An interview with Nelida Tirado - Flamenco dancer; plus photos from Alegrias

Performance at La Nacional
239 West 14th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, New York

Robert Abrams
3/12/05

Tonight's principal dancer is Nelida Tirado, who had just finished her run on Riverdance, gave an impassioned performance. The supporting dancers were Maria de Los Angeles (who performed solo) and Elena de Leon (coupled in Sevillanas, with castanets). The guitarist/singer was Cristian Puig, guitarist Pedro Cortes, and percussionist Sean Kupisz.

Robert Abrams: How did you start dancing?

Nelida Tirado: My mom put me in dance class after a kindergarten recital so I could learn about typical dances from Spain.

RA: How did you become a professional dancer?

NT: After years of class, there was no place, especially in New York to continue and work myself into a classical Spanish/flamenco company. I was aimless, and then started getting calls for work, so I started working as an individual artist.

RA: What shows have you done?

NT: I have done Tablao type shows around NY, worked with NY based companies such as Jose Molina Bailes Espanoles, Carlota Santana, The Metropolitan Opera. In Spain, with Antoinio El Pipa, Compania Maria Pages. I was a featured soloist in Riverdance. I did major festivals and Spanish television in Spain.

RA: Who does inspire you?

NT: That's a hard queston, once you learn about your art. Inspiration is difficult when you know as much as you do. At the beginning I was easily impressed. My inspiration spans from traditional to non-traditional artists. Alot from things not necessarily visual but more from an emotion.

RA: Any particular examples?

NT: Manuella Carrasco, flamenco dancer, an older flamenco dancer, one of my favorites. I love Yuerbabuena, she is very modern. I am inspired by everyday people who dance in the equivalent of a house party. I am inspired by life.

RA: What do you hope to do next?

NT: I would like to go back to Spain for a while. I haven't been there in a year and a half, and possibly form my own company here.

You can catch the show at Alegrias En La Nacional every Friday and Saturday night at 239 West 14th Street, 2nd Floor in New York City. Call 917-667-2695 or email NAVA1234@aol.com for reservations, or visit www.alegrias.com. Shows start at 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm. Authentic, flavorful food and drink are available at reasonable prices. La Nacional is a Spanish cultural institution, so many of the people who show up do speak Spanish, but like the people in Madrid, they are always friendly no matter what language you speak.

Flamenco at Alegrias
Photo courtesy of Robert Abrams

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