Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy is proud to showcase our flamenco dancers as they seek transcendence and a connection in the intimate cuadro. Since humble local beginnings in 2014 when we began the Cuadro Project, today we find ourselves showcasing many keen emerging artists in British Colombia.
This year we are pleased to present these soloists:
Amber Rowell – “Río de oraciones”, Petenera
Amira Howes – “Guajiras”
Claire Thomas – “Fandangos”
Cristina Dwyer – “Valiente”, Farruca
Cynthia Shippam-Brett – “Caracoles”
Dinara Nussipakynova – “Alegrias”
Kara Wiebe – “Cana”
Leslie Bishko – “Guajiras”
Pam Wong – “Solea por Bulerias”
Robin Rattlesnake – “Soleares”
Maestra Kasandra “La China” – “Malaguena”
Dancers
Kasandra “La China”, Artistic Director, Bailaora, Palmas
Amber Rowell, Amira Howes, Claire Thomas, Cristina Dwyer, Cynthia Shippam-Brett, Dinara Nussipakynova, Kara Wiebe, Leslie Bishko, Pam Wong, Robin Rattlesnake
Music
Gareth Owen, guest flamenco guitarist (Victoria)
Peter Mole, resident flamenco guitarist
Justine Reinhart, cantaora
Kelty McKerracher, cantaora
333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
$25 adult, $20 children/student/senior
Online: eventbrite.ca
Email transfer: info@mozaicoflamenco.com
By Phone: 604-671-9182 Visa, MC
*THERE WILL BE TICKETS AT THE DOOR STARTING 6:15pm, come to live box office.*
The dancers have undergone rigorous mentorships with acclaimed dancer Kasandra “La China” to realize their potential for this performance. Each dancer has a unique background and personal story that drives them to perfect their art. They represent a range of individual experiences and cultures and each has a unique way of expressing themselves through various flamenco forms. Audiences can expect a performance that celebrates both the diversity of flamenco and of the artists themselves who have various ethnic roots from the Caribbean, China, Hongkong, Ireland, Khazakstan, Romania, Russia and also Indigenous Canada. From pure joy to the deepest sorrow, flamenco encompasses the spectrum of human emotions and in this performance, communicates them through the art of dancers from many different walks of life.
Flamenco originated in diversity. When the Roma people settled in the South of Spain after centuries of migration through India and Northern Africa, they brought their culture, music and dance with them and flamenco was born. Today Flamenco is a global art form, performed worldwide and Vancouver is an epicentre for Flamenco in Canada. Mozaico Flamenco continues to grow by integrating the rich multicultural influences of each artist to keep Flamenco vibrant, alive and continuously evolving.
On Saturday November 2 at 7pm, Mozaico Flamenco presents ten flamenco dancers who will take to the stage at the Presentation House Theatre to present their dance solos in their own unique, authentic expression celebrating women and diversity. We are pleased to welcome guest guitarist Gareth Owen (Victoria) with resident guitarist Peter Mole, singers Justine Reinhart and Kelty McKerracher and artistic director and bailaora, Kasandra “La China”.
Traditional flamenco is performed by a small group called a “cuadro”. In its most essential form, the cuadro is made up of a singer, a guitarist, a dancer and a percussionist playing “palmas” (handclapping). Mozaico Flamenco loves this art form because the group is “lean and mean” and the cuadro is a constant interplay of communication and emotional exchange between artists, offering spontaneity, energy, excitement and surprise! Flamenco performed this way is always a unique, one-time-only experience!
Welcome to “CUADRO!” where we celebrate flamenco in its purest traditional form, The Cuadro. The dancers have worked extensively with flamenco singers and flamenco guitarists this year and learned a tremendous amount about the intimate workings Cuadro Flamenco. I love this project because of the creative process with my students & also I am passionate about seeing people realize their maximum potential. Dancing solo in a Cuadro is an individual expression and an intense interaction between the artists. Tonight our members meet on the dance floor in search of “duende”!
Since humble beginnings in 2014 when my students began to show an interest in higher level, individual solo work, we now celebrate 10 years of the Cuadro Project. This year, we are very pleased to include emerging cantaoras, Kelty McKerracher and Justine Reinhart. These two ladies are up and coming artists on the flamenco scene today and have grandly supported Mozaico Flamenco over the years. It has been a pleasure to work with them this year alongside our resident guitarist and long-time collaborator Peter Mole, who solidly supports the community in a positive way. We are pleased to welcome back guest flamenco guitarist, Gareth Owen, maestro cuadro guitarist from Victoria, BC, who brings a flamenco puro edge to our performances. I am excited for the future of Flamenco in Vancouver, as there is so much enthusiasm for Cuadro Flamenco. It is my first love in flamenco for sure!
We are into achieving Life Milestones here. Our dancers are women of all ages, from intermediate to professional level dancers. Over the years, I have seen these ladies go through many life changes, from aging parents and pandemic recovery, to the growth of their children and weddings. In their daily lives, they are professionals, teachers, scientists, mothers, wives, caregivers, world-travelers and posties but without a doubt, they are all flamenca and bailaora! I respect their efforts to include flamenco dance as a daily practice because they are all extremely busy! I am their teacher and mentor, and demand the best work from everyone and push very hard. Thanks everyone for being on the Cuadro flamenco journey. I am inspired by our collective integrity to move flamenco forward in Vancouver BC!
Kasandra “La China”
Artistic Director of CUADRO
Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy
Amber Rowell is of Celtic/British heritage and has a background in classical RAD and Vaganova Russian ballet, as well as Polynesian, Chinese, jazz, hip hop, modern and contemporary dance. Amber has danced with Vancouver Goh Ballet, Paul Latta Polynesian Dance Company and Victoria’s Ballet School. Amber has also had the opportunity to use her dance skills in musical freestyle dressage training with horses as well as canine musical freestyle training and performance. In 2016, Amber discovered flamenco Kino Café and was immediately drawn to the self-expression, passion and authenticity of Flamenco. Amber has been fortunate to obtain extensive and continued training from Kasandra “La China” and Oscar Nieto. Amber has also had the opportunity to take classes from guest artists from Spain and the United States. Amber has extensively performed with Mozaico Flamenco Performance in ensemble and as a soloist. She performed as a soloist at the Albuquerque International Flamenco Festival. An SFU graduate turned mom of a four-year-old Amber uses every moment that is available to continue learning and performing Flamenco. For Cuadro 2024 she will be performing a Peteneras entitled Río de Oraciones.
Amira was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley. As a young adult she dabbled in many different dance styles but was always the most captivated by dance traditions with deep significant cultural roots. She took her first Flamenco dance class in her early twenties with Jocelyn Chouinard whom was also her belly dance teacher and she was instantly hooked. She had been gifted a pair of Flamenco shoes from a friend that were two sizes too big so she wore thick blue wool hiking socks to make them fit; she had no idea what she was doing or experiencing but couldn’t have been happier.
Ever since then she has taken Flamenco on and off to varying degrees but the love always remained strong. She went to Spain twice even venturing into Amor de Dios in Madrid; what a terrifyingly wonderful experience that was.
Amira loves so many aspects of Flamenco and among them is the unique sound of the music, the culturally rich and layered art form that doesn’t neatly fit into any category and also the brazen and bold self expression.
Amira is currently living in Kelowna, BC and working on her dance skills through online programs and classes. She is working towards creating and supporting Flamenco in her community and is very honored and excited to be a part of the Mozaico community and perform Guajiras con Abanico for this year’s Cuadro!
Claire was born in Trinidad in the West Indies. She moved to Canada as a young girl with her parents and sisters. At 9, she was exposed to creative dance and later explored jazz, ballet, modern, and Afro-Brazilian styles.
After watching Joaquin Cortes perform in Vancouver, she was surprised to hear the audience shouting out to him. Intrigued, she later learned that the words were for enjoyment and encouragement. Claire began studying Flamenco, initially thinking it would be something she could pick up quickly. Years later, she finds herself deeply immersed in understanding the art form with so much to learn. She will perform “Nubes Blancas y Esponjosas”, Fandangos con Castanuelas.
“Flamenco allows me to pour intensity and passion into how I dance and it gives me a voice to speak when I cannot find the words.”
Cristina was born and raised in Romania, where she graduated with a Master’s degree in Computer Science and came to Canada almost 30 years ago. She’s always looking for authentic and deep experiences, be it in the middle of the nature or the city. Thus her love for languages, as she can better with people and understand other cultures. In addition to Romanian and English, she speaks French, Spanish, tad bit of Korean and now actively learning Mandarin. Cristina discovered Flamenco in 2012. She took her first dance class to ‘give it a try’ after watching a Tablao show in Barcelona the year after. Since then flamenco has become part of her life. Moving to Asia two years ago didn’t change any of that, as she continues in a dance community and finds ways to continue her practise. Dancing flamenco not only has given her the space to feel free and express herself confidently, but also created a space for building new friendships. Cristina comes from Shanghai to present Farruca. Farruca is a slang term used in Andalucía to refer to someone from the Spanish provinces of Galicia or Asturias who is far from home. For Cristina, having lived in many places has been as enriching as challenging, a fast pace while navigating the unknown, with short breaks to take it all in. She dancing her story in “Valiente”.
Cynthia is a scientist by both passion and career, and stumbled into flamenco with a friend from graduate school. While she has no Spanish background to speak of, Flamenco has been a constant thread in her life for the past 20+ years, ranging from “just doing it” to solo theatre performances including impromptu por fiesta in small towns in Spain. The challenge to learn how to dance ‘por fiesta’ has provided a treasured skill that crosses language barriers. Discovering “Dancing Holidays” has created opportunities to learn from internationally acclaimed artists including Concha Jareno, Emilio Ochando, Inma Ortega, Florencia Oz and Joaquin Ruiz.
As a child, a pair of castanets brought home as a souvenir of her father’s global travels in the Navy were fascinating, but she couldn’t figure out how to make them work. They became an inspiration and goal for her flamenco journey, which has evolved into an appreciation of the old style of flamenco that showcases the elegance and flow of the bata de cola – an iconic female form. Her husband (a renowned expert and presenter on “the husband chairs of Spain”) will tell you it’s still all about the shoes and the fabric!
Cynthia will be performing Caracoles con Bata de Cola in Cuadro 2024.
Dinara will be performing for the first time in Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy’s Cuadro show, marking a special moment in her Flamenco journey. She joined the Mozaico Flamenco community 10 years ago and has been an active participant flamenco events, deeply enjoying every aspect of the dance.
Originally from Kazakhstan, Dinara moved to Canada in 2003 with her young son. She is a professional geologist with extensive international experience, having worked in several countries and embraced the opportunity to learn about different cultures.
In her younger years, Dinara danced ballroom and folk styles in her home country. Ten years ago, she began her Flamenco adventure and has loved learning its music, dance, and vibrant culture ever since. For Dinara, Flamenco is more than just a dance—it’s about being part of a community of women who share the same passion. This community has brought together people of different ages, professions, and nationalities, all united by their love for dance.
Dinara will perform Alegrias in Cuadro 2024.
Kara is a third generation BC born Canadian with Russian Doukhobor heritage. As a young child, she trained in gymnastics and modern dance but as an adult, she has found her passion in the fervor and artistry of Flamenco. She has spent time living and working in Spain and feels a deep connection to the culture and people. However, she did not discover her love for Flamenco until later in life, after returning to Canada. She took her first Flamenco class in 2014 and has not stopped dancing since. The more she learns, the more she needs to learn….así es Flamenco. Kara was drawn by the dark, dramatic, intense music and tragic poetry. She connects with the emotions expressed by “Flamenco Jondo” which enables her to release her own inner emotions through movement and expression. Flamenco pushes Kara to challenge herself and be creative both physically and mentally; but when she is dancing, it feels like pure freedom to her. Her favorite thing about the local Flamenco community is how it brings such a range of diverse people together through a mutual passion for the art form.
Kara has performed in many local festivals and community events such as The Vancouver International Flamenco Festival, Victoria Flamenco Festival, PNE, Lumiere Festival, Mozaico Flamenco Sunday Salon Series, Greek Festival, Explorasian and Taiwanese Festivals, just to name a few. Kara has taken workshops with notable artists including Emilio Ochando, Concha Jareño, Christina Hall, & Adela Campallo. She has travelled to Spain to study with renowned artists such as Ana Maria Lopez, Beatriz Morales, Carmen La Talegona, Inmacula & Domingo Ortega, Celia Pareja and Joaquin Ruiz. She was the recipient of a scholarship from Flamenco Miraflores in 2019 and Reboot Grants from The Scotiabank Dance Centre in 2022 & 2023.
Kara will perform “Luchadora del Espiritu”, a Cana con Capa!
Although dance has been a part of Leslie’s life since her teens, it was never her primary focus. Leslie’s first taste of flamenco came in 1996 during a workshop with Maestro Oscar Nieto, but it would take another 22 years for her to fully answer its call. At a pivotal moment when she needed to assert her strength, flamenco offered her a transformative path to reclaim her power. Leslie finds that embodying flamenco’s intricate forms, rhythms, and phrasing is as much a personal journey of empowerment as it is a creative exploration of this dynamic art form.
As a dedicated movement specialist, Leslie has spent years working professionally as an educator in animation, storytelling, filmmaking and movement-based character development. Leslie is certified as a Laban Movement Analyst, which is a framework for observing, describing and understanding movement that has its roots in dance. Leslie founded Laban for Animators™ to teach these methods to animators, and is currently writing a book on the subject. This unique background lends a nuanced understanding of movement to her flamenco practice.
In addition to early studies in ballet, modern, and jazz dance, Leslie has explored a variety of cultural dance forms, including African dance, Israeli folk dance, Appalachian clogging, and Canadian step-dance traditions. She enjoys shared social connection through movement, participating in West Coast Swing and Contradance, where she is emerging as a dance caller within her local community.
Leslie will perform Guajiras con Pericon in Cuadro 2024.
Pam was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada during her elementary school years. Her family roots in Canada began with her great-grandfather in the 1880s when he settled his family in Victoria, BC. He was appointed the chief interpreter of the Chinese immigration services for the Department of Customs and founded the first school for Chinese-speaking immigrants in Canada. Uncovering her maternal ancestry, her roots and heritage, has given Pam deeper sense of her identity as a Chinese Canadian.
Growing up in a Chinese family where academic excellence was very important, Pam graduated with an academic degree although she loves sports, art, and music! After entering the workforce, Pam encountered Flamenco out of curiousity, taking her first class at a community centre. After more than 15 years, it is the history of Flamenco that captivates her as she enjoys exploring this beautiful art form! She is passionate about history, the heritage and cultural roots of people, including her own and Flamenco.
This is Pam’s third Cuadro project. As one says, “Life is a journey, not a destination”, so is with dancing. The colors, music, rhythm and emotion connect Pam to the dance. She will perform Solea por Bulerias “palo” (style) for the second time. It is about journeying down familiarity and gaining new experiences with enriched appreciation. Fittingly, she has titled her piece “Viaje” which means journey.
From Victoria to Corner Brook and in every major venue in Vancouver, including the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Chan Centre and main stage at the Vancouver Folk Festival Peter Mole has been performing for more than 30 years. He composed and performed the music for “Mariposa: The Butterfly’s Evil Spell”, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and performed and composed for the score for the NFB documentary “Opre Roma” with “Los Canasteros”. He won two grants from the Canada Council for the Arts for extended study in Spain and has just finished his first solo recording “La luna y
el viento” also funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. In 1994 he introduced flamenco to the legendary Kino Flamenco Cafe in Vancouver where he played weekly shows until the pandemic in March 2020, the Kino has since closed. He currently performs with Mozaico Flamenco Calle, Verde and others in the vibrant flamenco community in Vancouver.
Gareth Owen is a world-class flamenco guitarist based in Victoria, B.C.
He has shared the stage with international flamenco artists from Spain including guitarists, Jesus Álvarez and Gaspar Rodriguez Roman, cantaores, Miguel Rosendo, Coral de Los Reyes and Ana de Los Reyes, dancers Domingo Ortega, José Manuel Álvarez, Emilio Ochando, Ricardo Lopez, Javier LaTorre, and from United States, Vincente Griego, Antonio de Jerez to name a few. He has collaborated with Canadian artists such as Oscar Nieto, Gerardo Alcalá, Jafelin Helten, Kasandra “La China”, Carmen Romero, and more.
Currently he is the guitarist for Alma de España Flamenco Dance Company and collaborates with his mother, nationally acclaimed dancer/choreographer, Veronica Maguire, and had his beginnings with his father, renown flamenco guitarist, the late Harry Owen. Gareth has recorded two albums, “Gareth Owen Flamenco Guitar” and “El Cobre” with Antonio de Jerez. He has also appeared on Alma de España’s CD, “Flamenco Live”.
Kelty Jean McKerracher (she/they) is a queer settler, community-engaged artist, flamenco performer, and lawyer living on Coast Salish Territories. She discovered flamenco at Vancouver’s Kino Café at the age of 18 and has been a passionate aficionada of the form ever since. She was fortunate to study dance with Oscar Nieto and Kasandra Lea of Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy and intensively in Granada, Spain. While working in the Downtown Eastside community, she led a neighbourhood flamenco dance troupe that performed at the annual Barrio Flamenco: Flamenco for the People event, which she produced for the DTES Heart of the City Festival for seven years.
Kelty holds a Master’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and recently completed a law degree focused on Indigenous legal orders. They continue to draw inspiration and courage from their practice of flamenco, and recently spent 4 months studying cante (flamenco song) at Fundación Cristina Heeren in Sevilla, Spain. Kelty is currently collaborating on a Queer Flamenco project and learning to sing country music.
“Valiente” (farruca)
Cristina Dwyer
“Alegrias”
Dinara Nussipakynova
“Nubes Esponjosas” (fandangos)
Claire Thomas
“Guajiras”
Leslie Bishko
“Soleares”
Robin Rattlesnake
“Luchadora Espiritu” (cana)
Kara Wiebe
— INTERMISSION —