Product Details

• Directors: Jocelyn Ajami
• Format: Black & White, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000BZIT70
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,238 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The heart and soul of flamenco dancing. This fascinating documentary chronicles Omayra Amaya’s unusual life as a flamenco dancer in Boston. This DVD is a tribute to her struggle to keep a fiery dance form burning in a chilly New England city. Also included is dazzling historical film footage of Amaya’s great aunt, the legendary Carmen Amaya, considered the greatest flamenco dancer of all time. Footage of her dancing has rarely been seen in over 54 years. Omayra Amaya states, "I am a Gypsy from Anadalusia", and explains that flamenco emerged from Spain’s persecution of Gypsies as "a scream of liberation." The program delves into the difference between dancers who grow up with flamenco "natural dancers" and those who learn it in a classroom "academics." Amaya also explains how she tries to balance tradition and experimentation without "crossing the line of flamenco." This unique program is an engaging and informative look into the heart and soul of flamenco dancing and a rare glance into one of the most famous flamenco families, the Amayas. Includes original music by Jose Valle "Chuscales."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ole!, May 25, 2006

By 

G. Morvillo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gypsy Heart - The Heart and Soul of Flamenco / Omayra Amaya (DVD)

A great little documentary of the trails and tribulations of being a Flamenco Artist in Boston Ma. Great footage of Her Great aunt including a clip of Carmen Amaya and a younger Sabicas playing for wounded troops during WWII. I must say Omayra has a lot of Duende (flamenco Sprit) and is a fist rate Flamenco dancer in her own right!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dazzling, I just wish it were longer!, December 29, 2008

By 

Manko Eponymous "Manko Eponymous" (Richmond Hill, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gypsy Heart - The Heart and Soul of Flamenco / Omayra Amaya (DVD)

No, it's not an ethnographic documentary, and it's not a survey of the whole genre, but it's a very powerful hour of performances, interviews, backstage footage, and more from a breathtaking talent and her ensemble. The archival clips of her aunt Carmen Amaya are astonishing and unforgettable. While nothing can compare to the power of a live show by this caliber of talent, this video does document the energy and spirit of the music and work.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely video!, April 4, 2007

By 

Marni Benavides (Edmonton, Alberta Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gypsy Heart - The Heart and Soul of Flamenco / Omayra Amaya (DVD)

Hola,

Omayra Amaya has shared herself in this film, which is a very intimate presentation of her life and dance. A good film if you are interested in the flamenco behind flamenco. Insightful, and, of course, always great music & dance. Omayra is definitely gitano puro...