About Us

History of Classical Flamenco

Until the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, Flamenco dance, music and song was widely considered to belong to the Gypsies. Nomadic by nature, whole families would be involved, singing, dancing and entertaining the eager local Spaniards. It did not achieve mass popularity until non-Gypsies began to perform it; with their participation, Flamenco achieved legitimacy as an art. It can also be said that Flamenco suddenly became commercial, as well as tremendously successful. When non-Gypsies began performing Flamenco in the cafes and theatres for the accepting public, its popularity soared and its development continued anew with the integration of the Andalusian personality and expression.

Flamenco in recent years has, for better or worse, incorporated sophisticated musical stylistic elements from other mediums. The purists will say that this change in the art has brought about the decline of Flamenco; others feel innovation and change brings renewed interest in an esoteric art.

The art of Flamenco is an expression of life, a communication on the deepest and most profound level. The dialogue between a singer and guitarist, a dancer and a singer, a dancer and a guitarist or all three, and yes, even when there is a crowd onstage, it is a highly evolved interaction. The beauty of it is that the artist has the great opportunity to enter in and create something which is an expression of themselves, and give it away.




The Creation of “FLAMENCOPOP”

“The sound of a new generation”

We are now entering a brave new world in the USA. It is the rapid integration of many races, cultures and religions, which leads to a diverse mix of performing arts and entertainment. We are losing the concept of what is truly American and finding a new wave of sounds, art forms and styles all blending into one crazy “patchwork quilt.” One area that is fast growing and ready to explode is the Latin influence in music. The Latino profile conjures up images of sexy, spicy, pulsating, hip, hot, exciting, along with the dark romance of grace, passion, flashing teeth and the feeling of “South of the Border!”

What’s next? It’s time to bring the most exciting, passionate, and sexy form of music and dance to the American public, “FLAMENCOPOP!”

George Dubec is the originator of “FLAMENCOPOP.” Originally from Ohio, he moved to South Florida in the mid-80’s. He became enamored with many of the modern day Flamenco guitarists that he heard playing at clubs, restaurants and events in the area. Their music was not classical Flamenco, but labeled by the artists as Flamenco Rhumba, Flamenco Fusion, Flamenco Rock, Flamenco Jazz amongst other names. The locals and tourists just love this type of music and can’t get enough of it. Realizing that most areas of the country never get to hear this unique blend of Flamenco and popular music and experience the wonderful performances of both guitarists and dancers, he decided to categorize it and give the sound a name, “FLAMENCOPOP.” Now his goal is to take the exciting, high energy performers and music and expose it to the rest of the USA and the world.

George is an entrepreneur and visionary that realizes the Latin music trend is ready to explode! He intends on bringing “FLAMENCOPOP” into the mainstream and become a leader of New World Music. Music that is unique, ethnic, but westernized to make it palatable to the American population at large.

“FLAMENCOPOP” as stated earlier, is a blend of American popular music with the rich and fiery Spanish Flamenco beat and rhythm. Songs such as “Love is in the Air,” “Ghostriders in the Sky,” “The Godfather Theme,” plus classics like “Besame Mucho,” “Never on Sunday” and “Hava-Nagila” are put into Flamenco style format and instantly turned into an exciting new sound experience.

Along with the “FLAMENCOPOP” sound, a new dance has been created, “FLAME DANCE”. It is a combination of the disco hustle with Flamenco style moves. The hustle involves turns, spins and dips while Flamenco encompasses clapping, foot stomping, and posturing along with dynamic and passionate interaction between the male and female. It takes dancing beyond the dance floor and gives the male and female the opportunity to express themselves while exuding passion and fire for each other through the dance moves. Along with the “FLAME DANCE”, new fashions based on Flamenco style dresses and outfits are being planned.

The follow-up project is to develop a show along the lines of Riverdance, which is done so well with the Irish Celtic dancers and musicians. It was supposedly based on Irish traditions but has been updated to appeal to new generations. A stage full of Flamenco dancers in full costume, all pounding the floor with their hard heels, using props such as fans, castanets and shawls is very exciting. Add guitar players, violinists and bongos to make a scintillating show that can be every bit as successful as Riverdance.

“FLAMENCOPOP,” “THE FLAME DANCE” (http://www.theflamedance.com) and the FLAMENCO SHOW are exciting events for the music world to behold!