Webmaster: Cris Mendoza-Howell

Central  Valley  Dance  Festival

Central Valley Dance Presents

Last Updated:May 17, 2008

 

 

Brisa Espanola

Who we are:

Brisa Espanola, or Spanish Breeze, is a Fresno based dance troop rooted in time honored tradition of classical Spanish dance choreographed by the late Amparo Sullivan. Similar to a cool breeze, Brisa Espanola seeks to refresh well loved dance pieces with subtle changes that reflect the boundless spirit of its diverse dance and music artists. Founded by Anne Young and Joyce Vasquez aka "Diana"

 

Anna has danced for most of her life and studied and performed with the flamenco artists Amparo, Eva Amador, Andrea La Canela, and Maria Benitez. She has been a dancer/choreographer with the California Opera for the past six years and has been in several local productions, including 'Il Travatore' and 'Carmen.' She also helped form the flamenco dance group Brisa Espanola. Some of her latest projects are teaching Spanish dance at Cynthia Merrils.  

Joyce began studies in Spanish dance in 1985 with La Clara and a few years later with Amparo. Eva Amador, from Cuadro Espanol, is her primary mentor. "Diana" has taken workshops with La Canela, Lourdes Rodriguez, Conte de Loyo, and Carmen Benitez. Diana is the founder and president of the newly formed Fresno Flamenco and Spanish Arts Society: A larger community of afficianados who share interests in dance, music, singing, writing, art, acting, and other creative endevors reflecting the culture of Spain.

Who we are:

J. spends his time thrilling audiences and students alike with his unique dance style and creative energy. J. trained for over ten years here in the Central Valley. He graduated from EDGE Performing Art Center Scholarship program in Hollywood.

 

Professionally, he has toured with Circus Fantastico, directed and choreographed Dorey Sanchez. He was guest choreographer for the University of San Luis Obispo, winning an award for original choreography. He has appeared on television at the Miss California pageant and was recently in commercial for Gottshalks.

 

J. has taught jazz and hip hop for the Cynthia Merrill school and California Arts Academy off and on since 1998,  and he loves the positive energy and enthusiasm in his students. He also coaches the Elite Gymnasts, who compete nationwide, at Central California Gymnastics Institute (CCGI) in Visalia.