Memorial plaques dot the waterfront in front of benches at Boulevard Park. Further back from the waterfront, resting under a large tree, is a stone memorial unlike all the rest dedicated to Isabel Morca.
Morca became famous for a style of dancing called flamenco. Flamenco is a culmination of song, dance and guitar associated with the Roma people of southern Spain. Flamenco mingles many different styles of dance and song to create a unique and exciting performance. Isabel and her dance partner, husband Teo Morca, toured all over the world dancing flamenco.
The Morcas moved to Bellingham in 1975 and founded the Morca Academy of Performing Arts, formerly at 1349 Franklin St. In 1987, Isabel Morca earned the Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award for her dedication to flamenco.
Isabel Morca died Aug. 3, 1995, at the age of 54 in her husband’s arms from heart failure while rehearsing for an upcoming tour in Japan. She died doing what she had dedicated her life to.
This unique stone memorial continues to catch the eyes of park visitors whether they are walking by, lying in the grass or dancing as she did.
WTD runs on Wednesdays. Have a suggestion for a “What’s the Deal With?” inquiry? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.
