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Spanishcourse on the terrace

Spanish and Culture Teachers
 Flamenco Teachers
Spanish and Culture Teachers
Jesús Fernández
Jesus Fernandez. B.A. in Philology. 11 years experience teaching Spanish as a foreign language; 4 years with Carmen de las Cuevas. Studied at the universities of Salamanca, Wurzburg and Alcala de Henares. A Spanish teacher by vocation, Jesus began to give classes at 21 years of age and has taught Spanish in Heidelberg, Salamanca, Malaga, Madrid, and Granada. He's continued his education with numerous postgraduate courses in the University of Alcala de Henares within the "Masters in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language" program. At Carmen de las Cuevas, aside from teaching Spanish and organizing some of the instructional material for advanced (level B2-C1) and high intermediate (level B1) Spanish, he is the teacher of Business Spanish and works with other professors to offer the Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language course. Occasionally, he also directs the cultural program offered by the school, and helps us out in the IT department with everything related to new technology. Motivated by a practical vision of the language applied in its everyday use, and taking well into account the individual interests of the students – nobody gets bored in his classes!
A great aficionado of music and art in general.
 
 
Maribel Montesinos
Degree in History and Geography, specialized on History of Art. 4 years at Carmen de las Cuevas, giving Spanish classes for beginners and intermediate level. She is also the teacher for the History and Art course and the leader of the cultural programme in the mornings. With her students she discovers the most beautiful places of Granada.
Impresses with her energy and sense of humour.
 
 
Mª José Oliva
Degree in Spanish. 9 years experience working as Spanish teacher, with Carmen de las Cuevas for 4 years. Maria Jose studied at the University of Granada. After her debut teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language in her own city, she received a scholarship from the Socrates Language Program to work in Portugal as a language teacher for primary and high school students. Once again in Granada, she joined a Spanish academy for foreigners, where besides teaching Spanish classes of all levels, she directed a very successful Spanish theatre workshop with students of different nationalities, not only creating the show but also performing it for a small audience. In 2003 she was accepted to the Cervantes Institute in El Cairo, where she expanded her teaching experience giving Spanish classes of all levels. In Carmen de las Cuevas, Maria Jose uses her experience to give classes of all levels, as well as being responsible for the DELE Exam Preparation Course. Her participation in the Evaluation Committee of the DELE Diploma exams for basic, intermediate, and advanced levels over the last 3 years (2005-2008) in Granada, as a member as well as president, gives her a practical and real understanding of the knowledge required for the exam, and makes her quite an expert in the subject. In her classes, she strives to create a comfortable environment, taking well into account the specific needs of each group. She is happiest when her students feel at home, like a group of friends, sharing linguistic questions as well as chatting about life in general.
Ready to learn whatever her students have to teach her
 
 
Rosa Tejero
Degree in Philology. 11 years teaching Spanish at Carmen de las Cuevas, currently Head of Studies. Her experience as a Spanish teacher began in 1991 in the Cervantes Institute in Cairo, where she spent 5 years. 2 of those years were also spent teaching with the Spanish Department in the University of Cairo, as lecturer and teacher of a specialized course in Spanish Journalism. Back in Granada, Rosa expanded her teaching experience in the recently created Spanish Department of the British Council in Granada. During the year she spent there, she designed and delivered another special course called Spanish for British Diplomats. After that, she was asked to be a teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language within the framework of the American "School for International Training Program” for students from various American universities participating in the College Semester Abroad Spain. As part of this program, Rosa also acts as Director of the Spanish Life and Culture Project. In 1997, Rosa joined the team at Carmen de las Cuevas giving Spanish classes for all levels. Currently, she focuses on classes for advanced and proficiency levels, as well as the Teacher Formation course for Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, and occasionally the DELE Preparation course. She is responsible for the instructional material for advanced and proficiency level classes (B2 – C2). As Head of Studies, she coordinates the instructional materials for courses of all levels, and takes the lead in supervising the school's teaching methodology. Rosa strives to incorporate advances in the field, constantly putting new teaching methods into practice. For Rosa, grammar must be simple, clear, and look for the essence of what is being communicated. She loves to discover, along with her students, the logic of the linguistic system. Her goal is to find an easy explanation for the most difficult questions, and her gifts in the dramatic arts guarantee a motivating and entertaining class!
A great lecturer and film-buff, she captivates us with her style.
 
 
Flamenco Teachers
Ada Lorenzo - Ballarina
Ada took her first steps in the dance world when she was 9 years old, in the Conchita Alamos School of Dance as part of the company, with which she toured Andalucia and the Czech Republic. At this School she learned Spanish dance, flamenco, and classical ballet, finally specializing in the latter style. She continued her training with the ballet dancer Andrés Williams and his partner Marisa Mondo, and at 18 years of age became part of their classical ballet company, performing in a number of classical, jazz and contemporary pieces. In 2002 she successfully auditioned for the theme park "Spain Park" in Japan, where she worked for a year and danced in the show "Sueño Flamenco" (Flamenco Dream), which was very well-received by the Japanese public. Once back in Spain, she began work as a ballet dancer in 2003 with the Warner Bros Park in Madrid. Currently, Ada continues to train as a classical ballet dancer with the same teachers as before, and as a flamenco dancer with teachers such as Fuensanta la Moneta, Javier Martos, Cristóbal Reyes, and la Truco, combining her training with giving flamenco dance classes at our school.
With grace and elegance, Ada invites us to discover the keys to good positioning and balance.
 
 
Alfredo Mesa - Guitarrist
Alfredo was born in Granada and started to play the guitar when he was only six years old in a group. He was a member of the folk group "Alborea" with which he performed all over Spain, Portugal and Morocco. He has been a finalist in various flamenco guitar competitions and he has edited a record together with David Sarroche, the flamenco singer from Granada. Since the age of sixteen, he has given guitar classes to children in the conservatory. He is currently involved in preparing a dramatic production with his group "Amargue".
With a sense of humour and in a structured way, he will be able to introduce you to the world of gypsy flamenco guitar.
 
 
Ana Calí - Dancer
Ana began dancing sevillanas, Huelva fandangos and other regional dances at the tender age of six in Motril, the town where she was born. Encouraged by the famous flamenco singer Luís "El Polaco", she took dance classes at Mariquilla's school and later with Eva Garrido "La Yerbabuena". When she was only eight years old, she appeared on various television programmes with the group "Los Rumbitos". At the age of eleven, she joined the group "Maya" as the only female dancer and travelled with them throughout Europe several successive years. She is often asked to perform in theatres and flamenco clubs and she has taken part in numerous flamenco festivals with artists such as Juana "La Revuelo", José Mercé, Rafael de Córdoba, Enrique Morente, Gabriel Moreno, etc. She also teaches her art at Carmen de las Cuevas.
When art and kindness dance together with the same rhythm!
 
 
Antonia Heredia Robles
Dancer.
Nacida en el seno del barrio flamenco del Sacromonte se inicia al flamenco a los 8 años de la mano de Angustias Ruiz, continuando con maestros como Manolete , Juan Andrés, Manuel Liñán y su hermana, Jara Heredia. Desde 1999 actúa a diario en el conocido tablao familiar granadino “La Venta del Gallo” en el Sacromonte. Asimismo es seleccionada para participar en varios video-clips como “Gitana Soy” de Remedios Amaya y “Huesos na mas” de Manzanita. En el 2001 se va de gira con su cuadro flamenco a Finlandia, actuando en prestigiosos teatros y en el Festival de Música Étnica de Porvoossa. En el año 2002 entra en el “Centro de Estudios Escénicos Mario Maya” y completa su formación con maestros como Belén Maya, Mercedes Ruiz, Alejandro Granados y el propio Mario Maya. Desde entonces no deja de tener actuaciones en las diversas Peñas Flamencas de Granada y en Festivales como el Festival de Utrera “El Potaje” o el Festival de San Miguel Bajo. En el Carmen de las Cuevas imparte clases para avanzados.
Te impresionará con su estampa y baile gitano.
 
 
Antonio Heredia - Guitarist
Guitarist.
He was born into a gypsy family with a deep-rooted flamenco tradition. He is a descendent of the legendary Faraona and grew up surrounded by important dancers, singers and guitarists and was immersed in the world of flamenco from a very early age. He soon started working at flamenco clubs and festivals all over Spain. He has played in places such as Cazapatas in Madrid, and with artists as admired as Manolete, Mario Maya, Jaime "El Parrón" among others. He has also been asked to play in European countries such as Switzerland or the Ukraine. Antonio Heredia gives guitar and voice classes at Carmen de las Cuevas.
Both his vocal chords and the strings of his guitar vibrate with all the bravado of his gypsy race!
 
 
Conchi Maya - Dancer
Con tan solo 11 años empieza bailando en diversas peñas y festivales flamencos y presenta su arte tanto en la provincia de Andalucía como fuera de España, en sitios tan diversos como Londres, Bélgica y Francia. A los 18 años se traslada a Madrid de la mano de la artista “Lola Flores”, entrando más tarde a formar parte de la Compañía Flamenca de Joaquín Cortés en su obra “Pasión Gitana”. Transcurridos 3 años junto a Joaquín Cortés, entra en el Centro de Estudios Mario Maya. En dicho centro y tras cursar sus estudios fue elegida por Mario Maya para representar el papel principal en la obra “Ensayo en Escena”, donde forma pareja con Juan Andrés Maya (Artista invitado). La obra se estrena en la Chumbera y en el Teatro Isabel la Católica de Granada. En la última representación de “Ensayo en Escena” y como colofón forma pareja con Juan Andrés Maya (Artista invitado). En el Carmen de las Cuevas imparte clases para niveles avanzados.
En sus clases podrás sentir el baile desde el primer momento.
 
 
David Sorroche - Singer
A young singer with a diploma in teaching music. Descended from a long line of flamenco cantaores, David began early as an artist. He's toured extensively in several countries including France, Portugal, Sweden, Austria, Morocco, and Egypt, singing on centre stage as well as to accompany dance. His youth has led him to experiment with a wide variety of musical styles besides flamenco; he's made forays into pop, rock, blues, Arabic-Andalucian music, etc, using the adaptability of his voice to fuse styles into his own distinctive sound. However, he never neglects his strong roots in flamenco: recipient of scholarships from the AIE (Society of Interpretive Artists in Spain) and from the Cristina Heeren Foundation, he continues to thoroughly study the flamenco genre. Currently, he is working on two big projects: a body of instructional material for teaching flamenco vocal technique, and a much-anticipated album that will reflect his unique musical taste. He stands out due to his artistic capacity and a great ability to connect with audiences in his performances as well as with students in his classes at Carmen de las Cuevas.
David has a gift for connecting and communicating with his students in vocal technique and flamenco singing classes.
 
 
Emilio Maya - Guitarist
Born into a gypsy family, he began playing when he was eight years old. When he was twelve he had already won his first prize. Since then he has performed all over Spain and in Europe both alone and with some extremely important flamenco and jazz artists (flamenco artists such as Carmen Montoya, "El Lele", Mario Maya, José Mercé, Aurora Vargas, Enrique Morente, Estrella Morente, Marina Heredia, etc.; jazz artists such as Frank Holder, Eduardo Niebla, Nono García, Rubén Danta, etc.). Among other prizes, he has won the First Competition for Accompaniment to Flamenco Singing. In recent years he has performed in the Veranos Flamencos in the Corral del Carbón and he has been asked on various occasions to perform at the International Festival of Music and Dance in Granada. He currently combines his artistic career with teaching at Carmen de las Cuevas.
His virtuoso flamenco touch is legendary!
 
 
Eva Esquivel - Dancer
Eva began dancing at 6 years old and trained with teachers like Mariquilla, Javier LaTorre, Juana Amaya, Juan Andres Maya and Javier Baron. At 18 she became part of Mariquilla’s Flamenco Group, working for years in Mariquilla’s legendary tablao “Jardines Neptuno” and later in the most prestigious tablaos of Granada, touring several times around and outside of Spain. In 2002 she was accepted into the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts where, in her second year, she was chosen by Mario Maya himself to work with him as a returning teacher. Currently she directs her own flamenco group, appearing in different television programs and in important festivals.
An expert teacher with more than 10 years of experience.
 
 
Fuensanta Fresneda - Dancer - www.fuensantalamoneta.com
Born in Granada, she began her training at the age of 8 with Mariquilla, continuing with classes and short courses with other instructors such as Antonio Vallejo, Juan Andrés Maya and Manolete. At 13 she began her professional career dancing daily in the prestigious Sacromonte cave "La Rocio" as well as in Peñas and festivals in Granada. In 2000 she debuted, with great success, her own group in the Sala Suristan in Madrid, and was already considered one of the most outstanding young dancers of the day. In that same year she toured with the piece "Pure Flamenco with Fuensanta la Moneta". In 2003 and 2004 she joined the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts and was selected for the Granada Flamenco Dance Company, which performed at the Festival de Jerez. As recognition for her art and talent, in 2003 the Festival de las Minas de la Union awarded her First Prize for Dance. Fuensanta "La Moneta" is one of the most promising young artists on the flamenco scene today, and when her schedule allows it she gives Master Courses for advanced and professional levels in Carmen de las Cuevas.
Pure flamenco with art and strength.
 
 
Iván Vargas Heredia. - Dancer
A young dancer from Granada, born to a flamenco family in Sacromonte, Ivan took his first dance steps in the cave "El Rocio" under the guidance of the Maya family. He belongs to a veritable dynasty of great dancers, such as Juan Andrés Maya, Mario Maya, Manolete and Juan Maya “Marote”. At only 4 years, he was already well known by the public through appearances in various television programs and, later on, through dancing daily in "El Rocio". He has taken part in a wide range of stage performances with his uncle Juan Andrés Maya, notably in the Bienal de Sevilla in 1992 and in "Muerte en Granada" (Death in Granada) with "Fura dels Baus" along with Javier Latorre and Beatriz Martin. Also outstanding are his performances in the 2004 Festival de Jerez with the Company Mario Maya, and with Estrella Morente in the Granada Music and Dance Festival that same year. His talent was recognized at the Festival de Cante de las Minas de la Union 2005, where he was a finalist in the dance competition "El Desplante Minero". At Carmen de las Cuevas he teaches advanced classes.
Ivan demonstrates flamenco in its purest form.
 
 
Jara Heredia - Dancer
Born in the Sacromonte quarter in Granada, she started dancing at the age of eight taught by the great dancer Pilar Heredia. Her art was formed as a pupil of Angustillas Ruiz, Juan Andrés Maya, Maite Galán, Manolete and Eva Garrido "La Hierbabuena". Besides performing in different shows of the flamenco dancer Juan Andrés Maya, she performed in José Heredía Maya's "Macama Honda" and together with Ana "La China" in Portugal. She currently dances at the flamenco club "La Venta del Gallo" with which she has toured various European countries. Jara makes a strong impact and she is a talented and wise dancer.In class, she watches each of her students very carefully in order to try to find the best formula to improve their movements.
She doesn't miss a thing!
 
 
Javier Martos - Dancer
A young dancer from Catalunia with Andalucian roots, Javier started dancing at the age of 10. At 14, his professional career got underway when he joined the Mari Carmen Fraga Classical Spanish Ballet and Flamenco Company, where he trained for 5 years and participated in numerous tours in Spain and France. In the year 2000 he performed in various tablaos in Lanzarote and Tenerife. He finished his formal training in Madrid in the well-known school 'Amor de Dios', taking classes with Cristóbal Reyes and Manuel Reyes. In 2002 he was asked to perform in a tablao in a Japanese theme park called 'Spain Park', where he worked for a year. In 2003, he joined the Rafael Aguilar Company, with which he toured Australia, Norway and Germany. After that, he performed as a soloist in the piece "Carmen" with the Maria Carrasco Company in Spain, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Starting in 2005 he danced daily in the Tablao Albayzin in Granada, and in 2007 he created his own company, "Flamenco Amari", which he has toured extensively. He is constantly asked to teach classes and workshops the world over, and at Carmen de las Cuevas he teaches for advanced levels. www.flamencoamari.es
Javier demonstrates a strong and emotional dance, and is always full of inspiration and motivation for his students.
 
 
Juan Andrés Maya - Dancer and Choreographer
Born to an emblematic flamenco family in Granada's Sacromonte, Juan Andres began dancing at an early age in the cave "El Rocio", which belonged to his parents. At the age of 14 he went to El Cairo with the Company Cachado, and since then hasn't stopped performing. At 18 he choreographed his first piece, "Pasion", and in 1996 he was invited by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain to perform in the Carmen de los Chapiteles, and debuted in the Alhambra Theatre with "Cautivo" (Captive) along with Manolete, La Hierbabuena and Beatriz Martin. He has worked in New York at the Lincoln Centre and toured Holland and Japan. In 1997 he danced with Antonio Canales in the piece "Guernika". He also worked in New York with the Flamenco Company Vivo on a tribute to Garcia Lorca. In 1998 he presented his piece "Gitanos de Sacromonte" in the Café de Chinitas in Tokyo and performed with his family in the Bienal de Sevilla. In 2000 in Tokyo he presented his own show with his own company, as well as touring the stages of Europe with the company of Paco Peña. In the Alcazar Theatre in Madrid, he shared the program with Antonio Canales, Sara Baras, Lole Montoya and Suroma for a month. In 2001 Juan Andres performed in the Café the Chinitas in Madrid with Furia Maya. In the year 2002, in the Nuevo Apolo Theatre in Madrid, he presented "Tribute to Carmen Amaya" as author, performer, and ???. He traveled to Holland and performed in 19 different venues with the dance company of his uncle Tony Maya with the piece "Gitanos del Sacromonte". His own show, Maya III "El flamenco de un marginado" debuted in Casa Patas. In 2003 he was awarded, along with Nacho Duato, as the revelatory flamenco artist that he is.
 
 
 
Judit Cabrera - Dancer
Judit began dancing at the age of 7, taking her first steps por Sevillanas (flamenco folk dance) and finishing her training in classical, classical Spanish, and flamenco dance in her home city. She became part of the group Enrique Novo Classical Spanish Ballet and Flamenco, performing in the Balearic Islands. Later she would become a member of the Sacromonte Dance Company, with which she performed on various stages throughout Spain. In 2004 she successfully auditioned for the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts, taking classes with artists such as Mario Maya, Belén Maya, Mercedes Ruiz, Rafaela Carrasco, Alejandro Granados, Yolanda Heredia, Andrés Peña, and Lola Greco. Throughout 2006 and 2007 she worked for "Spain Park" in Japan with the piece "Flamenco-Flamenco", choreographed by Jose Barrios, soon becoming a returning artist in the same show. During her stay in Japan she participated as a dancer in a number of other well-received events. She has perfected her training attending courses with such great artists as Antonio "El Pipa", Manolete, Currillo, Maribel Gallardo, Oscar de los Reyes, and Maria Magdalena, among others.
Judit's students praise her patience and kindness: her goal is for her students to get the most out of each class
 
 
Luis Córdoba - Guitarist
He was born into a Granada gypsy family with a great flamenco tradition in 1975. At the age of 11 he starts to play the guitar following the footsteps of his father, the well known flamenco guitarist Melchor Cordoba. Just a few years later he begins to work with his guitar in his grandfather’s “Zambra” and by the time he reaches the age of 16 he is playing every night at the “Tablao Jardines Neptuno”. Not long after he starts travelling abroad to perform with the flamenco group “Zincalé” in numerous shows in the UK, Morocco and Egypt, arranged by the Instituto Cervantes. Currently he is performing at peñas and festivals all over Andalusia and has won with his group the first prize at the flamenco contest organised by the peña of Baena (Cordoba) in 2006. At Carmen de las Cuevas he accompanies dance courses and gives individual guitar classes.
His guitar expresses the essence of flamenco and conveys all his humanity and sensibility.
 
 
Manolete
Dancer.
From Granada and a descendent of a family of flamenco artists, originally trained in the Granada zambra and currently based in Madrid, he is one of the flamenco greats and an acclaimed artist, as confirmed by his extensive curriculum. Besides his innumerable world tours, we should also highlight his work as a solo dancer in the National Ballet, when it was directed by Antonio Gades, his involvement in what may be considered the first show of Arab-flamenco fusion "Macama Jonda" and his latest creation "Flamenco soy". Not only is he a great dancer, with his remarkable sobriety and elegance, but he is also one of the great masters of dance, who has taught a large number of the best flamenco dancers today. Due to his long teaching experience, many have been able to learn from one of the leading figures of flamenco dance. He knows how to convey his strength and style in class, and this is why he enjoys unbeatable prestige as a teacher. Occasionally, his artistic commitments permitting, he gives classes to advanced and professional students
In his classes you will feel the essence of flamenco.
 
 
Manuel Líñán
Dancer and Choreographer.
Born in Granada, he started dancing when he was seven years old. He has been taught by many different artists such as El Cele, Miguel Medina, Juan Andrés Maya, Maite Galán, Javier la Torre, Juan Ramírez, Manolete, Mario Maya.... He has worked in innumerable flamenco clubs, competitions and festivals. He has also appeared on television several times. From the cave of Los Tarantos in Granada to the Café Chinitas and Casa Patas in Madrid he has danced at a succession of flamenco clubs in Madrid and also around the world. He has been a member of various dance companies (Mariquilla, Carmen Cortés, Juan Andrés Maya, Adrian Galia, La Tati, Merche Esmeralda.). Manuel Liñan was a finalist in the Tenth Flamenco Biennial in Sevilla. He is a very good teacher as well as a magnificent dancer. Between 2002 and 2003, he participates in the show ‘Troya’ by Rafael Amargo and in ‘A cinco’ by Rafaela Carrasco, at Madrid's Millennium Festival, together with Duquende at the Los Tarantos Festival... And he premieres the company ESS3 along with Daniel Doña and Marco Flores, with ‘Un millón de emociones’ as their first show. In 2004, he receives awards as a choreographer and dancer at the 13th Spanish and Flamenco Dancing Choreography Contest, held at Madrid's Albéniz Theater. He takes part in the show ‘Los caminos de Lorca’, presented at Charles V Palace in Granada and the Maestranza Theater in Seville within the setting of Seville's Bienal. The following year, he collaborates with Rafaela Carrasco in the show ‘Una mirada del flamenco’, which premieres at the 2005 Jerez Festival.
Art, strength, feeling, motivation and tenacity.
 
 
Marcos García Palometas - Guitarist
Marcos began to play the guitar at the age of 10 with the guidance of his father, later following teachers such as Enrique "El Canastero", Jorge Gómez, Alberto y José “El Sabrosillo”. He works in various tablaos and peñas in Granada and takes part in a number of festivals. He also has performed in European countries such as Germany, Italy, and Monaco. Currently he dedicates himself to accompanying Granadan artists, among them Gema Caballero, Macarena, Joaquín Fajardo, Isa Vega, La Presy, Jara Heredia, Marina Heredia, Curro Albayzin...as well as taking courses at the Granada Experimental Music School. At Carmen de las Cuevas he gives guitar classes for beginners and accompanies intermediate and advanced dance classes, lending a touch of arte to each class he plays for.
Marcos' enthusiasm is contagious and will motivate you!
 
 
Mari Carmen Guerrero - Dancer

Maria is a Professor of Flamencology. She has taken classes with numerous artists such as Mariquilla, Juan Andrés Maya, Maria Paz Lucena Samaniego, etc. For the last eight years she has directed the Albayzín dance group "AveMaría" which has performed numerous choreographies for shows in Granada. She has a lot of experience in giving classes to beginners and intermediate levels.
You will appreciate her patience in the dance technique classes!
 
 
Matilde Gómez Romero
Dancer and Singer.
Mati, as her friends call her, was taught flamenco by such great figures as Ciro, Manolete, Carmela Greco and Juan Andrés Maya. She has performed throughout Spain, Germany and Holland, and has twice danced on German television. She has been teaching flamenco for many years and is in great demand to give courses both in Spain and abroad. She has also worked at the most important flamenco clubs and zambras in Granada. She currently gives dance, voice and rhythm classes at Carmen de las Cuevas.
When Mati sings, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!
 
 
Miguel Ángel Corral
Guitarist.
He began playing flamenco at a very young age in the Sacromonte in Granada. He studied classical guitar at the Conservatory of Granada and also at the Higher Music Conservatory in Madrid. He has played with numerous prestigious jazz and flamenco musicians from all over the world (flamenco artists such as Enrique Morente, Antonio Carmona de "Ketama", Ray Heredia, Amalgama, etc.; jazz and other artists - David Lenker, Tito Alcedo, Raúl Alcover, Javier Ruibal,Dino Sete Cordas, etc.). Attracted by South American music, he formed a traditional Cuban music group together with Eduardo Coma and Julio Muñoz, both from the National Cuban Orchestra. Miguel Angel's flamenco training has definitely been enriched by Cuban, Brazilian and jazz influences. Actually, he is professor in “Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Reina Sofia” (National Professional Dance School) in Granada as accompanist guitarist for flamenco. Besides, he has also been Musical Analysis Teacher at the Flamenco Center for Scenic Studies leaded by Mario Maya.
As well as being an excellent musician, he is infinite source for those interested in the theory of music!
 
 
Miguel Ángel Cortés
Guitarist.
Born into a famous family of guitarists in Granada, he followed the family tradition and became involved in the world of flamenco at the age of eight. He has toured Europe, Turkey, the United States and Japan since he was fourteen years old, accompanying great figures in the world of dance such as Mariquilla, Manolete, Antonio Canales, Javier Barón and Juan Andrés Maya. He has also accompanied singers such as José de la Tomasa, José Mercé, Chano Lobato, Luis el Polaco, Morenito de Illora, Estrella Morente, etc. In 1990, together with his brother Paco, he toured Spain and the world with the prestigious flamenco singer Carmen Linares. In 1994 he obtained second prize in the 1st Paco de Lucia Guitar Competition. He performed on the record "Omega" by Enrique Morente with the rock group Lagartija Nick, as well as on other recordings with various artists. In 1998 he recorded his first solo record "Patriarca", on which his musical maturity as a guitarist stands out and he proves himself to be an excellent flamenco composer. He sometimes gives classes to advanced and professional levels at Carmen de las Cuevas.
 
 
 
Miguel Ángel González
Writer and journalist.
For 18 years, Miguel Angel has been a lead voice of flamenco critique in the journal IDEAL, published in eastern Andalucia. He is the author of numerous essays about flamenco, appearing in specialized publications, and is a widely-recognized speaker, giving courses in Spain and a number of countries. Besides having published four books of short stories, he is the recipient of the 1990 High Literature Prize, among other awards.
A charismatic, kind-hearted, and cultured personality, Miguel Angel's enthusiasm for all things flamenco will captivate you.
 
 
Miguel Ochando
Guitarist.
Born in Granada, he started playing the guitar when he was ten years old, performing for the first time only one year later at the Flamenco club "Peña de la Platería". It was here that he received his training as an accompanist, going on to win various competitions (for example first prize in the category of Voice Accompaniment on TVE's television programme "Gente Joven" in 1985) and to perform on various records. He has accompanied such important flamenco singers as Enrique Morente, José Mercé, Carmen Linares, Antonio Núñez "Chocolate", Miguel Poveda or Luis Heredia "El Polaco". He began his career as a solo guitarist under the tuition of the Granada maestro Manuel Cano and has won second prize in the National Flamenco Guitar Competition several times. He is currently in great demand all over the world both as an accompanist and as a solo guitarist. He sometimes gives classes to advanced and professional levels at Carmen de las Cuevas.
 
 
 
Patricia Pérez Guerrero
Dancer.
A young dancer born in the Albayzin of Granada, Patricia started dancing with the guidance of her mother at the age of 3. She continued her training with teachers such as La Presy, Juan Andrés Maya, Manuel Liñán, Manolete, Luis de Luis, Mercedes Ruiz, Stella Arauzo, Juana Amaya, Eva La Yerbabuena, etc. From a very young age she performed on stages in her own neighbourhood, the Albayzin. Among her most important performances was a dance in the Peña de la Platería at 8 years old. At only 10 she danced por Alegrias in the Albayzin Flamenco Festival, sharing the program with Juana Amaya. In 2004, at 14, she continued her training with the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts, with various performances in the Manuel de Falla Theatre and Peña de la Platería. In 2005 she won First Prize at the Flamenco Dance Competition in Ubrique. Starting in July of that year she danced daily in the Flamenco Tablao "Albayzin", along with shows in festivals and flamenco peñas. She then became part of the Mario Maya Dance Company, presenting the piece "Dialogue of Bitterness" in the most prestigious theatres of Spain. In March of 2008, at 17, she was invited to dance solo at the Jerez International Flamenco Festival.
Patricia enraptures her audience with a very profound, fresh, and artful dance.
 
 
Pepe Lozano
Born in Granada and from an early age fascinated by flamenco, Pepe began teaching himself percussion and drumming at 12. He moved in Madrid to study in the Madrid Superior Conservatory. In 1990 he led the flamenco-fusion group TATO, recording his first album of original music. He was part of the group Sabica along with celebrated personalities from the flamenco world such as Eloy Heredia and José Antonio Habichuela. He recorded an album with the singer Luis Heredia “El Polaco”, the guitarist Miguel Ángel Cortés and the pianist Manolo Gómez. Some of the flamenco artists he has accompanied include Conchi Heredia, José el Francés, etc, and he is part of the Emilio Maya group. Keeping rhythm with the cajon and palmas, he will inspire you to internalize the different flamenco styles; finally, you will understand the mystery of las palmas.
 
 
 
Pilar Fajardo - Dancer
A young dancer from Algeciras (Cadiz), Pilar began learning the basics of flamenco dance in her homeland, and later moved to Jerez de la Frontera to study with Antonio El Pipa y Maria del Mar Moreno. There she began her teaching experience giving classes for beginners. In 2002 she moved to Granada and passed the entrance exams to the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts, finishing her training with flamenco greats such as Mercedes Ruiz, Yolanda Heredia, Alejandro Granados, Andres Pena, Belen Maya, Rafaela Carrasco, and Mario Maya himself. She has performed in various Penas (flamenco clubs) such as Pena la Plateria in Granada, Pena del Cante Grande in Algeciras and Yecla Theatre (Murcia). In February of 2006, she presented the piece "Taracea" with the Adrian Sanchez Flamenco Company in Granada's Isabel La Catolica Theatre. Currently she works daily in the prestigious tablao "La Venta del Gallo" in Sacromonte.
 
 
 
Rafael Fajardo
 
 
 
 
Rafael Hoces Ortega
Rafael holds a Degree in Flamenco Guitar from the Cordoba Superior Conservatory and a diploma in Musical Education. He has taken courses with Paco Serrano, Manolo Franco, Niño de Pura and Eduardo Rebollar, and flamenco music theory with Lola Fernández and Norberto Torres in different universities. He performs regularly in flamenco peñas and festivals in Granada and the province, accompanying prestigious local artists in dance and song, sometimes traveling to countries such as Germany, Sweden and Cuba. He has participated in three collaborative albums, and acted as the director of the Centre for Flamenco Studies. He has published various articles on the Internet, where he also gives an online flamenco musical theory class. His work is closely linked with the teaching of flamenco, and he can often be found teaching very well-received classes in universities and with municipal governments, always finding the best way to communicate his knowledge to students.
Methodical and patient, he has answers for just about every musical question!
 
 
Rafaela Carrasco - Dancer and Choreograph - www.rafaelacarrasco.com
Rafaela started dancing at the age of 6 with the Matilde Coral Academy, where she completed the entire Classical Spanish Dance Program. She continued her training in classical ballet, flamenco, regional dances and contemporary dance with teachers José Palacios, Rosa Naranjo, José Moreno, Ana María Bueno, Merche Esmeralda, Goyo Montero, La Toná, Manolo Marín, Manolete, El Güito, Milagros Mengibar, Rafael el Negro, El Mimbre, Teresa Nieto, and others. At age 19 she joined the company Mario Maya, where, in the span of 4 years, she became a soloist and, later on, the principal dancer in successful returning shows. Since then, she has continued working with the companies Mario Maya, Andalucia Centre of Dance, Belen Maya, Javier Barón, Adrián Galia, Cumbre Flamenca, Cristina Hoyos, Rafael Amargo, and Ricardo Franco as a soloist, guest artist, returning artist or choreographer. She was the principal dancer in "Pura Pasion" by Joaquín Cortés, alongside Cristóbal Reyes and Lola Greco. In 2002 she presented at the Madrid Flamenco and Spanish Dance Choreography Competition, and won First Prize for Choreography, Musical Composition and Outstanding Dancer. In 2003 she created her own company, for which she choreographed, directed and performed "La Musica del Cuerpo", which went on stage for the first time in 2004 at the Jerez International Festival and earned numerous international awards. Since 1996 she has combined her artistic work as a dancer and choreographer with teaching, both within and outside of Spain. In October of 2006 she taught her first courses for professional and advanced levels here at Carmen de las Cuevas.
One of the most celebrated and internationally recognized flamenco dancers of today.
 
 
Raimundo Benítez - Dancer - www.raimundobenitez.com
Young Granadinian dancer who started at only 6 years of age in the Maria Teresa Rojas Academy of Flamenco and Classical Spanish Dance. Here he remained until the age of 14, completing his training later on with teachers such as Mariquilla, Manolete, Javier Baron, Rafael del Carmen, Alfonso Losa and Tacha Gonzalez. In 1996 he began his professional career with the Mariquilla Company, performing in the night club "Neptuno" and touring Spain as well as the rest of the world. During 2003 and 2004 he was accepted into the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts, and was selected for the Granada Flamenco Dance Company, which debuted its piece "Un, dos, tres. Faa…" in the Jerez International Festival. Currently he works daily in a Sacromonte tablao, tours, or gives workshop within and outside of Spain on request. At Carmen de las Cuevas he teaches for advanced levels.
Raimundo impresses with a personal, vibrant, and direct dance style.
 
 
Stella Arauzo
 
 
 
 
Violeta Ruiz - Dancer

Violeta was born in 1978 to a family of artists, and took her first dance steps in Granada with Mariquilla. She began her dancing career at the age of 16 alongside her father, the singer Pepe de la Argentina, with whom she traveled the stages of France, Italy, and Morocco. She finished her training with teachers such as Joaquín Grilo, Merche Esmeralda, and Juan Andrés Maya. In 2004 she joined the Mario Maya Centre for Stage Arts. That same year she was part of the Cristina Hoyos Ballet group with the piece "The Paths of Lorca". At Carmen de las Cuevas she gives advanced level classes.
Audience and students alike delight in Violeta's genuine expression and sense of fun with the dance.