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About the Troupe
Bianca Antonia, has made a lifelong commitment to promoting the art of Flamenco, throughout her community and beyond as a student, a performer and eventually a teacher. Ms. Antonia, started studying flamenco at 15, she eventually progressed to becoming an instructor in her own right and continues to perform around Texas and teach in the Houston area.
As a dance soloist, Ms Antonia relies upon her experiences in music (violin, piano), modern dance and ballet. In 1992, Ms Antonia made the transition from flamenco enthusiast to student and began her flamenco career under the guidance of Lucia Sanchez of Gitanerias Artistas Flamencas. Ms Antonia was invited into Gitanerias to perform as a student dancer the following year and where she remained for the next 8 years. In 1999, Ms Antonia was invited to and appeared in Lucia and Valdemar's flamenco film, "Grafico".
In 2000, Ms Antonia broke away from her parent company and created her own. She débuted her new dance company, Pasion Gitana, at the US Attorney General's Hispanic Festival. Her performances with Pasion would pave the way for bigger stages and productions with her current dance troupe, Flamenco Andaluz. As an instructor, she emphasizes' the importance of improvisation and doesn't dwell too much on set choreographies with advanced students. This she believes, allows her students to gain confidence in performing with guitarist and not rely solely on recorded music. Flamenco Andaluz has performed at venues such as Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, Hilton Hotels, The Houstonian, The American Cancer Society Gala, University of Houston, Texas A & M, Rice University, St. Thomas University and World Trade Gala. They have also performed at many other festivals, private and corporate events across Texas.
Ms Antonia has had the privilege to perform on the stage with Paco del Puerto, Faustino Rios, Vicente Griego, and many more revered artists. She has also had the good fortune to study under some of the most influential artists of flamenco, as well, including Jose Molina, Pablo Rodarte, Antonio Granjero, Susana di Palma, Omayra Amaya, Timo Lozano and Maria Serrano.
Jorge Dahnke started learning the guitar at the age of
13. He began his technical training in theory under famed rock guitarist,
Joel Gregoire. During his training, he was introduced to some flamenco recordings
and never looked back.
Flamenco soon came to consume Jorge. Through a little internet research,
Jorge was able to find local flamenco guitarist Valdemar Phoenix under whom
Jorge studied off and on with for a couple of years. In 2000 Jorge was invited
to perform at the Dallas International Flamenco Festival amongst other flamenco
artists, and in 2001 he traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico to attend the
International Flamenco Festival. During the festival, Jorge took master
flamenco guitar workshops under such notable artists, including, Pedro Cuadra
and Marija Temo (who also gave cante/singing workshops). Jorge also took
flamenco cajon classes under flamenco dancer Jason Martinez. Upon his return
to Houston, Jorge began playing in local venues in and around Houston. In
2002, Jorge flew to Barcelona, Spain and lived there for 3 months. During
his time in Barcelona, Jorge took flamenco guitar lessons under the direct
supervision of gipsy guitarist Juan Jose Barreda. While in Barcelona, Jorge
also frequented the flamenco dance studio of Paca Garcia, under which he
was second guitarist in accompaniment to dance classes. In 2006, Jorge took
master workshops under internationally acclaimed flamenco guitarist, Chuscales.
Currently, Jorge performs with various flamenco dancers throughout the greater
Houston area and collaborates many performances with flamenco dancer Bianca
Antonia’s group, Flamenco Andaluz. Jorge also performs music with funk,
soul, blues, and jazz musicians throughout the great Houston area. Past
performances include: Hobby Center for the performing arts, Tio Pepes Spanish
restaurant, Mi Luna Spanish restaurants
Rioja Spanish restaurant, The Pink Flamingo, Attorney Generals Office, Baylor
University, Texas A&M University world music festival, All locations
of Lone Star College-for international week, ESPN Super Bowl XXXVIII pre
party in Galveston, ABC Channel 13
Fox 26, Marriott Hotels, Intercontinental Hotel, Dosey Doe coffee house,
Brasil, coffee and wine bar
Liza "La Maja Cubana" Hernandez, was born and raised in Houston, Texas. A descendant of Cuban parents and Spanish grandparents, Liza learned to dance at a very early age. Dancing Salsa, Merengue, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, Liza began to perform on stage at the age of 4.
In 1997, La Maja Cubana's life took her in the direction of competitive cheerleading. She qualified to attend the Universal Cheerleading Association's National Competition held in Orlando, FL in 2000. In 2001, Liza began teaching Salsa and Merengue in the city of Houston and was a cheerleading coach for local area schools.
Liza felt that something was missing in her life. She went on to embrace her Spanish roots and began dancing Flamenco. In 2002, Liza joined the Aires Flamenco Dance Company under the direction of Ms. Antonia Perlacia. Liza's love for the art, hard work, and diligence helped her become one of the area's well known performers. In 2005, Liza became a soloist performing in and around Houston. In mid 2007, Liza began dancing with the Houston Area Dance Troupe, Flamenco Andaluz. With Ms. Bianca Antonia as director, the troupe has gotten rave reviews and opportunities to perform all over. With heart-stopping shows, the troupe continues to convey the traditional passion for the art.
Liza's grace and great precision helps her illuminate the stage with every performance. Today, Liza continues her love for Flamenco and performs within the state of Texas. La Maja Cubana dances in the Flamenco Andaluz dance troupe, collaborates with local artists on occasion, and takes workshops with world renown "Flamencos" such as José Porcel.
Kim Benn's bio coming soon (dancer)
