Artists
Pol Vaquero was born in Córdoba, Spain in 1980 and is one of Spain’s most notable young male dancers. He began his dance studies in the Conservatory of Córdoba at the age of ten and began his professional career at the age of 16 with Antonio Canales’ company in the production of “Torero.”
Among the notable companies he has worked with are the National Ballet of Spain, Antonio Canales, Joquin Grilo and Manolete. He has appeared in Canales’ “Torero,” “Gitano,” and “Minotauro”. He has also been a special guest with Vicente Amigo and the “Chanson Flamenca” show with Antonio Canales and Juan de Juan. He participated as a dancer in the video clip of Alejandro Sanz’s “Corazon Partio” and is the featured dancer in the “Esencia” DVD at Casa Patas. He taught workshop classes internationally.
Brigida Luján born in 1977, is one of the most outstanding American flamenco dancers of the young generation began attending Spanish dance classes at age 2. As her love for dance continued she began studying classical ballet, jazz and tap dance as well as the piano, violin and viola. A well versed musician and dancer by age twelve, she left her classical dance training with the discovery of flamenco, which led her to dedicated studying in Spain with artists such as La Tati, Manolete, Merche Esmeralda, Inmaculada Aguilar, Antonio Canales, Rafael Campallo, Victoria Eugenia, Lola Greco, and Rafaela Carrasco. Between stays in Spain Brigida taught classes and performed with well known American flamenco dancers, including, Maria Benitez. In 1996 she performed for General CHI Haotian, his wife and the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. At age 26 Brigida presented her first solo concert in the United States accompanied by some of Spain’s finest dance accompanists. The sold out concert quickly led Brigida into status as one of the United States’ leading flamenco artists with the opportunity for continuous touring. Brigida has earned a BBA in Business (1998), an MBA in International Business (2000) and an MA Theatre & Dance (2004) at the University of New Mexico and has several dance publications.
Ismael Heredia born in 1980 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain of gypsy parents began studying guitar at age 5 with Manuel Lozano “El Carbonero,” later continuing his studies with Luis Moneo and Juan Parrilla. He began his professional career accompanying many of the great dancers in Jerez de la Frontera such as Ana Maria Blanco and Ana Parrilla. At a young age of 25 he has already performed in the flamenco clubs or peñas of Jerez de la Frontera and has traveled throughout Spain and Europe accompanying some of Spain’s most prominent singers including Capullo de Jerez, Fernando de Morera, Diego Carrasco and Nano de Jerez. In 2003 he performed in London along side Tomatito in addition to his annual performances at the Festival de Jerez, a yearly international flamenco festival, and Viernes Flamencos. He has toured the United States for the past four years with Dulce Flamenco Internacional and in 2005 performed in the “Caja Madrid” Festival. He is a remarkable accompanist and soloist possessing strength and intuitive sensitivity to dance, qualities maintained by only the best of flamenco guitarists. His style is pure Jerez gypsy, true to the style and traditions of his native city, “the cradle of flamenco.”
Nicolasa Luján born in 1975 is a nationally renowned flamenco dancer and has been with Dulce Flamenco Internacional since its inception. Chicol is a soloist with the company as well as the assistant choreographer. She began studying Spanish dance at age two, later expanding to a variety of styles including flamenco, ballet, jazz and tap. In her youth Chicol was a musical virtuoso playing the jazz saxophone and piano while also being trained in classical style voice. Leaving voice and her instruments behind to dedicate herself to flamenco, cultivating her style from study and immersion with the flamenco gypsies of Spain.
“Juanillorro” born in 1979 into the famed Carpio flamenco family was a child prodigy beginning his career at age 13 performing for festivals in the flamenco neighborhood’s of Jerez de la Frontera. He made his professional debut at age 17 performing in various flamenco clubs and won several prizes for his performances in Jerez de la Frontera and Sevilla. He has accompanied many of Spain’s foremost dancers including Antonio El Pipa and Maria del Mar Moreno and frequently accompanies Farruquito throughout Spain. Throughout the year he tours Europe and Japan.
Manuel Soto born in 1984 in the Santiago neighborhood of Jerez de la Frontera as part of the artistic saga and gypsy flamenco family that includes Jose Merece, Vicente Soto, Enrique Sotos and El Sorderita. He professionally debuted at the flamenco tablao “Laga Tio Parrilla” later touring throughout Europe with artists such as Rosario Lazo. He currently tours with pianist Reina Gitana and his uncle Jose Merce.
Prior season company members (2003-2007)
Guitarists: Pepe de Morao, Ismael Heredia, Chuscales
Singers: Nino de la Fragua, Tequila de Jerez, Juanillorro, Tamara de Tane, Jesule de Utrera, Marija Temo, Jesus Montoya
Dancers: Brigida Lujan, Nicolasa Lujan, Mina Valle, La Lena, Yessica Brea, Sarai Garcia, Fernando de Bastiana, Alina Padilla
Percussionists: El Yiyi, Cachorro, Paric Oliver