Artists

Omayra Amaya's legacy is one of a deep and proud gypsy flamenco tradition. The daughter of Olga and Curro Amaya and grandniece of arguably the greatest Flamenco dancer who ever lived, Carmen Amaya, Omayra accepts the responsibility of her heritage with the same passion and uncontrolled vagrancy of Gypsy spirit as those of her lineage. Omayra's first choreographed role came at age twelve, when she performed as her father's partner. By the time Omayra was fifteen, she was touring and performing internationally with her parents and performing with Rosario Galan and Antonio Santaella.

Omayra founded Amaya, Flamenco Sin Limites and quickly made a name for herself at her company's premiere in 1994. Audience members and critics alike raved about the program which mixed modern Spanish and World Beat music with traditional Flamenco dance forms. The critics were quick to compare Omayra's style and presentation to that of her great-aunt's. Her electrifying presence, lightening fast footwork and non-traditional attire mirrored Carmen's revolutionary style and attitude.

La Tania spent her childhood traveling through the flamenco world of Spain; from the caves of Sacramonte, to the gypsy enclave of Morón de la Frontera, and on to Sevilla. She learned as she watched her mother and others perform the music and dance that became her life's passion.

La Tania's performances bring to American audiences a quality and depth that deliver a profound emotional impact. With her splendid combination of charisma, elegance, and talent La Tania is recognized as one of the brightest flamenco artists of today.

For her work she has been awarded the Choreographers Fellowship from both the California Arts Council for 1995 and the National Endowment for the Arts for 1995 and 1996. Also in 1996 La Tania received the Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Artistic Excellence in the category of Individual Performance for her "Sonidos Negros". The following year the Arts Achievement Award for Contemporary Dance from San Francisco Focus was presented to La Tania.

Briseyda Zárate has inspired and captivated audiences both at home in Los Angeles and abroad with her authentic and emotive artistry. Flamenco dancer, choreographer, teacher and artistic director, her style is emotional and improvisational, infused with “aire” (spirit) and impeccable rhythm and technique. Performance credits include Spain’s acclaimed Tablao “El Cafe de Chinitas”, Mexico’s Festival Internaciónal Cervantino, and Los Angeles’ World Festival of Sacred Music amongst others. In 2006 she was awarded first place for performance and choreography at the prestigious “IV Concurso Naciónal de Flamenco” held in Albuquerque, NM.

Based in Los Angeles, she is one of the Fountain Theatre’s resident artistic directors for the critically acclaimed series, “Forever Flamenco”. In addition to performing, Briseyda artistically directs and choreographs for her company ALMA Y CORAZON FLAMENCO. Her latest production “FLAMENCA” was featured this past Winter as part of the “FESTIVAL DE LATINAS BAILANDO” and is scheduled to premiere in March of 2010 at the LOS ANGELES FLAMENCO FESTIVAL, sharing the bill with artists La Tania and Omayra Amaya.

José Tanaka was born in Kyoto, Japan and raised by family steeped in the Flamenco arts (his father & his uncle both are Flamenco guitarists &

his mother is a Flamenco dancer). He has toured throughout United States, Europe, and Japan performed in many well-known places

(The Hollywood Bowl in LA, Olympia in Paris, Acropolis in Athens,

Tarantos in Barcelona, El Flamenco in Tokyo etc.).

José was invited as a soloist in the 2001~2002 Passion Latina Tour in France, Monte Carlo, Spain, Greece, and Germany performing alongside world famous opera singer Julia Migenes (who appeared as Carmen in Bizet’s Carmen) and collaborated with the director Scotty Morris (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s lead singer/songwriter).

kalakoaent@mac.com | 1525 Aviation Blvd. PMB C406, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

©Photo + Design: Sari Makki-Phillips | www.smphotoevents.com

Adam del Monte is a leading guitarist of his generation, a dynamic force in both classical and flamenco disciplines. He has studied in Spain, Israel and England with such luminaries as Pepe "Habichuela", Paco Cortez, Gerardo Nunez, Menashe Baquiche and Israel and Gordon Crosskey. Adam's eclectic awareness of jazz, world music and other contemporary forms led to new, creative renditions of flamenco repertoire.

He currently teaches flamenco and classical guitar at USC as a faculty member of the studio guitar department.

Photo: ©Elke

©Omayra Amaya