Houston’s dance community has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from a master for free with an authentic flamenco class led by Ana María Barceló, a Puerto Rican bailaora (flamenco dancer) who has trained with world-renowned masters across Spain, Argentina, and Puerto Rico.
Event Details
Date: August 17, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Northeast Pod | X Atrium Level 1
Cost: Free
This special session invites everyone—regardless of experience—to explore the soulful spirit of this passionate Spanish art form through basic posture, arm movements (braceo), footwork (zapateado), and rhythmic clapping (palmas).
What to Expect
No experience is necessary for this introductory class. Participants should simply bring curiosity, comfortable clothes, and a willingness to move. Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about flamenco, this session offers a perfect chance to try the art form in a fun and supportive environment.
The class will cover fundamental elements that form the foundation of flamenco:
- Basic posture and stance – the proud, grounded presence that defines flamenco
- Braceo – the expressive arm movements that tell stories through gesture
- Zapateado – the rhythmic footwork that creates flamenco’s distinctive percussion
- Palmas – the hand clapping that provides rhythmic accompaniment
About Ana María Barceló
Ana María Barceló brings a remarkable depth of experience to Houston’s flamenco scene. Her journey began at age 3 with ballet, evolving into serious dance training by age 8 under renowned Cuban dancers Miguel Campanería and Ana María Castañón. By 11, she was selected for the San Juan Municipal Ballet Group.
Her introduction to Spanish dance eventually led her to Valencia, Spain, where she pursued a master’s degree in Cinematographic Screenplay and fell deeply in love with flamenco. Under the guidance of Lucila Duarte, she quickly advanced to the most challenging courses.
International Training Journey
Barceló’s flamenco education spans three continents:
Spain: She has studied with legendary artists including Rafael Campallo, Angel Atienza, Manolo Marin, and Isabel Bayón in Seville. She was part of the prestigious “Veranos Flamencos en Amor de Dios” program under direction of famous dancers “La Lupi,” Alfonso Losa, and Maria Juncal. Her Madrid training at the renowned “Amor de Dios” school included work with “La Truco” and Candela Soto.
Argentina: In Buenos Aires, she studied full-time with prestigious teachers including Claudio Arias, Diego Ferreira, Silvana Perdomo, and Lorena Di Prinzio.
Puerto Rico: Back home, she worked with Antonio Santaella, a renowned flamenco dancer from Granada, Spain, and became a founding member of the flamenco company “Mosaico Almudéjar.”
Professional Performance Career
As part of “Mosaico Almudéjar,” Barceló performed at Puerto Rico’s most prestigious venues, including the Francisco Arriví Theater and the Puerto Rico Art Museum Theater, in productions like “El Crimen fue en Granada” and “Flamenco, Raíces Nuestras.”
She has participated in numerous tablaos (flamenco venues) including the well-known El Chotis, La Guitarra, and De Tapas con David, collaborating with Puerto Rico’s top flamenco singers and musicians.
Continuing Education
Barceló has continued expanding her expertise by studying with distinguished artists including Adela Campallo, “La Chiqui de Jerez,” Leonor Leal, Ivan Vargas Heredia, Adrian Santana, Pedro Cordoba, Karen Lugo, “Carmen La Talegona,” “El Farru,” Alejandro Granados, Carmen Cortés, Nelida Tirado, Carmen González, Susana Casas, “Juan Polvillo,” and Manuela Barros.
Houston’s New Flamenco Ambassador
Having recently relocated to Houston, Barceló now calls the city home and continues her mission to promote, educate, and entertain audiences through what she describes as “the beautiful and powerful Art of Flamenco.”
Her extensive international training and performance experience, combined with her cultural identity as both Hispanic and American, brings a unique perspective to Houston’s diverse dance community.
Join the Experience
This free class represents an opportunity to learn from a master who has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing authentic flamenco tradition. Barceló’s teaching draws from decades of study with some of flamenco’s most respected artists, offering participants a genuine taste of this profound art form.
Come ready to dance, connect, and experience flamenco in motion with one of the most accomplished bailaoras to make Houston home.
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