About

Founded in 1996 by dancer/choreographer Gabriela Granados, American Bolero Dance Company’s mission is to preserve and present Spanish dance and music in its various forms, exploring the rhythmic intricacies and song literature of Flamenco, the refined and stylized repertory of Clásico Español and the traditions of the Escuela Bolera. ABDC’s productions are noted for their integration of theatricality, imaginative choreography and authentic costuming. ABDC’s primary goal is to bring the music, history and tradition of Spanish Dance to the United States.

American Bolero Dance Company has successfully presented its signature productions in New York City, U.S. and Europe. Praised by the press and audiences, some of the company’s most noted creations are:  Olé!Olé! presented in 1988 at Intar Theater, marking the Off-Broadway debut of ABDC, Olé!Olé! Fin de Siglo in 1999 at The Kaye Playhouse, Spanish Gems in 2005 at Flushing Town Hall. ABDC also appears with orchestras and opera companies and has been presented by Carnegie Hall with the Orchestra of Saint Luke’s.

In 2001 ABDC moved to Queens and established its dance education program in 2002.  The Company’s Spanish Dance School offers classes of varying levels for children and adults, as well as performing opportunities for its students.  The children’s program follows a unique graded syllabus, developed by Gabriela Granados, which includes Flamenco, classical and regional folkloric Spanish dance, ballet and character dance.

In 2002, ABDC received the National Endowment for the Arts’ Heritage and Preservation Grant to help establish an apprenticeship program to attract and develop local talent for the company. Professional and pre-professional dancers were selected by audition and intensively trained by renowned master teachers in the dances which characterize ABDC's broad repertoire.

Since November 7, 2008 ABDC has been presenting its Tablao Flamenco series in Astoria, NY.  This ongoing series features live cabaret-style performances showcasing Flamenco and other dance styles by world-class local and international artists on a rotating basis.  The company received consecutive years of decentralized grant funding for its Tablao Flamenco project through the Queens Council on the Arts, from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program (starting in 2009) and the New York City Department of Affairs’ Greater NY Development Fund (starting in 2011).  The project was also rewarded monies directly from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Cultural Development Fund in 2010 and 2013.

Other noteworthy artistic activities in ABDC’s recent past have included the following:  Placido Domingo Fundraiser Gala for the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center – September 28, 2008; Ritz Theater presents “Dennis Koster and Friends”, Newburgh, NY – April 25, 2009 – Flamenco dance was featured as part of the Tom Humphrey Guitar Series to benefit Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s efforts to preserve the Ritz Theater; “La Traviata” with Mannes Opera, Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse, New York, NY – May 9 and 10, 2009; and both the Queens County Folk Festival, Queens College – September 13, 2009 and the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY – August 8, 2010 – these outdoor festival featured various performing arts groups from throughout the borough.