Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Sanctuary! – Furia Flamenca at Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival by Ashayla Byrd

I am only mildly embarrassed to share that my first and most significant frame of reference for flamenco dancing came from Esméralda’s character in Disney’s animated film adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This was based on a book originally published in 1831 by Victor Hugo. At a young age, and for reasons unbeknownst to me, I understood Quasimodo, the titular character, and his enchantment with Esméralda. A French Roma dancer, Esméralda’s dazzling smile, hypnotic movement, tambourine, and ferocious pursuit of justice enamored me.