dance

"You cannot be the big cheese for life," says Julia Lopez, explaining why she likes to have others set dances on her company, Flamenco Ole! Lopez founded the troupe 20 years ago, and has molded it to suit her own vision while being open to new ideas. The most recent person to create new work for her "girls," as Lopez calls them, is Carmela Greco. "She's a very strong dancer, not only with the feet, but also with her body and her emotions. She has great feeling -- when you see her dance you can see everything in her face," says Lopez. Greco, a noted artist in her own right as well as being the daughter of the late great choreographer Jose Greco, has made a new work expressly for Flamenco Ole! called "La Fragua." Lopez says it was inspired by the austere sound of a blacksmith's anvil, which evolves into beautiful music with beautiful ladies and feminine movement. Greco appears in another work she created, "Tientos," based on a popular flamenco rhythm. Lopez shows up in that number, where she sings, as well as in "Bolero," an audience favorite featuring guest dancer Martin Gaxiola, whom Lopez appreciates because "he has a lot of energy and a nice presence."

There's more flamenco in store if you head down Delaware way, where José Porcel presents his company, Ballet Flamenco. Porcel, a native of Seville, Spain, is known for hot-blooded head-to-toe dancing that explodes with passion and drama. His technically dazzling ensemble performs both traditional and contemporary works to showcase the many colors of the flamenco form.

Flamenco Ole!, Fri., Nov. 4, 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 5, 8 p.m., Sun., Nov. 6, 3 p.m., $20-$28, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914; Ballet Flamenco José Porcel, Tue., Nov. 8, $34.50-$38.50, The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del., 800-37-GRAND.