What People are Saying About Guest Artists

“Laura, I love the vibe in your workshops and the mega talented and generous guest teachers/artists that you’re able to bring to Portland. I am extra lucky to be able to take part!” – Shyiang, Vancouver, Canada

Wowee! Read what people have to say about our guest instructors and performers like Ricardo López, Emilio Ochando, Cristo Cortéz, Antonio Arrebola, Ricardo Díaz…

“(Ricardo) inspires you to dance your best. Imagine how good we will all be when he comes back for a longer stay!” -Lillie

“I am so glad that I attended the workshops and performance. I felt so inspired and invigorated, actually maybe a little too much I don’t think I was able to sleep for a few nights. But it really made me realize how much I love to dance, and how much I have to learn too. Also, I think like everyone, I developed a little crush on Ricardo.” -Alexis

“Thanks Laura for organizing this workshop/show. It was amazing!!! You did a wonderful job and Ricardo, well he is a sweetheart.” -Kethrin

“Thanks for organizing such a wonderful workshop. It was my first workshop (as you know) and I couldn’t have had more fun. I don’t think I’ve ever even gotten to dance to live music. What a treat! And, if you get a chance, will you let Ricardo know how much I enjoyed learning from him. He was a great teacher and I appreciated his patience with my lack of competency. Also, great performance on Saturday! Definitely a wonderful night!” -Brittany

“Ricardo’s workshops are amazing! He’s such an attentive teacher – very exacting and will break everything down clearly and slowly, always checking in to make sure everyone is happy and understands everything “in our head”. Besides being a phenomenal dancer he’s encouraging, professional, respectful and incredibly patient. Laura has… been very kind in translating his Spanish so we understand his most salient points. Everyone at the workshop has soooo friendly and helpful. We love Portland Flamenco and hope we can come back soon!” -Cyrena

“Ricardo exceeded my expectations. I’ve been dancing for over 10 years and still picked up some breakthrough tips in the 3 days of workshops. He takes the time to go through fundamentals and also has challenging but fun choreography. I’m impressed at how patient and encouraging he was. His classes were well structured, had a good pace, and he was a top notch (and nice!) teacher. Since I can’t go to Spain, this is Spain coming to me. The Portland Flamenco Events dancers were very welcoming…thanks to Laura for translating and more importantly for making this happen. I only wish I could’ve stayed longer to see the show and learn more but there’s always next time. I’m definitely coming back!” -Shyiang

“Each day I can’t believe that I am taking a class from someone as amazing as Ricardo. I am like a baby who is learning to walk when compared to him. But it is so fun!!” – Stefani

“You were right, he does “stand alone” as a teacher. It is apparent that he loves his craft, which spills out in the classroom, whether involved with explaining a step, the cante, the palmas, or just demonstating with his crisp movements, turns, energy and enthusiasm.:) All in all, quite a memorable week. Now if I can just remember the choreography.:( ” -Ann

“It was one of the best workshops I have ever done.”

“He’s such a good and generous teacher, and I loved the style and choreography.”

“WHAT A FABULOUS TEACHER!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is an inspiration!”

“It was the clearest and most well taught palmas class I have ever taken. The patterns were clean and understandable and the repetition was just right. That is a class I would not miss again. Thank you Emilio and thank you Laura for bringing such high quality artists here,” – Diana, Portland, OR

“I heart Emilio. His workshops were a crazy-fun sweat-inducing challenge, and he taught us some amazingly simple techniques that I’ll be able to use in my everyday practice. And I loved his Tangos choreography!” – Heather, Portland, OR

” Laura gracias por traer a Emilio , me gusto muchisimo es un buen bailao,y buen maestro, espero verlo otra vez.” – Rafaela, Portland, OR/ Cadiz. Spain

” Emilio is a phenomenal dancer and a skilled and inspirational teacher. He made us work hard from the first minute to the last, but it was well worth it! I hope he comes back to Portland, and does a performance. I would highly recommend his workshops to others.” – Julie, Portland, OR

“Cristo Cortes was not only great he was amazing. looking forward to more in the future.” – Lamia, Portland, OR

” Cristo Cortes is a gifted cantaor and a natural teacher – a maestro in both senses. Not only did we learn two new letras in two days, but we learned aspects of the cante (singing behind the beat, melodic ornamentation, etc.) that will change and improve everything in our repertoires.” – Paul, Portland, OR

“The Ricardo Diaz palmas/jaleos/soniquete workshop was so much FUN! He’s such a warm, generous flamenco spirit, with an infectious smile and sense of humor. Can’t wait for the next one! ”
- Heather, Portland, OR

“Antonio’s workshop was great fun and energizing.  I liked the fact that he took the time to do warm-up stretches (very important for this body), his technique section was beneficial (got the brain engaged) and choreography was accessible and interesting.  And he ‘connected’ with each dancer in the workshop.  He’s very engaging, a great storyteller with a sense of humor.” – Becky, Tri-Cities, Washington