HONG KONGERS have been infected with the dance bug for some time, but the popularity of Latin is reaching a new high.
Philippines-born flamenco dancer-choreographer Clara Ramona and Argentinian tango expert Gladys Fernandez, based in Spain and Italy respectively, are set to fuel that fervour with a series of dance workshops. They don't know each other and are not aware of each other's schedules, yet visits by two dancers of Ramona and Fernandez's calibre at the same time surely can't be mere coincidence? No, it's a telling sign that Latino is firmly taking root in Hong Kong, the women say.
Ramona, famous for her innovative approach to dance, will visit Hong Kong on March 25 to hold workshops and performances. Running slightly ahead is Bologna-based Fernandez, who flew into town on March 3 and has already started a month-long tango workshop. Both of their classes involve teaching basic techniques to beginners and honing the skills of experienced dancers. Both artists believe that Latin dance best suits those who want to overcome stress - perfect therapy for Hong Kong people.
'Latino dance makes your blood boil and raises your body temperature. It's very physical and you can stamp away your stress and anger,' Ramona says from Madrid.
The 46-year-old has a busy lifestyle of her own. She spends six months of the year travelling the world teaching and performing. In mid-February, she performed in a ballet production of Carmen in Beijing with her 25-strong troupe and held a week-long workshop. The trip also included whirlwind visits to Japan and Hong Kong. She visited the SAR for the first time in October for another workshop and the Fringe Club was treated to her stunning high kicks and precise footwork.
Born in Manila, Ramona started classical ballet training at the age of five. She also studied folk, jazz and contemporary dance. At 13, she and her family moved to the United States, where she took her first flamenco class six years later. She immediately fell in love with the rhythmic dance, and later with her teacher, Ramon de los Reyes, whom she married. The couple have passed on their artistic talents to their two sons, Isaac, 23, and Nino, 17, who are also acknowledged worldwide for their flamenco.