Like many young girls who aspire to dance, Liz Owens began her dance career studying tap, ballet and jazz, pursuing that interest through high school at the art and science magnet where she attended and then during college.   But it was her husband, guitarist Torrey Owens, who sparked Liz’s interest in Flamenco.

Her newly formed company, Dance Idea, is a contemporary fusion dance company that performs live as well as producing dance films.

Liz has studied Flamenco with Daniel de Córdoba Bailes Españoles Company and with Julia Alcantera Flamenco Fever.

Flamenco has a rich history with the oldest record of flamenco dating back to 1774 in the book Las Cartas Marruecas by José Cadalso.  The genre originated in the music and dance styles of Andalusia which is mostly related to the Middle-East. Hailing from southern Spain's outcast populations, flamenco dance and music drew early influences from Greek and Roman cultures and later from Indian, Moorish, and Jewish cultures. 

Although Flamenco has become popular all over the world and is now taught in many non-Hispanic countries, the flamenco dance and music that we enjoy today are still the dazzling result of centuries of absorbing and interweaving elements of this myriad of diverse cultures.

Liz’s passion for flamenco-influenced dance and her company, Dance Idea, is apparent when you talk to her.  I spent Tuesday morning visiting with Liz at Central Christian Church, the location of her new studio and company.

“Having a supportive and collaborative atmosphere is very important to me. I think it brings out the best in us as dancers, artists and human beings,” Liz said.  

Dance Idea will premiere their first company performance, a collaboration with live musicians, on Saturday, May 26 at Central Christian Church.

Central, the oldest continuously operating protestant church in Dallas, has a long history supporting the arts. The late Ed Delatte, founder of the NorthPark-based Dallas Repertory Theater, was a member of Central and formed and directed The Westside Players.  Central has a fully-operable stage in the building’s fellowship hall.

The evening will begin with refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and the performance at 7 p.m. Musical guests include Texas artists Tim Caffee, Torrey Owens, and Cara Wildman. Ticket price is “pay as you can” because Dance Idea wants everyone to have the opportunity to experience the performance.  All proceeds will support Dance Idea productions.

Tell your neighbors, tell your friends and bring your family to this spectacular evening of entertainment.