Gypsy Heart - The Heart and Soul of Flamenco / Omayra Amaya (2000)

The heart and soul of flamenco dancing. This fascinating documentary chronicles Omayra Amaya’s unusual life as a flamenco dancer in Boston. This DVD is a tribute to her struggle to keep a fiery dance form burning in a chilly New England city. Also included is dazzling historical film footage of Amaya’s great aunt, the legendary Carmen Amaya, considered the greatest flamenco dancer of all time. Footage of her dancing has rarely been seen in over 54 years. Omayra Amaya states, "I am a Gypsy from Anadalusia", and explains that flamenco emerged from Spain’s persecution of Gypsies as "a scream of liberation." The program delves into the difference between dancers who grow up with flamenco "natural dancers" and those who learn it in a classroom "academics." Amaya also explains how she tries to balance tradition and experimentation without "crossing the line of flamenco." This unique program is an engaging and informative look into the heart and soul of flamenco dancing and a rare glance into one of the most famous flamenco families, the Amayas. Includes original music by Jose Valle "Chuscales."

Gypsy Heart

I found this a bit flat, not the usual fire that comes so often with flamenco. July 17, 2008

Expected alot more from this documentary.

I feel the film is rather too short and does not go in depth enough on the subject. Many of the performances were great, especially those by the profesional dancers from Spain and Ms Amaya's dancing is truly full of passion (she has alot of her great aunt's spirit). Perhaps a more skilled film maker could have done a better job. The film bogs down a bit in some segments and they also should have included more footage about Carmen Amaya. As I said, it is too short. July 17, 2007

Flamenco

The video can be a little slow, but it gives insight and perspectives about the history and culture of the Gypsy. My students particularly loved the dancing by Carmen Amaya! July 12, 2007

Lovely video!

Hola,
Omayra Amaya has shared herself in this film, which is a very intimate presentation of her life and dance. A good film if you are interested in the flamenco behind flamenco. Insightful, and, of course, always great music & dance. Omayra is definitely gitano puro... April 4, 2007

Ole!

A great little documentary of the trails and tribulations of being a Flamenco Artist in Boston Ma. Great footage of Her Great aunt including a clip of Carmen Amaya and a younger Sabicas playing for wounded troops during WWII. I must say Omayra has a lot of Duende (flamenco Sprit) and is a fist rate Flamenco dancer in her own right!! May 26, 2006

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