The two leaders of the Dance Company "Cuadro Flamenco Fuego Fantastico" didn't come from the formal institute where people used to think so-called "formal training" on dancing is provided.  On the contrary, one received a MA degree on linguistics, and the other has been practicing as a dentist for many years.  And how they arouse the flamenco fever in Taiwan!

Lin Keng, a.k.a. "Joaquín de Taipei," has been devoted to dancing since college, though his major was on "English literature & linguistics."  He's been initiated on ballet, jazz, modern dance and mostly world folk dancing.  He became infatuated with flamenco ever since the first time he saw flamenco dancing on a video, putting down all the "flamenco-ish" posture and moves he learned in the Taiwanese folk dancing circle.  The "duende" (flamenco "heavenly/devilly" inspiration) and "compas" (rhythms) of flamenco grows in his body, ever since the first day he was in Madrid, Spain to take lessons with the masters there.

On the other hand, Lee Shin, a former practicing dentist, abandoning her well-to-do environment, pursued her romantic dream in the world of music and dance.  She has been drawn to flamenco by the mysterious sound and movement, half oriental half occidental, reminiscent of Arabic and Asian, while innuendo with passion and power.  She enjoyed sweating with the flamenco teachers in the embrace of the mysterious sound and rhythms, to be tanned with the Andalusian fiery passion.  In the meantime, her romantic inclination drove her to express herself in letters and paints.  She has a few successful publication and painting exhibitions.  Not to mention that she broke away from an unhappy marriage.  All these add to her image as a figure which such a many females find full of inspiration and aspiration.   When she met Lin Keng, started the legend.

The combination of the two quickly aroused the attention of the public and press.  Their dance, to the accompaniment of the first-ever Taiwanese flamenco guitarist Mr. Chan Je-hsiung, has been welcomed all over the island.  They started to recruit people interested in flamenco dancing, giving them training and finally put them together on stage.  Soon their fiery dresses and drum-like stomping swept from Taipei to Kaohsiung.  The image of the "pareja" (couple dancing) formed by Lin Keng and Lee Shin appeared on all the major media.  Thus the "F" word became fashion.  People of all ages wish to try flamenco, either for sheer enjoyment or fulfillment of dreams.

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EXPERIENCE
(listed only the major shows in the last three months)

Tsar & Tsai Law Firm Client Dinner Party -Hyatt Hotel Ballroom Dec. 7, 200 Taipei Arts Festival -Hsung Shan Tobacco Factory Nov. 15 to 30, 2001 GOLIVE Culture Shuttles -Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tamshui July thru November 2001 Chivas Revolve Flamenco Party -Regent Hotel Ballroom Oct. 9, 2001 Panchiao Cultural Center -Panchiao, Taipei, Aug. 5, 2001

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