Sarah Hart, Denise and Anna Menendez. May 9, 2007

Yesterday (Wednesday) I had the privilege of watching and photographing a rehearsal by Pastora. What is Pastora? Here's Anna Menendez's description from the program notes from last year's performance:

""Pastora" is a project that aims to provide an opportunity for dedicated emerging artists to collaborate with flamenco professionals. My first inspiration to form an ensemble came from the desire to give an opportunity to certain individuals so that they could acquire more performance experience. It has become evident that they have given the opportunity back to me as I take on the challenge of director and choreographer. Together, we are making steps towards refining and honing our flamenco skills. It is an exciting project for all of us. I look forward to many future projects involving Pastora and to continued mutual growth. I would like to thank the American Dance Institute for their tremendous support and making us a part of their Arts Incubator program. Please join me in this celebration of the hard work and dedication shown by these individuals."

Pastora will be performing this Saturday and Sunday at the American Dance Institute in Rockville. Call 301-984-3003 for tickets and information.

I had to be somewhere immediately after the rehearsal, so I only stayed for the first hour and took about 200 pics. These are the best of the bunch.

Anywayz, it was a very enjoyable hour watching as Anna and the Pastora dancers worked through the creative process reviewing the choreographies, making minor adjustments here and there and trying out new ideas. With the exception of Denise, I've worked with all of these dancers in tablao shows over the past few years and have witnessed them grow as performers little by little. OK, so maybe it was just a rehearsal, but it was still pretty exciting for me knowing that years from now when some (or all) of them eventually become professional performers, I can say that I saw them when they were first getting started.

With the guidance of Anna Menendez, an experienced performer and artistically accomplished flamenco dancer herself, the members of Pastora are off to a great start. Do yourself a favor and attend one of the shows this weekend. In addition to Pastora, the show will feature these guest artists: dancer Edwin Aparicio, cantaor Alfonso Cid, dancer Carmel Shelly and guitarist Behzad Habibzai.

Here are the rest of the rehearsal pics. Enjoy!