Biography

Oscar Nieto has become one of North America’s most acclaimed flamenco dancers since launching his professional dance career at the Chicago Lyric Opera House in 1969. Following his debut performance, he was invited to work with Lola Montes and her Spanish Ballet, and with the José Greco Company. A tour of Europe with José Antonio’s Ballet Silouetas took Mr. Nieto to Spain where he embarked upon an intensive study of Spanish flamenco, regional and classico dance forms. Upon his return to North America he worked with flamenco masters Ciro & Antonio Gades. Oscar has performed and choreographed for the Boston Ballet, the Boston Flamenco Ballet, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Opera. His impeccable technique, striking choreography, and overwhelming stage presence have earned lavish praise from press and public.

In 2003, the Los Angeles Times reviewed, “For those who miss the spirit of improvisation in flamenco in this very choreographed era, and for those who like to feel their heart pounding without having danger close by, the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood had Oscar Nieto, a flamenco Fred Astaire. Nieto showed how to play the contrasts of flamenco like a violin careening from sweetness to sorrow. He was soft, then commanding, full of ferocity, then grace. And he took his time, interacting with the musicians as if their notes didn't just fall around him but inspired him.”

Oscar has dedicated years to the study of the origins of flamenco, regional & classical Spanish dance forms. He is a fountain of knowledge from a cultural-historical standpoint. In 1998, Oscar received a Canada Council Grant to study the evolution of flamenco and Spanish dance in Spain. In 2004, he received a BC Arts Council grant to mount “Espiritu Sin Nombre”, ‘Spirit Without Name’, a multi-media dance, music and art presentation based on a poem by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. In 2005, Oscar won a Canada Council for the Arts grant to assist him in the development of his documentary on the life of his mentor, Lola Montes. In addition, he is the first flamenco dancer ever to receive the prestigious Jacqueline Lemieux Prize, awarded annually to the most deserving applicant in the Canada Council’s Dance Professionals program. He was selected in recognition of his long standing contribution to the art of flamenco in Canada.

Teaching Style

Oscar's broad experience and knowledge gives students a rich background in the history of flamenco and Spanish dance, the cante (song), jaleo (shouts of encouragement) and compas (rhythm). He has a reputation for making the learning process both fun and efficient. He uses methods to open up various channels of learning, which allow the student to grasp the difficulties of flamenco dance and music. His constant positive encouragement and humor add the final touches to a challenging and enlightening experience. Oscar’s Cognitive Awareness Learning methodology focuses on expanding a person's creative potential and was developed over many years of teaching.