The History of Flamenco

Flamenco is the dance and music of the early nomadic gypsies. The music and dance of the flamenco is about feeling. It is an artistic expression of many emotions-pride, passion and joy, as well as desperation, dejection, and suffering.

The nomadic gypsies, who overcame years of incessant persecutions, knew all about these emotions. Around the middle of the 15th century they sought refuge in Spain, and settled in Andalusia. There, they found a land rich in music and folklore, strongly influenced by the varied oriental cultures of the people who had passed or settled there. Flamenco is a blending of the songs and dances of the Andalusian people with the music and rhythm of the gypsies.

-Holzgraefe, Sandi. "Flamenco Dancer Brings
the Flavor of old Espana to Life".

Conté de Loyo

(“La Conté”), Founder/Director of the Conté de Loyo Flamenco Theatre (501c3), recognized and acclaimed internationally for her interpretive style of flamenco dance that exudes elegance, grace and power. Her theatrical/performing arts background includes receiving an acting scholarship at the Actors Theatre in Studio City, California and with the Solari Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. She also worked as a casting director at CBS and Paramount.

Inspired by performances of the legendary Spanish dancer, Carmen  Amaya , Conté studied and performed with master flamenco artists including Ciro, Pepa Reyes and Victoria “La Bette” Eugenia. Conté was the only non-gypsy dancer selected to perform with the Amalia Román professional flamenco company with whom she debuted as a soloist in Marbella, Torres Bermejas in Madrid and more. Ms. de Loyo has performed in many venues, including appearances with the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra, The Dallas Opera, The Dallas Ballet, World Cup opening ceremonies, the Pierre Monteux Music Festival in Maine, and Jacob’s Pillow International Festival in Lee, Massachusetts to name a few.

Since 1989, she has been director of the Dallas, Texas based Conté  de Loyo Flamenco Theatre. A  non-profit organization offering dance classes (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), Choreography, and dance performances that continue to receive public acclaim from both patrons and the press. Her professional company of dancers, singers and musicians currently perform regularly at festivals, schools and other venues. She has been the subject of many newspaper and magazine articles around the north Texas area. Including a multi-page “High Profile” in The Dallas Morning News.

During the 2000-01 school year, Conté was invited to be a member of the faculty in the Meadows School of the Arts, Department of Dance at Southern Methodist University.

During that time, she created choreographies performed by 18 students in the Bob Hope Theater as part of the year-long celebration of the new home of the Meadows Museum, and a special presentation of her works at the Meadows Museum Donor's Dinner. It truly was ‘the year of Spain’, as their majesties, King Juan  Carlos  I  and Queen  Sofia  of Spain came for the Grand Opening of the Meadows Museum. Meadows has one of the largest collections of Spanish art in
the world, second only to the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Conté’s numerous state, civic, and corporate choreographic and other awards include:

• Recognition from the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) and the TCA (Texas Commission for the Arts) for Federico Garcia Lorca’s Blood Wedding at Texas Woman’s University
• A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts for Sevillivanas at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
• Recognition for Siguiriyas and Tientos at LSU in Shreveport , LA  (Louisiana State University) for “Women in the Arts” by the U.S. Department of Education 
• OCA City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs 
• TCA (Texas Commission for the Arts)  Programs and the Texas Touring Roster
• Support from Charles Wyly, Jr.
• Support from CFT (Communities Foundation of Texas) Support from TACA, GTE, TXU, Playwell Group, Dr. Rodrigo Dominguez, Luis Rivera Rodrigues Design, Sandra Garratt Designs, and more
• At 71 years young,  Conté de Loyo is heading up the Dallas International Flamenco Festival scheduled November 17th to 23rd 2010. In its 12th year, the DIFF continues to celebrate Spain’s finest exponents of the altogether astonishing Music, Song, Poetry and Dance of Flamenco.  And according to outstanding public and press acclaim, there is no doubt it will be a smashing success.

Donations for our parent company Mundo Cultural Hispano dba Conté de Loyo Flamenco Theatre is necessary to keep Flamenco alive in North Texas via our non-profit 501c3.   Your generosity is key, so all may experience the joyful and the passionate expression of southern Spain and of the Spanish Gypsy.

Selective contributions also available: Underwrite an Event, Sponsor an evening, and Volunteer  for  The  Dallas International Flamenco Festival 2010, Community Programs, Scholarship Fund, Children's Programs, Workshops in Music, Song, Poetry and Dance, Costumes, Artist's Hotel, Air Miles/Transportation, Equipment, Office Space, A Learning Center or Studio Space for Classes, Practice sessions, Performance Rehearsals, Workshops, Student and Volunteer Gatherings.