Spanish Flying
Given its blood — pounding rhytms, its sweat, its emotion, and its ponderous shoes, flamenco would seem easy to keep vibrant. Not so. A short time ago, American audiences saw nothing but reheated performances of old chestnuts. Now Miguel Marin, artistic director of the Flamenco Festival USA, is injecting fresh life into the form with a program of the world's finest flamenco artists performing new dances. The Boston leg of the festival features Sara Baras, Spain's most popular flamenco dancer, with her company in a traditional program called Suenos (Dreams); the 18 dancers and five musicians of Compania Andaluza de Danza performing Bodas de Sangre (Blood Wedding), based on a Spanish play; and music from famed flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, who has been performing for more than 30 years.
(1/29 — 2/14, $50 — $35. Cutler Majestic Theater, 219 Tremton St., Boston; Orpheum Theater, One Hamilton Pl., Boston; 617 — 876 — 4275, www.worldmusic.org.)