FOLKMENCO
Family tree, Carmona-Guerrero , Montes-Tamayo. – de Granada.
Adelaide International Film Festival – Premiere performance October 26th, 2022 at Her Majestys Theatre, Adelaide .
” Co-presented by Adelaide Festival, the Australian Premiere screening of Carmen at Her Majesty’s Theatre will feature a live dance performance by Adelaide-raised flamenco legend and Carmen co-star Marina Tamayo before the screening. Marina will perform Seguiriyas, which she dances in the powerful opening scenes of the film”..
https://adelaidefilmfestival.org/event/carmen-2/
Flamenco Artist – Choreographer – Producer
Marina Tamayo
Marina Tamayo is described as an artist possessing ‘duende’ – gitana. Former dance partner artist (1982 – 1986) Antonio Vargas known from Strictly Ballroom fame, playing the role of the Flamenco dancing father, RICO, describes her as “a dancer that holds nothing back”, Aitor Hernandez former dance partner (2015 – 2019) , former dancer of the Nacional Ballet of Spain, described Marina as “one of the most powerful artists I have met on stage, crafting magic in her every movement” and for her solo in Benjamin Millepeads (2022) feature film re-imagining CARMEN, US Edition Film Magazine LA based Variety journalist Jazz Tangcay states:
” The scene opens with a jaw-dropping flamenco number that showcases Marina Tamayo ” Variety, Jazz Tangcay, 2022, Toronto International Film Festival.
Marina Tamayo in Benjamin Millepieds Carmen. Photo by Ben King for Sony Classics, 2023. Do not use without permission.
Review US news: ” The pre-release film festival kicks off in the fall via Sony Pictures Classics, in Mexico with a stunning flamenco figure featuring Marina Tamayo as Carmen’s mother on the family home grounds. Sept 12, 2022 Carmen, by Benjamin Millepied
Review: Worldtimetoday 11, Sept, 2022 “We begin in the Chihuahuan desert, where a proud flamenco dancer named Zilah (Marina Tamayo) conjures up a wild storm from the thin wooden plank beneath her feet while cartel thugs point their guns at her. Moments later, Zilah’s thunderous footsteps – the upcoming film’s wild heartbeat . Carmen, by Benjamin Millepied, 2022
Festivals, Reviews, TIFF22 https://theunderscene.com/2022/09/20/carmen-tiff22-review/#more-6482 Toronto International Film Festival, 2022. ” The seats in the theatre were shaking. My bones rattled as Carmen’s mother was dancing and stepping as the score started sweeping in. “
The teaser, Carmen by Benjamin Millepied – Sony Classics, Goal Post Pictures 2023.
In the last few decades, Marina Tamayo has dedicated herself to solo performance and theatrical work. Sydney based, she is a multi-nominated and award-winning artist. Recently recognised at The Australian Dance Awards for her forty years of teaching, performing and preserving Spanish culture in Australia; the category ‘Service to Dance’. The following year, 2019, she was recognised for her ‘Outstanding Achievement in Choreography’ with Aitor Hernandez former dancer of the Ballet Nacional of Spain.
In 2021, she was accepted for a choreographic residency as a DAIR contemporary choreographer sponsored by AusdanceNSW 2021. This work was an experimental dance composition co created with Victor Zarallo, with their reimagining of BOLERO. They are developing this work in 2023 for theatre with the students from Australian Music and Performing Arts Academy, AMPA.
In 2021 – 2022, Tamayo took a position in Ausdance on the Standing Advisory Committee.
During this period, Tamayo was afforded the opportunity to be a resident artist and present her choreography for Ausdance 45th birthday celebration at Bangarra Dance Theatre, An Evening on the Water.
Relentless in the pursuit of cultural engagement, Marina Tamayo spends much of her time in Australia teaching Flamenco, creating shows with her Flamenco Ballet company Las Peinetas and working freelance within communities, for the community.
In 2023, Tamayo has been invited to teach and choreograph at :
- AMPA – https://www.ampa.edu.au/ The Academy of Music and Performing Arts alongside colleague Victor Zarallo, for Dr Maya Gavish Head of Department – Dance Undergraduate and Post Graduate studies for the tenure of Term 1. They will present a contemporary work at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts and at The Dawn to Dusk Dance Festival in Sydney.
- Summer School at The https://nationalcollegeofdance.com/ Summer School Jan 16th – 20th.
2023:Tamayo secures another year contract at Chatswood Public School with the Department of Education, to deliver the CAPA Syllabus, NESA for K to 6 dance.
Relentless in the pursuit of cultural engagement, Marina Tamayo spends much of her time in Australia teaching dance specialising in Flamenco and Spanish dance. Tamayo, creates shows with her Flamenco Ballet company Las Peinetas and works in the community, for the community.
Las Peinetas in rehearsal, Mosman Dance Academy
Marina Tamayo views her works as a gift to share:
” I believe in the notion that artists are called where they are needed the most. So, wherever I go, I go with my whole heart”.
Artist: Marina Tamayo, Flamenco Australia
Marina Tamayo, Flamenco Australia. Do not use without permission.
Marina Tamayo is a Sydney based freelance teacher and choreographer. Marina began developing her skills in choreography, teaching and her performance career simultaneously, since 1982.
Tamayo was given an opportunity to choreograph very early in her dance career by her supportive ballet teacher. Her career catapulted within a five year period, choreographing for her local Ballet schools, eisteddfods, fitness clubs, Spanish Community, private and public schools, performers, cabaret, fashion week, television, film, dance videos, private shows, events and corporate engagements.
Forging a career in Sydney.
Tamayo moved to Sydney permanently in 1996. Her Flamenco Sydney classes began in 1998 at The Sydney Dance Company wharf studios, Spanish Dance School, and The Spanish Club Sydney. Later, Marina opened her own professional Flamenco studio, as the founder and Director of, Flamenco Australia, 1998.
Flamenco Australia has been operating throughout the Asia Pacific region for over twenty-eight years. It hosts international artists, produces major dance works, engages Australian community in classes, tutorials, festivals and shows. The company has successfully formed and produced professional touring groups nationally and internationally, such as Flamenco del Mar, Flamenkitas, multi award nominated and winning Hernandez Tamayo Spanish Dance Theatre and currently, Las Peinetas , a six piece Flamenco Ballet company.
“I love dancing and have taken up flamenco dancing with teacher Marina Tamayo and my dance partner from the show Megan Wragg is doing it with me – I love it.” Miguel Maestre Chef Living Room ch10
In 2006, Flamenco Australia reached out to the international arts market, drawing artists from Spain to Australia, sharing their expertise by mentoring Australian flamenco dancers and musicians in formal international workshops and performances.
Marina Tamayo has performed, taught and choreographed globally, for over 38yrs. Her studies include Ballet in both RAD and Cecchetti , classical pianoforte music composition and theory at The Conservatorium of Music, Audio Engineering and has postgraduate studies in Production Sound Engineering. In addition, graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Education from Curtin University and currently registered with the NSW Board of Education (NESA) as a Teacher.
AWARDS
Ausdance NSW DAIR, 2021 Grant for residency at The McDonald Performing Arts College (completed in 2022). In collaboration with Victor Zarallo for a reimagining of BOLERO.
Finalist in the The Australian Dance Awards 2018, for her ‘Service to Dance’, presented by the Australian Dance Council.
- Recognised for her commitment, passion and dedication to the arts, cultural community sectors and her extensive contributions of twenty five years which scope both regional, nation arts education, creative performance and arts business sectors.
Finalist, 2019 Australian Dance Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
- In 2020, Marinas collaborative dance company Hernandez Tamayo was Australia’s first Spanish Dance Company to be a finalist in the Choreographic awards for their work EMERALD.
- Alex Vidal – Darling Harbour, NSW – Long Service Community Recognition
Winner for Best Costume at Auckland Festival of Arts, New Zealand
- 2019, Tour to NZ, Auckland Festival – Best Costume Award for EMERALD Design by James Penrose and Hernandez Tamayo
Adelaide Fringe, 2013
- 2013 The Advertiser ‘Most Recommended Show’ 4.5 Stars The Sounds of Spain for Adelaide Fringe Festival
RESOURCES
Featured in several Spanish books, music videos and University research documentary thesis papers.
- Roger James, Bringing Back the Damsons Meditative Poems
- North Sydney Studio of Dancing,
- Nellie Bennet, Only in SPAIN – The New Season, Where’s your Culo?
- Miguel Maestre Cooking Bookings, TAPAS Vol I & vol II.
Images: taken from Miguel Maestres Tapas cook books published in NSW by New Holland in 2010, and again 2014.In photo: International Flamenco singer Pablo Oliva, David Holberton (guitar), Marina Tamayo (percussion, dancer).
MUSIC PRODUCTION
Marina Tamayo is a classically trained musician and Audio Engineer. With these two skills combined, Tamayo branches out into recording and composition. Often acting as musical director, Tamayo produces Flamenco music shows for all events and has recorded several CDs.
Tamayo wrote her first film soundtrack in 1988 titled ‘RONDO’ featuring Diane Dixon on vocals and mastered it in SAE studios, Adelaide. Her first CD was published and mastered in 2014, featuring artists Rut Santamaria llorente, Anabel Alvarez, and Guitarist Michael Arrighi CD title ‘Flamenco del Mar’, mastered in Mark Davies studios by Mark Davies, NSW.
Lately, she has been editing for dance shows including co-composing her own soundtracks for theatre. She does this by using digital software and working alongside SOUNDMODA founder and award winning music editor Aaron Lee, to design full scale dance productions like, award nominated and winning EMERALD (2019 – 2021; and her new collaboration with Victor Zarallo, a reimagining of BOLERO (2022 – 2023).
Image: CD insert Flamenco del Mar produced by Marina Tamayo, 2014.
CHOREOGRAPHER
As a choreographer, Tamayo is dedicated to quality and authentic creative process. As an advocate for social justice, Marina promotes inquiry inside and outside boundaries to promote discussion, challenge ideas, and assumptions in varied contexts. The purpose of this deep inquiry is to contribute towards social change, for equity in all living beings, through performing arts.
Tamayo’s theatre works are guided by Andalusian folklore and storytelling. These choreographies often explore human nature, our needs for connection and include personal narratives.
” Likely the most professional modern flamenco dancers to grace us. Performers’ footwork, costumes and music were superseded only by their energy, grace and passion.Final Word: Spectacular”
– Jenny Smith, Rip It Up
RIP it Up website – http://www.ripitup.com.au/article/5255 Tamayos The Sounds of Spain
Tamayo’s objectives for her dance performance and choreographic contributions focus on connecting and inspiring her audience, to be a voice for the unspoken, to listen to the unheard and contribute towards making a more mindful society.
Marina specialises in theatre, television and film. Choreographic clients include Wolf Blass, Emirates, Merivale, SBS, Channel 7, Channel 10, FOX, Disney Kids, Australian Grand Prix, Soccer Australia, Miguel Maestre, National Gallery of Victoria, Merivale, MusicLand.
Photo by Naomi Jellicoe AFF2022 Marina Tamayo
In August 2022, Marina Tamayo was invited to perform as soloist at the Winter Exhibition held in The National Gallery of Victoria for the Picasso Centurion dinner, on this occasion Tamayo was accompanied by acclaimed international Jerez guitarist, Paco Lara.
Photo not to be used without permission. NSW 2021.
CURRICULUM
In July 2021, Marina was offered a position as faculty character teacher of the ATOD, Australian Teachers of Dancing Certificate IV/ Diploma course for full time Ballerinas, at CB121 (Classical Ballet 121). Marina works alongside former Royal Ballet Company dancers Gillie Reevie and Iohna Loots.
In September 2022, Artistic Director Francesco Ventriglia invited Tamayo to be a guest teacher to design a Master Choreographers Program 2022 at The https://www.sydneychoreographiccentre.com/, Sylvie Guillum as Patron.
Jesus Olmedo y Marina Tamayo
Image: INERTIA. Photo by Adam Sills, 2016. Peacock Theatre, Tasmania. Copyright. Do not use photo without permission.
Professional Objectives:
- to promote Spanish and Gypsy culture for Australian society which is designed and delivered within a contemporary context.
- to create opportunities by making accessible performing arts through public engagement
- to promote equity for students in accessing bi-lingual performing arts
- to represent cultural storytelling authentically, by preserving its traditional richness whilst developing it in a contemporary discourse.
Marina Tamayo has dedicated her career towards raising the level of professional Flamenco dance practises within the Australia dance industry for over 38 years. This is achieved by adhering to and aligning with safe dance practises, writing contemporary curriculum, embedding professional assessment and protocols and quality education. Academically, Tamayo committed herself to gaining formal teaching and project qualifications to ensure professional standards are achieved. The following are some academic studies;
Degree in Bachelor of Education, Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production Engineering, Certificate in Project Management, Contract Law, Business Analysis, Effective Communications, Implementation of Projects. Philosophy and Metaphysics at Macquarie University, Visible Learning with Corwin Australia. Further studies in both pianoforte classical piano at the Conservatorium of music and Theory of music, and composition.
Weekly, Marina Tamayo holds a NSW Primary school teaching position specializing in performing arts – NSW Dance Curriculum for stages K – 6, at an EAL/D school in Chatswood (Chatswood Public School).
Productions:
EMERALD. Photo by M. Tamayo. Hobart MOVES Contemporary Dance Festival, 2018. Copyright. Do not use without permission. Multi Award Winning: Australia & New Zealand.
Press on this link below to see the short promo.
EMERALD, crossed various dance disciplines, and was presented in a contemporary format. It was constructed through an arts residency of Professor Kelly Drummond-Cawthon and premiered in Hobart, Tasmania, NSW at the MOVE Contemporary Dance Festival. It was included into the Festival of Auckland Arts program and was presented at the Auckland Fringe, New Zealand season. The show received five stars and rave theatre reviews. EMERALD picked another award for its courtier costumes designed by James Penrose (Melbourne) and Hernandez Tamayo at the Auckland Fringe Festival, New Zealand, 2020 for ‘Best Costuming’.
Photo by Susan Sisel, Hernandez Tamayo in EMERALD 2018, Tasmania. Do not reproduce without permission.
Hernandez Tamayo company was supported by Professor Kelly Cawthon Drummond by offering a Artist in Residence in Moonah Arts Theatre to create and produce EMERALD. Further support was received by philanthropist Doctor Neralie Wise. The technical team included Aaaron Lee – Music Editor, First revision included Jonathon Abatte Ramirez – Guitarist, Jason James – Lighting Design, Les Allistair – Set Design, and James Penrose – Costume Design.
FOLKMENCO Photo by Sandi Sissel, 2017 Moonah Arts, Tasmania. Copyright. Permission needed to use phot, Jo.
Marina’s theatre works are guided by folklore and storytelling. Jonathon Abatte, Jesus Olmedo, Rut Santamaria, Aitor Hernandez and Marina Tamayo.
INERTIA
An exploration of how we interact, through inertia. Drawing on folk, Spanish and Flamenco dance storyteling, With Tony Tonks, Jesus Olmedo, Rut Santamaria, Peter Kennard, Aitor Hernandez and Marina Tamayo.