The Soul of Spain to the Heart of Atlantic Canada 

 

Under the umbrella of “Atlantic Flamenco,” the “Maria Osende Flamenco Co.” embodies the creative vision of Spanish dancer and choreographer Maria Osende. Rooted in flamenco dance, the company brings the Soul of Spain to the Heart of Atlantic Canada.

For the past 17 years, the Maria Osende Flamenco Co. has left an indelible mark on Nova Scotia and beyond, captivating audiences through their performances in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Vancouver, and through participation in countless events and multicultural festivals.

Osende has curated an impressive repertoire for the company with over 20 works. The company’s adaptable structure allows Osende to craft both intimate and grand-scale shows, demonstrating versatility and a keen ability to adapt to the unique demands of various projects. Her work continues to evolve over time, at times pushing creative boundaries, while other times remaining deeply rooted in traditional flamenco. 

“The company reconfigures from project to project, often collaborating with the same local musicians and dancers. Yet, I also find joy in collaborating with guest artists, each contributing a unique perspective that shapes the essence of the work.” Says Osende

The Maria Osende Flamenco Co. thrives on diversity and creative exchange, having collaborated with esteemed artists such as David Romero, Miguel Tellez, Caridad Vega, Maria Mezcle (Spain), Aurelie Brunelle (Montreal), Laura La Risa (Berlin), and Maria Serrano (Toronto) amongst others. These collaborations showcase the company’s commitment to artistic exploration and creation.

As the company continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to bringing the artistry and cultural richness of flamenco to audiences, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering a deep appreciation for this captivating form of artistic expression.

Before moving to Canada Osende was a solo dancer with the National Ballet of Spain and with the Berlin Ballet (Germany) for over a decade. Her extensive experience performance experience, as well as her experience working with choreographers and dancer from various dance styles makes her work unique.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Pounding feet, heavy singing, fast guitar and intricate percussion are the trademarks of flamenco, a Spanish art form which has long gone global and now belongs to the world.

The amazing sounds and uniqueness of the flamenco guitar continue to fascinate and inspire audiences and musicians worldwide. The complex variety of rhythms within flamenco, are heavily based on Arabic and Middle Eastern music, as well as African and South America. The singing is reminiscent of all the above, including Jewish and of course Spanish traditional songs.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

We know that our supporters, donors and volunteers, are at the core of what we do. You help us deliver our mission of spreading the beauty and art of flamenco in our region. You are our superstars. We need your support to keep our events and the passion of flamenco arts alive in our region. 

OUR SHOWS

“The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie”

Agnes de Mille

The Maria Osende Flamenco Co. brings the Soul of Spain to the Heart of Atlantic Canada.  Founded by Spanish dancer and choreographer Maria Osende upon moving to Canada in 2004, the company has made a strong mark in Nova Scotia and beyond, touring extensively in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Vancouver, as well as performing at countless multicultural festivals across the country. 

 CONTRATIEMPO

The word CONTRATIEMPO has a double meaning in Spanish;  musically it means “offbeat” and colloquially it means “setback” or “inconvenience”.  In flamenco dance and music,  to mark the contratiempo means accentuating the weak beats of the rhythm.  Intricate, challenging and fascinating at the same time, the contratiempo is an essential part of the flamenco.

Maria Osende and Aurelie Brunelle (dance)
Alexandra Templier (vocals)
Quique (Guitar)

 

PASIONES DURMIENTES

“Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of habit.”- W. Somerset Maugham

Maria Osende  – concept, dance, choreography
Joyce Saunders – vocals
Jaques Mindreau – violin, vocals

FLAMENCO AND CLASSIC SPANISH DANCE FOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS 

Dances to Falla’s Fire dance, The Three Cornered Hat, Bizet’s Carmen and more works  for orchestra featuring Spanish theme evenings. Contact us for details!

 SUBLIME

A Dance and music fantasy

Passionate flamenco fuses with opera and blues for a never before seen production. Sublime is set to become a timeless classic with a modern flair. Inspired as the manifestation of a lucid dream you will go on a journey between beauty and passion; magic moments and the true essence of flamenco soul.

Cast: 4 dancers, 4 musicians

Concept, choreography, artistic direction – Maria Osende

Musical direction – Jose Vega

Photography – Michelle Doucette

Lighting – Robert Tracey

Costumes & Props – Rita Benz, Marcia Simmos, Ke Flamenka

FROM SPAIN WITH LOVE

In this thrilling dance-theatre production full of passion, humour and drama, real life and performance combine, taking the artists on stage to unexpected situations.

Cast: 2 dancers, 2-3 musicians
Requirements: video projection

“It was a stunning show and the film, with its informal remarks and candid photos of the performers as they worked or socialized, punctuated by lines from poet Federico Garcia Lorca’s Every Song sub-titled across the bottom of the screen. Lorca’s poem sums up the style, the heart, the meaning of flamenco as both passion and imitation of passion, “or not.” – The Halifax Chronicle Herald, Stephen Pedersen

The following festivals, theatres and presenters have presented our shows over the past decade.

ANTIGONISH PERFORMING ARTS SERIES Antigonish, NS
CHESTER PLAYHOUSE Chester, NS
DANSE/DANCE CAPITAL FESTIVAL Canadian Museum of Civilization Auditorium, Gatineau, QC
A COMPAS STUDIO Berlin, Germany
FESTIVAL DES TRADITIONES DU MONDE Sherbrooke, QC
FODAR Festival of Dance Annapolis royal, NS
FREDERICTON PLAYHOUSE Fredericton, NB
HALIFAX JAZZ FESTIVAL Halifax, NS
HARMONY BAZAAR FESTIVAL Lockeport, NS
IMPERIAL THEATRE, Saint John, NB
KING'S THEATRE Annapolis Royal, NS
MARIGOLD CULTURAL CENTRE Truro, NS
MOSAÏC MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Moncton, NB
NOVA MULTIFEST Halifax, NS
OSPREY ARTS CENTRE, Shelburne NS
PASSPORT TO UNITY MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Saulte Ste. Marie, ON
RIVERVIEW ARTS CENTRE Riverview, NB
SHIPS COMPANY THEATRE FESTIVAL Parrsboro, NS
SYMPHONY NOVA SCOTIA Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax, NS
TRICOUNTY MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Yarmouth, NS
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FLAMENCO FESTIVAL, Vancouver, BC

The Maria Osende Flamenco Co. brings the Soul of Spain to the Heart of Atlantic Canada.  Founded by Spanish dancer and choreographer Maria Osende upon moving to Canada in 2004, the company has made a strong mark in Nova Scotia and beyond, touring extensively in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Vancouver, as well as performing at countless multicultural festivals across the country. 

The “company refers to the creative and artistic work of Osende, under the umbrella of “Atlantic Flamenco Productions“. Its flexible structure allows Osende to produce small and large scale shows, as well as to reconfigure when needed for specific projects. These may involve her Halifax-based core group of dancers and musicians or collaborations with various artists and institutions. 

Maria Osende

Maria Osende: A Maestra's Dance Journey Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Maria began dancing at young age, soon achieving High Honors in classical ballet at the Conservatorio de Danza de Madrid under the guidance of ballet teacher Julia Estevez.