IRENE DANCES ON FOR RAQUEL

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Having raised many thousands of euros for a variety of worthy concerns Raquel Peña truly is a remarkable woman. A model at just four years of age she grew up to be a world-renowned ballet and flamenco dancer.

Along with her film director father the family fled from their native Holland to Spain as the war began to take hold in Europe. But with the conditions under Franco proving little better the family moved to New York where Raquel’s career took off as a 4 year old model.

When she was just 10 years of age her love of dancing saw her awarded a coveted scholarship to the Metropolitan Opera’s Ballet School which saw her training with some of the biggest names in the world of dance and then aged 17 she met the man who was to become her husband, Fernando Sirvent, who became one of Spain’s foremost classical guitarists; she married at 18 and had her daughter just a year later.

Despite moving in the highest political circles in Washington, dancing for President Nixon and Senator Robert Kennedy the family moved back to Spain and Raquel set up a studio in the family house at Campoverde. Another difficult time followed as Fernando was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s with Raquel nursing him until his death 17 years later.

As the dance school went from strength to strength it was no surprise when in 1998 Raquel established a dance company and school at Pilar de la Horadada.

One of her brightest young dancers is Irene Martinez who I was able to watch at the Rebate Restaurant last Wednesday. Truly an amazing young talent, at just 13 years of age, she captivated over 200 diners and along with Luciana Ibañez, Sara Martinez and Paula Garcia, the quartet performed two marvellous routines, first traditional and then classical flamenco.

The performance of Irene was especially significant as the youngster has a serious health problems that must be seen to urgently.

She has not grown since she was 9 years of age and her parents have been told by local specialists that the only treatment that will help Irene is very expensive and only available through private means.

Speaking to Raquel I understand that one further consultation has yet to take place however, within the next few weeks in Madrid, when Irene will be examined by a leading specialist who deals especially with dancers and their development. We all wish her the very best of luck.

In the meantime Raquel is considering organising a number of fund raising concerts for Irene monies which will help offset the costs of her expensive treatment so if you do become aware of such an event being held locally please go along and offer your support.

If you want to see Raquel’s Flamenco Dance Company in action you can catch them twice a week, Wednesday and Sunday lunchtimes at the Rebate Restaurant in Rebate. On Tuesday evenings at the Orihuela Costa Resort or on Sunday evenings at the historic La Encarnación Hotel in Los Alcazares.

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