Compañía Irene Rodríguez is a revered voice in the emerging contemporary Cuban dance scene, known for a particular vision of flamenco that is both Spanish and Cuban. Rodríguez, praised as “intense” and “exacting” by The New York Times, created her company in 2012 that has since “succeeded in positioning itself among the best of the Spanish genre in Cuba” (Granma, Cuba). After a sold-out Jacob’s Pillow debut in 2017, this fiery ensemble of dancers and live musicians returns with audiences favorites and a world premiere, including the Pillow-commissioned “Pena Negra” based on poetry by Federico García Lorca, among others.

Among many accolades, Rodríguez was recently awarded the Order Isabel la Católica from the King of Spain and the Spanish government. The Festival presentation coincides with a two-week Professional Advancement program in the current and historic traditions of flamenco and Spanish dance, directed by Rodríguez in The School at Jacob’s Pillow.