Since starting as chief dance critic here in April, I have encountered many dance companies, and many more individual dancers. … Of these there has been none I have been so glad to discover as Noche Flamenca and, above all, its lead dancer, Soledad Barrio. I can think of no current ballet dancer in the world as marvelous as she.

More often than not there is flamenco in some form or another to be had on New York stages. More often than not it isn't very good. If you need to be reminded of what the real deal looks and sounds like, head to Theater 80. The concerts feature the marvelous Soledad Barrio, one of the great performers of our time.

Her performances start with a quiet, silky grace, but by the end she is more creature than human.

Of the flamenco dancers I have seen, Soledad Barrio, the star of Noche Flamenca, is the most severe and the most internal.

She danced as if possessed by the spirit of a Gypsy encampment, or even the shivering horrors of a Goya painting. She breathed the essence of flamenco.

Try to see Noche Flamenca if you can. You will be astonished.

Santangelo never compromises the integrity of flamenco by pandering to commercialism. He is on a mission to teach the world to understand and respect the three elements of flamenco: cante (song), toque (guitar) and dance, equally, by consistently presenting the best examples of each. The successful sold-out appearances of Noche Flamenca prove that well-presented, unadulterated flamenco can move, inspire, and entertain audiences from all cultures.

Noche Flamenca aims high. They are a noble, elegant group.

What the company captures so skillfully is the truth of flamenco, its defiance against the world, its emotional tempests, its fierce humanity.

This is one of those rare productions that you should not miss…there is no wonder that Noche Flamenca is considered one of Spain's most successful flamenco companies!

Her face is torn with emotion; her torso practically vibrates…it's as if her rapture has been poured onto the stage. She's succeeded in the art of flamenco…she's turned herself inside out.