It has no direct translation in English, but as a Spanish idiom, “olé con olé” is best understood as an expression of extreme approval or encouragement—“olé squared,” perhaps, or “olé with an extra side of olé.”
Hence the title of Flamenco del Sol’s 2026 year-end showcase, Olé con Olé, which is going for the gusto with an afternoon of steps that encompass the classical, the folkloric and just about everything in between.
During the presentation, the Oviedo-based school will explore the true breadth and variety of Spanish dance, as demonstrated by a cast of professional performers and students of all ages. Showtime is slated for Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. at the Ritz Theater in Sanford’s Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices start at $30.
Routines on the bill are steeped in not only the flamenco traditions one would expect, but also in the other three schools of Spanish dance: escuela bolera (a blend of classical Spanish
dance with classical ballet); folklórico (regionally defined dances that synthesize folk with ballet); and danza estilizada (a 20th century form that combines the other three).
Incorporating all four has been a priority for Flamenco del Sol since founder/director Tammy Weber integrated them into her October 2024 production of La Casa de Bernarda Alba in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips Center.
Unlike that show, however, Olé con Olé has no narrative throughline—just two hours (including intermission) of fancy footwork, stirring traditional music and colorful costumes. Choreography is by Weber, company mentor Carlos Rodriguez and company dancer and teacher Isabella Millar (who will also perform).
Weber says her ever-more-holistic approach has been embraced by even the youngest members of the school’s student body, who are relishing the chance to express themselves in ways that go beyond the familiar trappings of flamenco. Says Weber with a chuckle: “It’s a new costume. It’s a different pair of shoes. It’s a good time.”
In the case of dancer Millar, the footwear du jour is traveling shoes: The Sanford show represents something of a swan song for her before she departs for Madrid later this year to study at the conservatory level. Olé cubed, anyone?
The Ritz Theater is located at 201 South Magnolia Avenue, Sanford. For more information, call or visit the website.
