The Spanish Dance Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a show, España 50 at The Fringe, Joburg Theatre on October 17 and 18.

The programme will feature guest artist, Angel Muñoz, one of Spain’s most recognised Flamenco dancers and teacher; the works of nine leading choreographers from Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban and a 54 dancer-strong company from the Spanish Dance Society, as well as invited dancers from Alianza Flamenca – all renowned for bringing the power, passion and virtuosity of the art of Flamenco to South African audiences.

The programme will comprise not only Flamenco dancing, but also an item of Danza Estilizada (Classical Spanish dance) and a variety of regional dances.

Apart from performing two solos during the show, Muñoz will be choreographing a number with selected dancers taking part in the course (a Flamenco dance course will be conducted in both Johannesburg and Cape Town), as a rousing finale to the show.

Muñoz, who has captured the attention of audiences and critics around the world, began his studies with Inmaculada Luque in his native Cordoba. As a student at the Conservatory of Dance he performed with Javier Latorre’s Ziryab Dance and since then has travelled with many international artists.

In 1994 he won the prize “La Mejorana” in the National Contest of Flamenco Art in Cordoba. He was principal dancer with the companies of Jose Antonio, and Maria Pages in Spain and with Maria Benitez in the United States.

He is the principal dancer and guest artist with the Paco Peña Company and he has created choreographies for his own company; for collaborations with the guitarist Victor Monge, “Serranito” and with Juan Manuel Cañizares, with whom he has released a record.

He was in the Zeffirelli movie Callas Forever and performs often in London, America and throughout Europe and Asia. He previously worked with Flamenco Vivo in 1996 and 2010.

The Spanish Dance Society, formed to promote and preserve the art of Spanish dancing in all its forms, was founded by the late Mercedes Molina and Rhoda Rivkind in 1965 and is now an internationally recognised society which offers a syllabus (taught worldwide) for the recreational and professional study of Spanish dance.

This production and Muñoz’ visit, has been made possible with the support of The Embassy of Spain and Vega Instruments SA (Pty) Ltd.

España 50 takes place at The Fringe, Joburg Theatre, on Saturday, October 17 at 3pm and 7.30pm and on Sunday, October 18 at 3pm and 6.30pm.

Tickets: R180 for all performances. All bookings through the Joburg Theatre: phone Michael at 011 877 6805 or Happiness at 011 877 6853 or online http://www.joburgtheatre.com