Compania Flamenca brings dance to Rohnert Park's Green Music Center Compania Flamenca brings dance to Rohnert Park's Green Music Center

Since the flamenco style of dance emerged from southern Spain some two and a half centuries ago, its drama and emotion has captured the imagination of audiences all over the world.

Spanish dancer and choreographer Jose Porcel aims to demonstrate the variety and subtlety of flamenco when he and the seven other dancers in his Compania Flamenca perform Sunday, Nov. 22, in Green Music Center’s Weill Hall.

Backed by six musicians, the company will perform nine pieces in two acts, demonstrating there’s more to flamenco than simply the loud stomp of a high-heeled boot.

Porcel took time from his current tour for an email interview, translated from Spanish by his manager, to discuss his art.

Q: When did you learn flamenco?

A: I started to dance flamenco when I was 13 years old. My “maestro” Martín Vargas made me feel the strength of the flamenco, and I never gave it up.

Q: Do you continue to follow tradition, or have you created your own style of flamenco?

A: I follow the tradition of the flamenco, but every traditional flamenco dancer has his own style and his particular way of understanding this art.

Q: Is the flamenco dancing that most people see on television or in films true to the original style?

A: We have traditional and contemporary flamenco. There are many dancers innovating in the style of flamenco, and it has become more popular everywhere.

Q: How does flamenco differ from other styles around the world, such as tango?

A: Music, rhythm. Every style of music around the world is different, but at the same time, all of them are looking for emotion.

Q: What do you try to bring to your company´s performances that is unique?

A: The truth of this art. I try to get the audience involved in the show. We all are trying to communicate to them the passion, energy and happiness.

Q: Does this tour have a particular theme?

A: No. In this show, we don’t tell any story. There’s just dancing to transmit sensations.

Q: What would you most like to have American audiences understand about flamenco?

A: That flamenco is a way of living, a way of feeling the life. We don’t spend one day without flamenco in our lives.

Q: What are some mistaken ideas that people have about flamenco?

A: It is not an easy art. Flamenco requires discipline and knowledge of dance. It’s not just stomping one’s feet.

You can reach staff writer Dan Taylor at 521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @danarts.

FEELING OF FLAMENCO

What: Compania Flamenca with Jose Porcel

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

Where: Weill Hall at the Green Music Center, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park.

Admission: $35 and up

Information: gmc.sonoma.edu, 866-955-6040.