Maria Osende. Principal dancer
artistic director, choreographer
Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Maria started dancing with Luis Fuente at age seven and later wtih Julia Estevez. At fifteen she becomes one of the youngest members of the National Ballet of Spain. Two years later a Fulbright scholarship takes her to the School of American Ballet in New York City. At nineteen she moves to Berlin, Germany, to dance with the Deutsche Oper Berlin Ballet where she remains for eight years as a soloist dancing a wide ranged repertoire of classical and contemporary dance.
Maria then decides to leave the Deusche Oper Berlin to focus exclusively on Flamenco, which at the same time, brings her back to her Spanish origins. A power force of technique and artistry, Maria has been conquering audiences not only in Atlantic Canada, but previously in Europe.
In September 2003 Maria moves to Nova Scotia (Canada) creating her flamenco company in 2004, opening her dance school in 2005 and starting the Fall for Flamenco, Halifax's International Flamenco Festival in 2006, which has become one of the most popular hapenings in Halifax and the first flamenco festival of its kind in Canada.
Maria has received the support of the Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage as well as the support of the Canada Council for the Arts. See Press for more information
Carmen Perrier. Dancer
Originally from Ontario, Carmen first discovered flamenco ten years ago in Toronto with Esmeralda Enrique, pursuing her passion for this art form upon moving to Nova Scotia and continuing her studies with El Viento Flamenco School of Dance first and later with Maria Osende. Carmen joined the company in 2009 after having performed as a freelance dancer at several events and with local group Viva flamenco. Besides dancing, Carmen is teachers beginner levels and castanets at FLamenco school Maria Osende.
Michelle Raiche-Marsden. Dancer
Originally from Dartmouth, Ns, MIchelle started flamenco a decade ago with the El Viento Flamenco School of Dance and with Maria Osende. She has travelled to Seville for classes and has participated in dance workshops with La Canela, Manuel Reyes Maya, Joaquin Ruiz and Inmaculada Ortega as well as performed extensively with various local groups in town. Michelle joined the company in 2009.
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Daniel MacNeil. Guitarist, musical director
Born in Cape Breton, Daniel continually works with and at his love and passion for music and dance. Playing both guitar and percussion in a wide variety of musical backgrounds he finds his heart rooted in Flamenco. He began studying the form in 2001 and has visited Spain to expand his knowledge in flamenco guitar, a number of times. Daniel joined the company early in 2005 and has in the meantime composed several pieces for the group. He also teaches guitar at the Canadian Conservatory of Music as well as privately. More on Daniel at MySpace
Enrique Rojo "el Henry". Vocals
A multi-talented artist, el Henry began singing as a child in Argentina. Thus began a life-long love affair with latin-american music and, through this, to an exploration of his Spanish roots in flamenco. Singing for the group since shortly after its creation in 2004, el Henry's deeply emotional voice contains the essence of flamenco. In 2006, el Henry travelled to Spain to further his flamenco studies and joined Madrid's local flamenco scene. Previously el Henry sang with Alma Latina and Salsa Picante. To find out more about his work as an artist and painter, please visit www.henryrojo.com
Gina Burgess. Violin
Gina received her bachelor of Music from Dalhousie University under the direction of Philippe Djokic. She has performed as a soloist with Symphony Nova Scotia, and is part of other Atlantic ensembles, such as Gypsophilia. She has received a number of Talent Trust Awards and String Music Atlantic Awards, as well as first place in the Canadian National Music Festival with the Quantum Quartet. Joined our group in early 2007.
Christopher Cookson. Percussion
Born in Montreal Quebec, Christopher Cookson grew up in various small towns in Mexico and Central America slowly making his way back to Canada via Texas and Nevada. Along the way he developed an interest in all music and never looked back. He took up the drumset in his late teens playing rock and Jazz. He later developed a love for the music coming from Africa, Cuba, Brasil and most recently Spain. He has been involved in several Halifax based bands such as Samba Nova, Kojo, Alma Latina and Zumbi.
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