Al Mozaico Flamenco year-end recital

I was flattered when Kasandra Flamenco asked me to photograph Al Mozaico Flamenco's year-end performance on December 14, 2008. How could I resist such an opportunity. This year's recital was especially important as it was dedicated to Al Mozaico's instructor and choreographer, Oscar Nieto, one of North America's most acclaimed flamenco dancers, who was recovering from colon cancer surgery. Al Mozaico Flamenco showcased such beautiful and colorful performances by the young and old. Age has no limit when it comes to Flamenco dancing. This form of dance is learned and executed by children, young adults and the young at heart. Kasandra Flamenco usually co-hosts this event with Oscar Nieto but this year is the first time she hosted the show on her own. She did an amazing job putting the recital together along with all the teachers and students. I am beginning to become a flamenco afficionado myself. I especially like all the beautiful costumes that come along with flamenco dance. A couple of dances were performed to pay tribute Oscar's own mentor, the late Lola Montes who died in May of this year. Lola Montes' choreography was displayed in two performances, "La Boda de Luis Alonzo" and "Cordoba". Al Mozaico hopes that these wonderful choreographies will not be lost or forgotten and will continue to be remembered through passing her work on from teacher to student. Flamenco is a fiery and passionate dance. I respect the way the dancers move expressing themselves through their arms, hands and intricate footwork. Eyes and expressions have such fierceness that one can't help but feel the energy of the dancers. Flamenco encompasses a dance of song, music and confidence to express oneself through the encouragement of peers and community.