Artists

Antonio Hidalgo (Associate Artistic Director of Tours, Choreographer & Dancer) began his studies in regional dance, Spanish classical and flamenco in his hometown Lucena, Cordoba. His professional career began in Festivales de Flamenco in Cordoba and he soon joined the company of Carmen Mota. He formed his own company in 1990 before moving to Madrid in 1992 to work with the companies of Jose Antonio, Paco Romero, Jose Greco and Antonio Gades. In 1996 he began collaborating with Maria Benitez, Masamy Okada and Yolanda Gonzalez. Since 1998 he has been choreographer and principal dancer with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana touring the U.S. and performing annually at the Joyce Theater. He has also worked with directors Miguel Naros, Salvador Tavara and Antonio Molero. With Inmaculada Ortega, he directs the company Aroma Flamenca and works with the Fundacion Antonio Gades as soloist, choreographer and director.

Pilar Andujar (Choreographer & Dancer) has a degree in ballet from the Conservatorio de Alicante in Spain as well as a degree in Spanish dance from the Royal Conservatory in Madrid. She has studied Classical Spanish dance with Paco Romero and Aida Gomez and flamenco with Ciro, Maria Magdalena and Belen Maya. She has worked with The Companies of Luis Ortega, Luisillo and Blanca del Rey and Antonio Gades. She has choreographed for the National Classical Theater and for Companies in Japan, Latvia and Moscow. She has been a finalist in the Flamenco and Spanish Dance Competition in Madrid for two different choreographies. Recent choreographies for Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana include Palillos y Pies and the 25th Anniversary production of Carmen: El Baile.

Zenon Ramos (Dancer) began his studies in the Antonio Alonso Dance Academy and Amor de Dios studios in Madrid. He is a truly versatile dancer, having studied ballet, escuela bolera, and flamenco with Antonio Alonso, Pedro Azorin, Maria Magdalena, Manolete, Tomas de Madrid, La China, and Domingo Ortega. He was a finalist in the V Certamen of Choreography in Madrid and has since toured the world with the Antonio Vargas Flamenco Company, Compañia Maria Pages, Compañia Inma Ortega, Juan Andres Maya, Yuriko Flamenco Company, and Isabel Pantoja in her show A Tu Lado. He has performed with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana for four seasons and is also a teaching artist with the company's Project Olé. Zenon has appeared in several movies, including Zeffirelli's Callas Forever and Chus Gutierrez' Alma Gitana. He often teaches workshops and choreographs for Companies in Germany.

Olga Castro (Dancer) completed studies with the Compañia Teatro de la Danza in Madrid. She worked under such teachers as Belen Maya, Carmela Greco and El Guito. Ms. Castro was honored with the first prize as best dancer in the Fifth Flamenco and Spanish Dance Competition in Madrid in 1996. She has performed with the Companies of Rafael Aguilar and Luis Ortega and has been an actress and dancer for the movie Calas Forever, in works presented by the National Classical Theatre Company and has produced and choreographed works for the Pradillo Theatre in Madrid.

Lía Ochoa (Dancer & Teaching Artist) dances regularly as a soloist in tablaos in the tri-state area, such as Alegrias, Xunta, Ñ, Flor de Sol, and Cavo. Since 2005, she has been a dancer with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, touring and performing throughout the US, including the Joyce Theater in NYC. Lia is also a company dancer with Omayra Amaya's Flamenco Dance Company, and Oscar Valero's Fuerza. Before moving to New York, she developed, directed, and danced in Paragon Theatre Company's yearly fundraising show The Soul of Flamenco in Denver Colorado, as well as assistant directed the show Don Juan Flamenco, starring Rafael Campallo and presented in the 2004 Bienal de Flamenco in Seville, Spain. Lia trained at the Cristina Heeren Flamenco Foundation with Milagros Menjibar, Rafael and Adela Campallo, Manolo Soler, and Javier Baron, as well as with Pilar Ortega, among others. She also appears in the 2009 film Pink Panther 2 with Steve Martin.

Defne Enc (Dancer) has studied flamenco, ballet and modern dance in both the United States and Spain. She has performed with the company of La Tania and with Yaelisa and Caminos Flamencos in California. She has appeared at the New World Flamenco Festival, the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the Beijing International Culture Festival and in collaborative works with the ODC Theatre. In Madrid she has worked at various tablaos and studied with Manolo Liñan, Rafaela Carrasco and Belen Maya.

Juanjo Garcia (Dancer) began his professional career in 1993 with the Company of Manuel Nuñez. He has performed with the Companies of Carmen Mota, Luisillo, Maria Rosa, Rafael de Cordoba, Jose Greco and Aroma Flamenco touring throughout Spain and Europe. Mr. Garcia studied Classical dance with Yanus Slovinsky, Classical Spanish Dance with Rosa Garcia, Enrique Burgos and Paco Romero and Flamenco with Antonio Canales, Eva La Yerbabuena, Belen Fernandez, Domingo Ortega and others. He has worked in tablaos in Madrid and Barcelona and has performed as a soloist in such works as Carmen, Amor Brujo, Los Tarantos and Pura Sangre.

Cristina Moguel (Dancer & Teaching Artist) was principal dancer and teaching artist with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana from 2001 to 2006. She began her dance studies in lyrical jazz and Mexican folklorico dance at the age of eight. She began her flamenco studies in Los Angeles then moved to Madrid to study with La China, Cristobal Reyes, Merche Esmeralda, Eva la Yerbabuena, Manuel Reyes, and Rafaela Carrasco. She performed with Isabel Olivade's Madrid based Spain Dance Company before moving to New York City in 2001. She performed with the New York Metropolitan Opera's Carmen and was featured by NBC/Telemundo and the Beacon Theater as the lead flamenco dancer in Gitanas, choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.

Rafael Peral (Dancer) has a degree in Spanish dance from the Instituto del Teatro in Barcelona. He was Principal Dancer and Rehearsal Director with the company of Antonio Canales, and has worked with the companies of El Guito, Sara Baras, Maria Pages, Rafael de Cordoba, Eva La Yerbabuena and Adrian Galia. Mr. Peral has toured internationally, including Israel and Japan, and is known for his theatrical interpretations as well as his highly skilled dance ability.

"La Megue" Meagan Chandler (Singer), a native of Boulder, Colorado, is a vocalist, expressive arts educator and ethnic performance artist. She has studied extensively in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and has had twelve years of vocal and dance training in flamenco, various Middle Eastern and Balkan forms, jazz, and classical Western styles. Meagan works with Maria Benitez' second company, Estampa Española. She has recorded three albums, and teaches private voice and dance lessons.

Calvin Hazen (Composer & Guitarist) performs at the famous tablao Corral de la Moreria and has appeared with such artists as Felipe Maya, Jerónimo Maya, Curro de Jeréz, Jesús "El Almendro," and Manuel Díaz "El Flecha." He has composed and performed with Orfeo Flamenco and Sol y Luna and has performed internationally with Suite Española. Mr. Hazen was resident accompanist at the University of New Mexico Dance Department and an accompanist and instructor for Festival Flamenco in Albuquerque. He has appeared with numerous companies, including María Benítez and Teo Morca.

Terence Butler (Flutist) was born in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and began his musical studies in 1970 with members of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. He studied at Skidmore College and Berklee College of Music in Boston. Since 1987 he has lived in Barcelona, Spain, where, in addition to Flamenco, he has formed part of many diverse groups of Jazz and Classical music and performed with acclaimed artists such as "El Toleo," "La Yerbabuena," and "Chicuelo." He has toured extensively in Spain, Japan and in China at the International Jazz Festival and has recorded CD's with Candela.

Javier Navarro (Guitarist) began his study of guitar at age eleven with Merengue de Cordoba. From 1990 to 1995 he worked on different projects with Javier Latorre and Manuel Maya "Manolete" and Nuria Leiva in the school of Mayca Moyano. In 1999 he joined the Company of Antonio Marquez. He then traveled throughout Brazil with Adriane Galisteo. He has worked in El Arenal tablao in Seville, and won First Prize for accompaniment in 1999 in the Third Contest of Young Flamencos. He has traveled to Japan with Antonio Marquez and worked with Yoko Komatsubara. Most recently he has worked with the Cristina Heeren Foundation under a scholarship and as an Assistant Professor.

Francisco J. Orozco "Yiyi" (Percussion, Singer) was born in Barcelona and was introduced to flamenco rhythms at an early age by his father, who was a flamenco singer. At twelve, he began performing professionally as a percussionist and by seventeen, he had become involved with singing, particularly for dance. He has toured extensively in Germany, including with the company Flamenco Rubio and has also toured with Compañia Flamenca Alhama throughout Europe and Japan. Yiyi has accompanied many dancers including Alejandro Granados, Domingo Ortega, Antonio Granjero, Jose Greco II.

Jose Salinas (Singer) is from Almeria, Spain. He studied singing with Talegon de Cordoba and El Falo. He has also studied percussion and has a specialization in music for movies. He has worked in Madrid with the group Machaca and in the tablao Las Carboneras. He has traveled to Europe and South Africa with various companies as a percussionist and singer.

Pedro Sanz (Singer) was born in Madrid and made his singing debut at the Teatro Alcala at the age of sixteen. His first teachers were Olga Manzano and Talegon de Cordoba with whom he studied at the studios of Amor de Dios. He has worked in many tablaos among them Casa Patas and Coral de la Pacheca. He has sung for many famous artists including La Tati and Tomas de Madird. He has a recent recoding Yunque, Martillo y Estribo and has sung with the Boston Symphony orchestra under the direction of Rafael Frubeck de Burgos.

Maya de Silva (Dancer & Teaching Artist) holds a BFA in Theatre & Dance from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Ms. de Silva has worked with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana since 1997 as a performer, Teaching Artist, and currently teaches the New York dance workshops. She has performed in New York, New Mexico,Texas and California with Maria Benitez, Andrea del Conte Danza Espana, Flamenco Latino and Repertorio Español. Eastern venues of note include DTW, Jacob's Pillow, The Joyce, Kaatsbaan and Boston Pops. Ms. de Silva studied at the Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco in Sevilla, Spain, with El Farruquito, Javier Latorre, Carmen Ledesma, Israel Galvan, Isabel Bayon and Milagros Mengibar. She danced four seasons at the Metropolitan Opera, taught ten years at Mason Gross School of the Arts, and directs her own company, Chavales del Barrio.

Rebeca Tomás (Dancer) began her formal dance training in Granada, Spain at Maite Galán's Escuela de Danza Española. She later moved to Madrid, where she studied at the internationally renowned Flamenco Academy Amor de Dios under such figures as Maria Magdalena, La China, Manuel Liñán, and Rafaela Carrasco. There she appeared at various tablaos, including Al Andalus and Las Carboneras. She has also studied in Seville with Juana Amaya, Pastora Galván, and Yolanda Heredia, focusing specifically on Bata de Cola technique. Now based in New York City, Rebeca performs and tours with numerous Flamenco dance companies, including Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Jorge Navarro's Flamenco Dance Theatre, Oscar Valero, Edwin Aparicio, and Pasión y Arte. Since summer 2008, Rebeca has been performing and touring with Noche Flamenca, sharing the stage with figures such as Soledad Barrio, Alejandro Granados, and Antonio Jimenez "el Chupete." In May 2008, she received a travel and study grant from the Jerome Foundation and, in June 2008, she received a scholarship to participate in a summer intensive program at Jacob's Pillow.

Julia Chacón (Dancer & Teaching Artist) has performed in Spain, Mexico, and throughout the United States. An accomplished choreographer and director, her choreography has been featured in Savor y Ritmo in Los Angeles, and in Yaelisa's Emerging Choreographers Showcase in San Francisco. She created three pieces for award winning, Moving Company out of Scottsdale, and her self-produced concerts in New Mexico and Arizona. Ms. Chacon has performed with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana's Federico, as well as Festival Flamenco's Fiesta Flamenca, María Benítez Teatro Flamenco, Amaya Flamenco Sín Límites, Arizona Opera, Artes Bellas, and Mosaico Flamenco.

Gisele Revollar (Dancer, Singer, Teaching Artist) was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ms. Revollar studied modern dance and ballet studies before discovering flamenco. She has studied in Madrid, Amor De Dios with Maria Magdalena, Tomas De Madrid, Ciro, Carmela Greco, Paco Romero, Christian Galia, Maruja Palacios. Ms. Revollar was a featured flamenco dancer in the companies of Angela Mari Menta, De Arte y Baile Flamenco, and Laurita De Castro in Brazil. She has been performing in New York since 1999, with notable roles in Two River Theatre Company's production of Lorca's Blood Wedding, and the Theatre East show Flamenco Extravaganza. She has also performed with Eva Lucena's Alborada Spanish Dance Company and Fiesta Flamenca, Danzas Espanolas. She currently performs in tablaos throughout New York and New Jersey.

Sol Koeraus (Dancer & Teaching Artist) was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sol has studied dance, holistic healing and languages. She is a certified yoga instructor and Reiki Master. She has danced flamenco since the age of 15, her grandmother being an strong influence. She is a member of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana as well as Pasion y Arte, and the company of Omayra Amaya. Sol has led lecture demonstrations in schools, libraries and community center with Barbara Martinez. She recently toured Mexico with premier guitarist Hernan Romero. She currently teaches at the Eastern Athletic. Through her classes she hopes to assist others in discovering their own love for Flamenco, mastery of the fascinating rhythms and the pure joy of dancing. Sol dances in many of the tablaos in New York on a regular basis.

Tara Muthuan (Dancer & Teaching Artist) has been a Teaching Artist with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana since 2006. Originally from Boulder, Colorado; she graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts and attended SUNY Purchase before moving to New York City. She has studied in Spain and in the US with Omayra Amaya, Farruca, La Meira, and Antonio de los Reyes among others. Tara has performed with various flamenco artists and in varying venues throughout NYC and New Mexico.

Photo by Carol Rosegg

La Meira (Dancer & Teaching Artist) fell in love with Flamenco at the age of 15 and has never looked back. She has performed in many renowned tablaos in Madrid such as Luisillo's Los Cabales and Manolo Caracol's Los Canasteros, and with many of the giants of flamenco, including Antonio Canales, Diego Carrasco, Juanito Habichuela and Jose Soto of "Ketama," and Chuni Amaya. La Meira has performed with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana since 1987 as a dancer and Teaching Artist. Her most recent project is called "Al Compas del Flamenco," a collaboration with friends which has been presented in Boston, New Jersey and New York. La Meira has been awarded choreography grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Pew Charitable Trust. She has taught at NYU, Temple University, Bryn Mawr College, Sarah Lawrence College, Fashion Institute of Technology, Flamenco Festival International at the University of New Mexico, and has done master classes, residencies and lecture-demos throughout the U.S.

Laura Montes (Dancer) regularly headlines at the top tablaos in the New York City area, and has performed with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana in Federico, as well as Lincoln Center, Pregones Theater, and at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Ms. Montes' Spanish dance training began at age six with Andrea Del Conte, and she has continued her studies in Spain with Maria Magdalena, Carmela Greco, Guito and Juana Amaya, and in New York with Jose Molina, La Meira, Repompa de Malaga and Raquel Heredia.

Aurora Reyes (Dancer & Singer) has toured with companies such as Jose Molina Bailes Españoles, worked at La Corral de la Pacheca tablao in Madrid and was mentored by La Tati. She has choreographed for Andrea Del Conte Danza España and performed at Dance Theater Workshop and Thalia Theater in New York. Her most recent piece Dedicacion a las Americas involved fusion of flamenco styles with the Argentine milongo, the Cuban guajiras and South American colombianas. Ms. Reyes is Director of her own company Flamenco Latino that she co-founded with Basilio Georges.

Ricky Santiago (Dancer) began his dance training at Ballet Hispanico of New York, and continued at SUNY Purchase, The Alvin Ailey School and Dance Theater Of Harlem. He has studied flamenco with Liliana Morales, Manolo Rivera, Luis Montero, La Tati, La China, El Toleo, Omayra Amaya and others. Mr. Santiago has toured throughout the U.S. and internationally. He appeared in Franco Zeffirelli's Carmen and La Traviata at The Metropolitan Opera, Don Giovanni at Washington Opera. He has appeared in films and music videos including Alanis Morissette's "Hand In My Pocket". He has performed with Ballet Hispanico, Bailes Ferrer, Carmen Rubio, Sol y Sombra, Flamenco Latino, Alborada Spanish Dance, M'oro Flamenco, Flamenco Ole, Danzas Españolas, Flamenco Sepharad and Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, NY where he also served as Choreographer for their Production of Carmen.

Oscar Valero (Dancer) studied flamenco with Antonio Canales, La China, Manuel Soler, Domingo Ortega, Belen Fernandez, Manolo Marin, Maria Pages, and Alejandro Granados among others. Other than being a talented dancer he also plays cajon and shared the stage with Manuel Soler, El Pirania, Ramon Porrina, and Lucki Losada. He danced as a soloist and performed internationally with Antonio Canales, Merche Esmeralda, and Maria Pages. He is directing his own flamenco company's creation Fuerza, and teaches workshops throughout Europe, Japan, and United States.

Yloy Ybarra (Dancer) was trained in Spain, Texas and New York. His dance background is extensive in flamenco, ballet, jazz, modern and ethnic dance. He performs and teaches with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Maria Benitez, Jose Greco, the Metropolitan Opera, Charo, Flamenco Latino, La Repompa de Malaga, and Sol y Sombra. He has been featured on Spain's TeleMadrid and Canal Sur and has for many years produced and directed Encuentro Flamenco en la Rabita Baja in Ronda. Mr. Ybarra is a recipient of numerous grants and awards for his work with children and continues to be in demand as a dance educator. He founded his own company Ballet Fiesta Mexicana de Yloy Ybarra in 1999, and serves as ambassador to Mexican culture to a large variety of audiences.

Dominico Caro (Singer) studied the art of flamenco singing in Madrid, Sevilla and Jerez de la Frontera, learning his trade from great masters such as Antonio Mairena, Fosforito, Bernarda y Fernanda from Utrerar. He lived with the gypsies in Moron and Jerez and feels that this experience was invaluable to his interpretation of flamenco song. Dominico has become a foremost name in the flamenco world due to his vast knowledge of the art, and the clarity and power of his round, mellow voice. On his frequent visits to Spain, Dominico sings for noted teachers and choreographers such as Maria Rona Merced, Ciro, Paco Fernandez and La Tati. Mr. Caro has performed with Jose Greco, Jose Molina, and Ronario Galan's Ballet Espanol. He has appeared on television with Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show", and with David Frost and Liza Minnelli at Lincoln Center.

Roberto Castellón (Guitarist) began studying guitar at the age of eight from his father and Manolo Baron. His professional debut was at the age of nine. He has toured the U.S., Canada, and South America with the companies of Jose Greco, Jose Molina and Pasion Flamenca. He has performed with La Conja, Mimbre y Vareta, Andrea del Conte Danza España, Maria Benitez Estampa Flamenca. With Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, he has composed music for Mano a Mano, and Bailaor/Bailaora and toured nationally. Mr. Castellón is also known for his fusion work. He has collaborated with Salsa artist Frankie Negron and composed a fusion work of flamenco with Klezmer music that premiered at The Town Hall in NYC.

David Castellano (Singer). In his teen years, Mr. Castellano dug deep into his Andalusian roots and discovered the world of flamenco. His interest inflated and burst into a realm of talent that he never thought he possessed—a flamenco voice. Mr. Castellano has established himself in the Tri-State area and is much sought after by dance companies in the area. He has also performed with Alborada Spanish Dance Theater, Andrea del Conte Danza España, and Pilar Rioja at Repertorio Español in New York. Mr. Castellano has toured in Russia with the European Pop star Ala Bina. In addition to his work with dance companies, Mr. Castellano's whirlpool of musical interests has led him to fuse a large number of musical styles such as funk, Brazilian, flamenco, rock and baroque. He is a founding member of Manué, a Flamenco fusion group which won the Univision contest for best new group in 2005, and has recorded two albums.

Joaquin Gallegos (Guitarist) has studied guitar with Pedro Cuadra, and "Chuscales," in United States and with Manolo Sanlucar in Cordoba and Emilio Maya in Granada. He has a BA from the University of New Mexico and studied at the University of Granada from 1998 until 2001. He speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese, teaches flamenco guitar and has also worked as a translator. He performs with the Institute of Spanish Arts under the direction of Maria Benitez.

Basilio Georges (Guitarist) has studied guitar in Madrid, Seville and New York and has accompanied such artists as Rafael Fajardo and Concha Vargas in the U.S., La Tati, Faico, Circo and Manolete in dance studios, and many canta'ores such as Juanele de Jerez, Marcelino Sanchez, and Antonio Benamargo in various Flamenco peñas in Madrid. As a composer, Mr. Georges has composed and arranged 30 pieces for Flamenco Latino, the company he created with singer/dancer Aurora Reyes. He has written several pieces for Andrea Del Conte Danza España and for Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, including two pieces for their 1992 Joyce Theater Season. Mr. Georges's guitar work was featured in the soundtrack of Almodovar's "High Heels" and he has a number of recordings. He is on the staff at the American Institute of the Guitar and he teaches privately.

Cristian Puig (Guitarist) was born and raised in Argentina. Immersed in a rich musical culture, Puig began playing the guitar at an early age. A master of flamenco and Spanish guitar, Puig has impressed audiences with his innate talent. He has performed in numerous flamenco festivals around the country including the Breaking Lines Dance Festival, and Dance Boom! In addition to his work with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, he is also the musical director and guitarist of acclaimed female flamenco group, Pasion y Arte.

Carlos Revollar (Guitarist) studied classical and flamenco guitar with Dennis Koster, Antonio "Canito" Suarez, El Entri, Jesus Torres and Luis Heredia, and performs regularly with some of flamenco's top dancers and singers at such venues as the Guggenheim Museum, Lincoln Center Summer Stage, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Mr. Revollar is active in Arts Education, bringing flamenco to New York City schools, with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, as well as the Midori Foundation and Lincoln Center's educational programs. Mr. Revollar has appeared in many theatrical productions including Two River Theater Company's production of Federico Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding, with Noche Flamenca's Martin Santangelo.

Manuel Duque is Professor Emeritus of Theatre Arts at the Pennsylvania State University, and a cross-cultural theatre specialist. Mr. Duque provided the framework and direction for Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana's productions of Federico, and Burlador. Other directing credits include the English language premieres of plays by José Martín Recuerda of Spain and Alfredo Dias Gomes of Brazil. Mr. Duque was also Master Teacher of Acting in the M.F.A. training programs at Penn State and the Florida State/Asolo Theatre Conservatory.

Samuel Hazo is the author of novels, essays, plays and poetry, the most recent book of poetry being As They Sail. He collaborated with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana on the dramatic flamenco ballet Mano a Mano. Mr. Hazo is the Director and Founder of the International Poetry Forum in Pittsburgh and was named McAnulty Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Duquesne University. He has been a National Book Award finalist and was chosen the first State Poet of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Governor Robert Casey in 1993, a position he still holds.

Rafel Lopez-Barrantes is the founder of the Archipelago Theatre Company of France and co-artistic director of Archipelago USA, whose works have been frequently staged to critical acclaim. After ten years as faculty member of the Theater Studies Department at Duke University, he is now professor of Theatre at California Institute of the Arts He has worked for many seasons with the American Dance Festival and is Chairman of the Voice Department at the National School of Puppeteers, France. He is the Dramatic Director of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana's 25th Anniversary production of Carmen: El Baile.