Even on a flamenco scene boasting a flamboyant array of talent, Melissa Cruz stands out with her emotional intensity and crisp, beautifully articulated steps.

Rooted in the hard-scrabble soil of Andalusia, the art form grew out of the medieval convergence of Gitano, Jewish, Spanish and Moorish culture. Accompanied by guitar, vocals and percussive half-clapping called “palmas,” flamenco dancers use sharp, dynamic movement, dramatic footwork and striking lines to express a wide range of themes.