Passion for flamenco felt

Flamenco artist Yaelisa can tell you why the Spanish dance style with North African, Indian gypsy and Middle Eastern roots is all the rage in Japan.

And why the promise of flamenco music and dance draws more than 6,000 people from across the country to Irvine each summer.

“Its appeal is based on a passionate expression that transcends language and cultures,” she said. “As an art form, it’s very exciting to watch, very complex, very musical and very passionate. People get that excited feeling in their tummy even though they might not understand what is being said or sung.”

The daughter of an esteemed flamenco dancer, Yaelisa is the founder of the Caminos Flamencos company in San Francisco and the artistic director of the New World Flamenco Festival, now in its sixth year at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

The festival began in 2001 as a collaboration between Yaelisa and theater President Douglas Rankin.

Over the years, it has grown to become one of the Barclay’s key programs and the second largest and most comprehensive flamenco festival in the nation behind the annual New York Flamenco Festival, Rankin said. He added that 40% of the audience comes from outside Orange County for the festival.

“Flamenco has been very popular for a long time but I think it is reaching a new level of popularity because there is more exposure to fabulous performances and wonderful dancers,” Yaelisa said.

Unlike other flamenco festivals, New World sets its 10-day lineup of performances to a theme. This year, it’s La Flor de la Vida, or the Prime of Life.

“The theme helps create a cohesive festival experience for patrons,” Yaelisa said. “With La Flor de la Vida, I wanted to open the door to these young artists that are establishing themselves and their companies just at this moment, in the prime of their lives and careers.”

The event also includes a series of dance, singing and guitar workshops at various levels.

“The educational component of our annual festival is as important as the performance,” Yaelisa said. “People are really hungry for the experience of being in a class with professionals.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: New World Flamenco Festival: La Flor de la Vida

WHEN: Now through Aug. 19; a complete listing of performances and activities is available online

WHERE: The Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine

COST: General admission tickets range from $33 to $43 and Gold Seats are $100; music and dance classes are $25 to $45

INFO: For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, go to www.thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4646.

To view more photos of the event, click here.