La Tempestad Flamenco Houston (Flamenco in Houston Texas)

STAGE TAKEN BY STORM!

Story & Photos by Tommy Barrios

On June 25th, Gabriella “La Tempestad” took to the stage at Café Byblos in Houston, Texas for the first time since a terrible car crash when another driver ran a red light and nearly ended her life. She went through surgery to repair her injuries and some very intense therapy to aid in the recovery from them. For six months, she did not dance in public, but tonight that all changed.

From what I’ve seen of her, dance is her life. I first saw her dance in October of last year and she was stunning! I drove from New Orleans to Houston for a flamenco fix and drove back the same night. I was literally left breathless; sitting on the edge of my chair, watching her dance one song in her second set that night. Moments like that are rare. She carries an elegance on stage and is very expressive in her face and movements, but there usually is a smile on her lips. She is very powerful in her footwork. I learned how she earned the name Tempestad that night on that small stage. She gave one of the rarest things I’ve heard and have had the privilege to experience, and that is what is called duende. I am forever grateful to her for that.

One of the factors that make flamenco is the powerful emotions that are felt by those performing and those watching and that is what cultivates the atmosphere to give birth to duende. It is almost like being held in a trance only caught in the moment of the feelings being experienced, a moment of ecstasy. It is very addictive, much like a drug is to a junkie.

She is not only lovely to look upon, but is very personable talking to her many fans after the show. How rare it is that someone can posses that much talent and beauty, and still be so gracious to everyone.

I returned again in November to watch this amazing dancer. There was no flamenco happening in New Orleans at the time, so Houston was the closest place to see any. I was not disappointed. I took some photos and was able to capture some lovely pictures of her. One in particular that strikes me I call “Duende”. The way she moved and the settings on my camera made her look as though a ghost was on stage, like her spirit was dancing. That is what I see when I watch her dance, her spirit coming through and her body is the vessel which contains it.

I had taken a copy of the photo to show and give to my flamenco friends on December 17th anticipating seeing her dance again. I was told that she was in a car crash the previous week. I could feel the blood run from my face, my heart dropped, and I was breathless again. My thoughts were what a terrible loss! Then I was told that she was in bad shape, but expected to recover. I will not tell of the emotions and thoughts running through my head of all that can be wrong. I work in the medical field, and I know what happens to people in crashes such as she experienced. Smashed femurs, a destroyed pelvis, and serious spinal and muscular damage are usually the result. In an email she told me she “would make a full recover and be dancing in no time.” I replied, “That’s good to hear, but you’re always in time.”

I know the difficulty of not being able to do something you love for an extended period of time. Resentment and anger can build, and all kinds of thoughts can run through your mind. It can be torture to have something stripped from you because of someone else’s mistake. Especially when it was completely preventable.

I determined that I would drive the 700 mile round trip from New Orleans to Houston to witness the first time she danced again. Then I received the announcement that for her birthday she would take the stage for the first time since that fateful day. I couldn’t wait to see this. Questions of whether she would be able to perform as good as before entered my mind, but only for a moment.

I arrived early to see the show at Café Byblos. It was a nice place with great food. I was disappointed with where my table was located, but I would deal with it. There was some tension in the air as the group took the stage minus Gabriella. A wonderful Sevillanas performed by some very pretty women and good dancers. Lucia’s cante was so nice. Note to self: I need to learn more Spanish to appreciate the song more. Val’s guitar sounded great as well.

After that, Val started to play Soleares. I’d seen a video of Gabriella perform it before with Carlos Sanchez playing guitar and it was very moving to see, even on youtube. This would be the first time I would see it live. She entered the stage wearing a beautiful black bata de cola and this is the first time I had seen anyone wearing a bata. Her raven hair, which extends to her waist, was adorned with a red flower and comb. Her skin was as porcelain. Her lips were ruby red and her eyes are a blue that challenges the waters of the Costa de Almeria and the depths of the oceans. Her trademark red ribbon adorned her neck. Elegance and beauty took the stage.

I saw what appeared to be a bit of trepidation on her face. She started to dance then the look went away and the seriousness of the Soleares took over. At one point, she tried to hold back a smile, but couldn’t. Her smile used to light up a room, but tonight, it lit Houston if not all of Texas. She is back!

The dance slowly built in tension and tempo. She tossed the bata with ease and she twisted and swirled with the strength of a hurricane. I was mesmerized. I had moved to take some photos of her and was squatting by the stage. I could feel and hear the stage as though it were claps of thunder. Lightning had struck. She is stronger and better than ever before. She was celebrating her birthday with the gift of dance and the love she has for it. May it never be taken from her again.

This was a night I will never forget. Gabriella danced more and for me, time did not exist. Flamenco is such an emotional art and to see her thrive after such tragedy only elevated the experience of those feelings.

After the show, she went around the restaurant talking with friends and fans. I waited patiently for my turn. There was so much I wanted to say. I congratulated her, wished her a happy birthday, and said many other things. I could have talked with her all night, but I didn’t want to deprive others of meeting this jewel of flamenco.

Usually on someone’s birthday, they receive gifts, and I think she did. However, unlike most celebrations, Gabriella gave one of the greatest gifts. She gave others the gift that she had received with all the passion she has for dance. If someone were there and not moved, they needed to be checked for signs of life.

I drove home that night and for the entire time, my mind was flooded with thoughts and joys to witness such a wonder. I’ve done many things in my life for the thrill of an adrenaline rush. I’ve raced cars, motorcycles, and jumped out of a couple of airplanes. None of those compare to the thrill of what I experienced or felt that night. I can only guess the pride and joy felt by her mother, Maria.

Thank you Gabriella. I hope you’ve had the happiest of birthdays and that you have many more. May flamenco live in your heart forever!

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“The beauty and skill of the Del Espadin Baile Español dancers is an experience of escape; taking the audience to Spain and back with every performance.”

Lynette Wallace
Executive Director
Bayou City Arts Festivals

"Her Alegrias was not fun and flirtatious; no, even it expressed the happiness of someone who had been sad for a long time, like rain after a drought; or just a sad person's happiness, like a new widow on a good day. Gabriella’s solos were terrific and the crowd loved her as always."

"The ladies at Del Espadin Flamenco performed at this year's Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Triunfando Awards Gala Reception, which was attended by approximately 800 at the Hobby Center. Prior to the awards ceremony, these ladies stole the show with their grace and beauty. No one was paying attention to the food, the drinks, or even the silent auction! I wish that we would have had more time in the program to enjoy them longer. Show-stopping performance from beginning to end!"