have earned her acclaim across Canada as a teacher, performer, and artistic director. Esmeralda has received numerous awards including the Guía Hispana's Raíces Hispanas Award in 2003, and was named one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2008. Ms. Enrique has been honoured with Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations for Outstanding Performance in 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2006 and for Outstanding New Choreography in 2008.
