Connecting to our community

Here at Sangamon Auditorium, we try to take every opportunity to make the arts enriching and tie events to other interest areas in the community.

On Sunday, October 4, we were pleased to host a performance by Compañia Flamenca José Porcel, a company fronted by Spain's premier flamenco dancer and choreographer.  Prior to the performance, high school Spanish students from several schools enjoyed a Spanish-themed pre-show meal alongside UIS students from the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and the Sangamon Auditorium Student Club (SASC).  Following the meal, Sangamon Auditorium marketing graduate assistant Katie Woodford interviewed the OLAS and SASC students about campus life and college choices.  Then, those present were treated to a pre-show discussion with José Porcel himself.  Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association member and Pleasant Plains High School Spanish teacher Fernando Ares served as interpreter, though it was great for the students to hear so much Spanish being spoken and interpret on their own.

Fernando Ares and José Porcel

Following Mr. Porcel's discussion, Sangamon Auditorium Volunteer Association and Springfield International Folk Dancers member John Petter discussed the significance of preserving folk dancing and the role of the local club.  

John Petter

It was a great event for providing additional context to the performance that followed.  Many thanks to Audience Development Coordinator Amy Zepp and other members of our staff for making the event possible and thanks to the teacher participants who organized student groups to attend.