Untitled Document

Holly Stewart

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Occupation: Mother & Website Designer

Years studying flamenco: 7

Q: What first drew you to flamenco?
A: My mother studied flamenco when I was in Utero, so I guess all those seductive rhythms got under my skin! However it wasn't until age 31 when I found Oscar Nieto in Vancouver (1996) that I was finally able to begin studying. Since then I moved to the interior of BC and began introducing flamenco to the community here. Although I definitely consider myself a 'work in progress' and wouldn't have dreamt of teaching, the demand was here and I feel I have learned and progressed so much more through teaching than I would have otherwise. Oscar has been a generous and patient mentor, visiting a few times a year to teach my students workshops and keeping us on the right path, for which we love him!

Q: What is special about Oscar Nieto?
A: Having become a teacher myself, I now appreciate even more what an excellent instructor Oscar is. Studying flamenco is not for the faint of heart, nor for those lacking a sense of rhythm! Yet I see Oscar's ability to work whole-heartedly with each student and discover with them how best they will learn and internalize the complex rhythms and overall art form. I watch students who feel they have three left feet blossom under his sense of humour and capable hand, and leave a workshop smiling with a sense of accomplishment. I am grateful for his mentorship and say Vancouverites are very lucky to have regular access to his classes!