FLAMENCO fever will hit Colwall when members of dance troop Alma visit the Village Hall.

The group of dancers, guitarists and singers are all professional flamenco performers.

Flamenco originated in Andalucia, southern Spain and is a dramatic and passionate performance medium.

Lead dancer Filipe de Algeciras came to London from Spain in 1991 and has danced as a guest artist for most of Britain's major flamenco companies. He was also choreographer for the Antonio Banderas film, The Mask of Zorro.

He set up Alma in January last year as he felt that creating his own group was the only way to fully realise his artistic potential.

He said that he was very excited about returning to the Malvern area as the entire Alma group, which consists of 10 or 11 members, performed to sell-out crowds in Malvern Theatres in November.

Describing the style in which Alma perform Filipe said: "A lot of flamenco companies have moved away from the traditional style but we combine the traditional with more modern dancing."

On Saturday, March 8, the audience can enjoy tapas, a traditional Spanish meal consisting of a variety of small dishes.

The event has been organised by Rachel Keller, chairman of Flamenco for All, a small group of enthusiasts based in the Malvern area who regularly organise Flamenco events.

The group has subsidised Alma's visit to Colwall and Rachel said she was extremely pleased that they were coming.

"I've seen a wide range of flamenco groups and this is one of the best I've seen," she said.

She said that Filipe was the most accomplished flamenco dancer she had ever seen because of his technical excellence and facial expressions while dancing.

Tickets for the evening are available by phoning Rachel Keller on 01684 566506, between 9pm and 10pm or on Tuesday mornings.

People wanting the tapas meal must book their place by February 26 but tickets for the performance only will be available up to the night itself.

Proceeds from the bar on the night will go to the NSPCC.

Anyone interested in learning to dance or play the guitar Flamenco style can attend workshops at Colwall Village Hall.

Classes are being held on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday March 9.

Filipe de Algeciras himself will be teaching both the improvers and intermediate classes.

Places can be booked by contacting Rachel Keller.