PRIMERALETRA

FLAMENCO

Melina Bianca

IG: @olenamaste

Gopal

IG: @gopaldelachandra

Primera Letra means First Verse, which refers to the poetic, choreographic, andmusical structure and instrumentation of Flamenco. It can also be thought of as a

metaphor for the beginning of a piece, which invites the audience into animprovisational experience, connecting us through a unique moment in time.

Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 1:00 PMhttps://yolocounty.zoom.us/j/92498448006

Bianca Rodriguez, the featured dancer, shares a comprehensivedance and Flamenco repertoire, including years of study in theartform throughout the US & Spain, a specialized degree inFlamenco Dance from UNM, and years of International Theaterand Tablao experience. She has shared the stage with suchFlamenco legends as Antonio & Mara Rey, Jose del Tomate,Juana la del Pipa, Adela Campallo, Pastora Galván, and CarmenLedezma. She performs regularly throughout the Bay Area andshe teaches group classes, workshops, and private classes inFlamenco Dance to the Bay Area community.

Featured guitarist Gopal Slavonic has dedicated over 28 years ofstudy to the art of Flamenco, including a degree from theprestigious Fundación de Arte Flamenco Christina Heeren inSevilla. He studied in several regions across Spain to expand hismusical and stylistic repertoire, and performs regularlythroughout the Bay Area as an accompanist and soloist. Hereleased his first CD ‘Dos Orillas’ in 2008 – which was comprisedof his original compositions, reflecting the art of Flamenco guitarthrough his own artistic lens. Gopal continues to expand hismusical repertoire, and he also offers private guitarlessons to students here in the Bay Area.

Singer/Dancer Melina Berkov-Rojas grew up surrounded bymusic, rhythm, and dance. Hailing Costa Rican roots on hermother’s side, she grew up dancing Salsa, Cumbia, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Merengue. Her father, an accomplished Flamencoguitarist and luthier, brought Flamenco into her home and heart.Over the years, she has studied with many renowned Flamencoartists throughout the Bay Area and in Sevilla, Spain. Morerecently, she has focused her Flamenco studies on cante, andhas pursued guidance from many amazing singers including:Roberto Zamora, Cristo Cortes, Ethan Margolis, Jose Cortez,Clara Rodriguez, Silvester Henderson, and Jose Mendez. Overthe years she has performed at various theaters, restaurants,and venues throughout the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bayareas. She continues to collaborate with different artists withinthe genres of Flamenco and Salsa.