The late Sharon Sapienza’s memory remains deeply engraved in all those who knew her and loved her. Her passion for Spanish dance, in many of its forms, is well known and remembered. Her achievement is all the greater because, as a foreigner in the heartland of flamenco, Andalucía, she broke into that closely-knit society – first as a dancer and, later, even more as choreographer, artistic director and teacher.
She also spread her passion for flamenco in Europe and farther afield, even in India and Vietnam, besides founding her own annual festival of flamenco, the Larachí, which has launched many young talented dancers to a professional career.
As one way of keeping Sharon’s professional memory alive in a manner that helps the dreams of others, Sharon’s parents Edwige and Frank recently launched a foundation in the late dancer’s name.
The Sharon Sapienza Foundation is a voluntary, non-governmental, non profitmaking independent organisation, the aims of which include the promotion of Spanish arts, particularly flamenco, danza estilizada, escuela bolero and folklore.
The foundation aims at promoting and organising activities such as workshops, courses and lectures in relation to cante (singing), toque (guitar playing), baile (dance), cajón (percussion) and palmas (hand clapping). Promoting the advanced studies in flamenco, with a particular emphasis on escuela bolera continues building on Sharon’s contribution to the revival of an almost extinct dance form. This was her last great project that successfully launched with shows in Spain and, posthumously, in Malta.
The foundation also helps the advancement of education and culture, with emphasis on Spanish education and culture and of social and community life.
The foundation is holding workshops on danza estilizada between September 24 and 27. The workshops will be directed by José Manuel Buzón, who was Sharon’s first dancing partner in Seville in the early 1990s. The workshop covers basic, middle and advanced levels and will take place at the Central Academy of Ballet, 222 Triq San Ġiljan, Birkirkara.
For more information send an e-mail to sharonsapienzafoundation@gmail.com or call on 9925 4669.