Sevillana Get Togethers 2020, which made its premiere as part of the 2020 Fringe Festival, combined virtual learning, digital content, and a final live virtual gathering. Sevillana 1-3 videos took place September 17, September 24, and October 1. The final live virtual event took place on October 4 at 5pm.

During a time when it has become easy to feel isolated and disconnected from others, Sevillana Get Togethers 2020 aimed to keep people connected while also honoring the personal self and celebrating humanity.

What is the Sevillana? The Sevillana is a colorful and exciting style of song and dance that originated in Castile and not in Seville, a variation from a style of dance known as the seguidilla. The Sevillana is not flamenco, although today it is performed by flamenco artists who give it that special flamenco touch. It is performed to a strict 3/4 rhythm and is danced by pairs or groups of people. The dance is choreographed to a pre-established routine, and has 4 Coplas (Sections). Today, the Sevillana is danced at any form of get-together; whether it is the feria, a wedding, or at a family party where everyone present will join in. It is a celebration of being together with others—family, friends, and co-workers.

Sevillana Get Togethers 2020 involved virtual learning, where participants learned the 4 sections of the Sevillana dance by taking free weekly Zoom classes throughout the summer taught by PyA Artistic Director, Elba Hevia y Vaca. When participants learned a Sevillana, they then recorded themselves dancing from the privacy of their own home and submitted those videos to Ms. Hevia y Vaca. These personal videos were then transformed into a Mandala video, a human collage of sorts, where participants will dance together on one screen. Those participating are PyA Conservatory students, former and current PyA company members, international flamenco artists, and the general public.

Below are the 4 Sevillana Get Togethers 2020 films. Videographer Aidan Un.