Kasandra “La China”
producer, creative director, choreographer, flamenco dancer
Kasandra is one of Canada’s leading flamenco artists well-known for her unrelenting drive to push the artistic envelope. A tirelessly ambitious artistic director and soloist, Kasandra is always hungry for new sources of inspiration and knowledge, constantly pushing her musical and choreographic mastery to its limits. She has been identified as “Vancouver’s flamenco star who has embodied flamenco with her dynamic, precise style” by Flamenco-World magazine.
A dedicated and inspiring performer, Kasandra has appeared in prestigious events with the Vancouver International Dance Festival, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Flamenco Festival and has performed all over BC. She has performed with international flamenco dance stars including Ivan Vargas, Jose Manuel Alvarez, Emilio Ochando, Ricardo Lopez, Maria Bermudez, Manuel Gutierrez as well as renowned Canadian artists including Irish tapper, Joel Hanna, and contemporary dancer, Alvin Tolentino, focusing on duets. She has striven to work with the highest calibre of musicians including flamenco guitarists Gaspar Rodriguez, Daniel Jurado, Miguel Angel Ramos de Puerta Real, Gareth Owen and flamenco singer/palmeros Miguel Rosendo, Vicente Griego & Luis de la Tota. She continues to be inspired developing a varied repertoire with her percussionist, Davide Sampaolo. She has also worked extensively with local flamenco groups including Mozaico Flamenco, Flamenco Rosario, Alma de Espana, Flamenco Vivo among others. She can be seen regularly in Vancouver’s vibrant flamenco scene, especially the Kino Café and the Chai Lounge where flamenco continues to inspire thousands of people a week, and is happy to work with a rich community of local singers, guitarist and singers.
Known for her explosive spirit, precise rhythmic footwork, grace and personal character, Kasandra’s love of flamenco is contagious as she strives to educate new audiences and bring newcomers to the art form through her dance. Her generous spirit has nurtured dozens of seasoned and emerging dancers in the scene and has brought countless fans to the art of Flamenco.
Kasandra “La China” is director of Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy with her mentor, Oscar Nieto. She is the creator and artistic director of the professional company Kasandra Flamenco, with many successful, high quality shows including “Solo Flamenco” and “Ritmo y Soniquete”. An honoured recipient of Canada Council for the Arts and British Columbia Arts Council grants, Kasandra has produced shows since 2003.
“Kasandra was a knockout. Resplendent in an orange dress with matching shoes, her hair long and curled, her performance was a triumph of character and form…a note of sunny seduction that left the audience in an uproar. Kasandra was never for a moment less than brilliantly graceful.”– Kaija Pepper, The Sun
