Kasandra
Flamenco dancer, Choreographer, Instructor

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 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. She is in demand as a flamenco dance soloist and choreographer, and has worked with flamenco groups: Mozaico Flamenco, Flamenco Rosario, Pena Buleria, Moraima, Los Canasteros, Flamenco Alcala, Flamenco Vivo and Flamenco y Algo Mas. Kasandra is known for her explosive, dynamic style, precise rhythmic footwork, grace and personal character. Kasandra's inspiration comes from the "aire" (feeling) of each unique song form.

The essence of flamenco is to transcend the ordinary, to "be in the moment", to experience and embody true emotion, and to make this connection with the "cuadro" (flamenco group) and the audience. Kasandra strives to educate new audiences and bring newcomers to the artform through her dance. Kasandra makes yearly trips to Spain. She has studied extensively at the Amor De Dios studio in Madrid and with artists in Jerez de la Frontera. She has studied with a broad range of flamenco masters including La China, Carmela Greco, Tomas de Madrid, Manolete, Rafaela Carrasco, Isabel Bayon, Belen Maya, Inmaculada Aguilar, Merche Esmeralda, Victoria Eugenia, 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).