February is flamenco month at North Central

North Central College’s sixth annual Flamenco Festival showcases the emotive, rhythmic music and dance from Spanish culture. Public events are planned throughout February, including dance classes, lectures, a performance and film. All are free.

The Flamenco Festival presents the following events:

Ÿ The Chicago-based flamenco group The Guitars of Spain (Las Guitarras de España) will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. The guitar-influenced ensemble will play Spanish flamenco and world music, and flamenco dancers will perform.

Ÿ On Mondays through March 4, North Central Spanish instructor Jelena Sánchez will teach flamenco dance for beginners from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. in Heininger Auditorium at Larrance Academic Center, 309 E. School St. Participants will learn basic arm and body movements, footwork and musical rhythms. No prior experience is needed. Skirts for women and square-heeled shoes are encouraged.

In addition, North Central College’s Spanish program is co-presenting a free screening of the 2008 documentary “Nuestros desaparecidos” (Our Disappeared) and follow-up discussion by its director, Juan Mandelbaum, at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, in the college’s Smith Hall at Old Main, 30 N. Brainard St.

Mandelbaum will be part of a discussion led by Silvia Goldman, North Central assistant professor of Spanish.

The documentary investigates what happened to thousands of people who “disappeared,” were kidnapped and tortured by Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Through rare archival footage, the film uncovers dramatic stories told by parents, siblings, friends and children of the disappeared.

Sponsors of the festival are North Central’s student club Fusión Española, Student Governing Association and the Office of International Programs. For information call Sánchez, North Central adjunct instructor of Spanish, at (630) 637-5275.

These events are part of North Central College’s efforts to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the college and community.

For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and more, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at (630) 637-7469.