The founder
Andrea Del Conte
Andrea Del Conte (April 26, 1946-June 16, 2009) was an internationally recognized performer, choreographer and teacher. Born in Rochester, New York, she began studying classical ballet at the age of four. Ms. Del Conte began her studies in Spain at the age of 16 where she studied Spanish classical, folkloric and flamenco dance in Madrid. Her early training was with Paco Fernandez and Carmen Mora in Madrid and Mariquita Flores and Estrella Morena in New York City. Ms. Del Conte performed with the companies of Maria Alba, Estrella Morena and the New York City Opera. In 1975 she created her own one-woman show which she debuted at Repertorio Español (NYC). During her lifetime, Ms. Del Conte spent an extensive amount of time living and studying in Spain. Her favorite teachers included Carmen Cortes, Carmela Greco, La Cintia, Faico, Toleo and Jose Galvan. Besides performing, directing and choreographing for her company, Andrea Del Conte Danza España, she was recognized as one of New York City’s most important flamenco teachers. Her awards include Attitude Magazine''s Ethnic Dance Award, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Award
for Excellence in Teaching and the Outstanding Life Achievement Award for a Career in Dance by the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics (ACE). She was on the dance faculty of Long Island University, Manhattanville College, Hunter College, Penn State University, the Beaufort (South Carolina) Arts Residency Program, Nevada Ballet, Cirque de Soleil in Las Vegas, East Carolina University, and the University of Richmond.
Andrea Del Conte, the founder and driving force behind Danza España, passed away in the summer of 2009. While her absence is deeply felt, the company is determined to maintain and extend her legacy under the leadership of her successor, Artistic Director Yloy Ybarra, who danced with Danza España and worked closely with Ms. Del Conte for many years.
“Ms. Del Conte wore trousers and played castanets while dancing her Asturias to the haunting guitar music by Albeniz. The attire emphasized her bodily line, and the contrasts between murmuring castanets and determined heelwork gave the impression that she was conversing with different aspects of herself.”
The New York Times
"A commanding presence....magnificent."
Attitude Magazine
"To see Andrea Del Conte center stage is to witness flamenco''s finer points. Despite the exceedingly glamorous costumes and abundant energy, her company finds an equilibrium between ecstasy and anguish."
The Village Voice
"Ms. Del Conte’s breathtaking and exquisitely executed choreography.... danced with grace, femininity and fire as she graciously shares the stage with her talented musicians."
Flamenco Buzz
DANZA ESPAÑA
THE AMERICAN SPANISH DANCE THEATRe
THE AMERICAN SPANISH DANCE THEATRE was founded by Andrea Del Conte in 1979. Since then it has established itself as a world-class performance ensemble, educational resource, and curator of Flamenco dance. The company performs in New York City, offers educational outreach that has provided cultural enrichment to thousands of underserved NYC students, and has established itself as a leading champion and custodian of this wonderful Spanish dance tradition. With a diverse repertory rich in flamenco dance tradition, this nine-ten member ensemble, under the artistic guidance of Yloy Ybarra, has developed programs which bring to American audiences the essence of Spanish dance, music and song, with special emphasis on the integral relationship between the various components of flamenco. Choreographers from both Spain and the United States have created works for the repertory, thereby continually adding fresh creative insight and inspiration.
In addition to its annual New York season at the Thalia Spanish Theatre since 1989, Danza España has performed at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival; Avery Fisher Hall; the Alabama Festival for the Arts in Birmingham; Dance Theater Workshop, Riverside Church, ; the University of Las Vegas (Nevada), Baruch College Performing Arts Center; University of Southern Florida in Tampa; Brydcliffe Theater in Woodstock, NY; Trinity Church, Symphony Space, the American Folk Festival (Bangor, Maine), The Duke (42nd Street), Pregones Theater in the Bronx, Alegrias en La Nacional NYC, and Joyce Soho.
AWARDS
Awards include the 2016 and 1999 ACE Award for Excellence in a Theatrical Performance at the Thalia Spanish Theatre
and the 2002 Certificate of Appreciation from Young Citizens, Inc.
The ACE 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award for an Outstanding Career in Dance was awarded to Andrea Del Conte.
Grants
Danza Espana has received funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), New York Foundation of the Arts (NYFA), JP Morgan Chase, Con Edison, and the generous donations from individual supporters.
