Syracuse is filled with arts programs and dance troupes of all kinds, but if you are looking for a flamenco group, you will only find one: Puente Flamenco. “I really didn’t think anything was going to happen, I was like, flamenco in Central New York?” said flamenco dancer Marisa G zman. “I didn’t realize the interest that was around for it.” But a year and a half ago Puente Flamenco began forming when Shander Bawden, a flamenco dancer, contacted Lonnie Chu and asked if they could get together to talk about the possibility of bringing flamenco to Syracuse. “The group kind of came together through the Internet, otherwise I don’t know how we would have found each other,” said Puente Flamenco manager Lonnie Chu. No one really knew what was going to come out of that Internet connection, but today Puente Flamenco has seven active members: Lonnie Chu, manager, singer and palmas; guitarists David Chu (also Lonnie’s husband), and Andy Culpepper; dancers G zman, Joan Dear-Houseman and Anna Rupert; and David Colegrove, cajon/percussionist and G zman’s husband. A variety of talents and backgrounds
Each member brings a unique talent to the group, and they didn’t necessarily learn the traditional way. As Lonnie Chu says, when it comes to flamenco in Syracuse, you have to get it where you can. G zman’s first experience with flamenco came at age 14 when her father entered her into a competition. She learned choreography from a videotape sent by her aunt, a former professional flamenco dancer in New York City. She used her aunt’s videos to learn flamenco dancing until she went to New York City at age 21, where she studied flamenco dancing with Andrea del Conte. Although most of the group members didn’t know each other before joining, they have learned to work together and capitalize on each individual’s skills. Even having two guitarists in the group has proven convenient. David Chu said it’s a pleasure to work with Culpepper because of how talented he is. “It’s not always easy to work with other guitarists because we all have our strong preferences and/or egos,” David Chu said. “But it’s just a joy working with him because we just both enjoy each other’s playing and companionship.” Culpepper plays guitars and makes them too. His specialties are Flamenco and classical guitars. The current Flamenco guitar he plays is the first one he made, it took him three months. His second guitar took one month – that’s the one David Chu plays. Supporting the habit
Puente Flamenco is somewhat of a hobby according to Lonnie Chu. They aren’t really making any money, Everyone has a day job, or for some, a night job. G zman teaches dance classes at night, but her main priority is taking care of her three young daughters. “It’s not easy sometimes. The group has been really great about meeting here at my house,” G zman said. Dedication is something that comes easily for group members.
Culpepper’s weekly hour-long drive from Ithaca to Syracuse doesn’t bother him; he has to go to practice. G zman danced while she was seven months pregnant. And David Chu spent 12 long hours to compose a song for the group to perform to. But it’s all for the love of flamenco.
Just the beginning
So far, there have been many positive reactions to Puente Flamenco. Lonnie Chu recalls when an older man came up to the group and praised them for their performance. “He said, ‘I haven’t heard that kind of music in decades and you just brought me back to Spain’,” she said. Flamenco dancing is certainly hard to come by in Syracuse.
Dan Ward, entertainment coordinator for the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, said he had been trying to find flamenco performers in the area for years, and to have a Flamenco troupe that is able to perform here is a “tremendous asset.” “I think it gives people a lot more opportunity to be exposed to it. I think they are top-shelf,” Ward said. In its year-and-a-half existence, Puente Flamenco has already performed at a number of places, including the Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, Mohawk Valley Community College, Onondaga Community College, Mundy Library and their monthly spot, Laci’s Tapas Bar. And this is only the beginning for Puente Flamenco. The troupe has future goals for flamenco in Central New York; David Chu said he’d like the group to get involved in teaching. Having another regular gig is on Lonnie Chu’s mind. She said it’s a matter of seeing how much the people want it. Either way they will keep performing for themselves and the education of others. “It’s something brand new for a lot of people here and we’d just like to go out and give them a taste,” she said. Get a taste of Puente Flamenco and tapas every first Friday of the month at Laci’s Tapas Bar, 304 Hawley Ave. “Flamenco Fridays” include two shows by Puente Flamenco, one at 6:30 p.m. which requires reservations, and another at 9 p.m. Call Laci’s at 218-5903 or visit lacistapasbar.com for more information.