Biography

Kasandra has been identified as “the city's rising flamenco star…who has embodied flamenco with her dynamic, precise style, earning her an enviable reputation as one of the finest bailaoras in Vancouver” by a recent Spanish publication on “Flamenco in Canada”. Kasandra began her artistic journey under the tutelage of Oscar Nieto, who imparted his wisdom regarding the art of improvisational flamenco. Oscar has become Kasandra’s mentor and partner in forming Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy and the professional company, Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre.

Today Kasandra is highly in demand as a flamenco dance soloist. She is the prima bailaora and choreographer for Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre. She has collaborated with other flamenco groups including Flamenco Rosario, Pena Buleria, Moraima, Los Canasteros, Flamenco Alcala and Flamenco Vivo. She is known for her explosive spirit, precise rhythmic footwork, grace and personal character. Her love for flamenco is contagious, as she strives to educate new audiences and bring newcomers to the art form through her dance. Kasandra has performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and has been a featured soloist for the Vancouver Sun Concert Series, Flamenco Fiesta 2002, Jondo Flamenco Festival 2004 & Vancouver Flamenco Festival 2004-5. In 2005, the Canada Council for the Arts awarded Kasandra a study grant to further her training in Spain.

Kasandra makes yearly trips to Spain to keep current with developments in the art form. She has studied with a broad range of flamenco masters including La China, Carmela Greco, Manolete, Matilde Coral, Victoria Eugenia, Merche Esmeralda, Rafaela Carrasco, Isabel Bayon, Belen Maya, Inmaculada Aguilar, Javier Baron, Tomas de Madrid, Blanca Del Rey, Maria “Cha Cha” Bermudez and Ana Maria Lopez.

Teaching Style

Kasandra places a strong emphasis on integrating dance with music in all classes. It is impossible to dance without strong compas. Thorough and methodical, she teaches basic music concepts such as time signature, tempo, subdivision and rhythm. This builds a strong foundation for dancers seeking to explore flamenco, dance independently or work in ensembles.

The true art of flamenco is an interplay between dancer, singer, guitarist and palmistas. Kasandra's masterclasses have demystified bulerias and tangos por fiesta to many students, who are given the opportunity to dance with live musicians during class. Many students are able to improvise and dance independently within a relatively short period of time, regardless of technical level. Kasandra analyses the structure behind the dance and systematically breaks down flamenco into basic components so students can grasp the concept of improvisation.
Kasandra's enthusiasm and energy makes classes fun for students. A conscientious and demanding teacher, Kasandra systematically teaches good fundamental technique exercises for braceo (arms), floreo (fingers), posture (torso), cadera (hips), vueltas (turns) and zapateado (footwork).