What People are Saying About Laura

.

“I love how you’re always thinking of different ways to cram it in our brains.” – Amy

“Laura is a great dancer, and you can learn a lot just by watching her. But she is truly a teacher as well, and she has been willing to share her experiences of learning this complicated art form. As she absorbs and distills the vast ocean of flamenco stuff that we Americanos aren’t born into and don’t grow up with, she is dedicated to passing what she has learned on to us. Ok, that sounds like an obvious thing that a teacher would do, but actually, it might be a rare combo. There are inspiring teachers who can show you great moves, but they’ve grown up doing those moves, so it’s just hard for them to explain how they do it. Laura has gotten there the hard way, which is how most of us are going to have to get there, and she is determined to give us the benefit of all her hard-earned knowledge as a gift. This is what great teachers do: they open the door for us, and tip us off to shortcuts when they find them, and encourage us by their presence ahead of us on the road. Laura is a very generous teacher.” – Mia

“Thanks again for everything – I had a great time and feel very welcomed by the flamenco community you have created. You’re a very special person.” – Becky

“I love how you are teaching the Bulerias de Jerez on Saturdays-I have never learned so much from a bulerias class!!  We learn little bits, identify where they go in the cante, and then mix them up.  It is really beginning to sink in!!  I have learned so much material in this class and I am able to mix pieces from one choreography with another.  Thanks!!”  – Stefani

“You are a brilliant teacher, and very detail oriented. That is the kind expertise I have been looking for.  I like how patient, positive and encouraging you are. It feels good to be on the receiving end. You are very calming. Thank you again. You are a gem at what you do.” – Val

“This has been a super enjoyable and challenging class for me and I love working in tientos. The palmas class has been incredibly informative and fun too!  Thank you Laura for being so supportive and communicative- you are wonderful!!” -Erica

“I’ve had 3 flamenco teachers in the past. Laura is the best of the best . She taught me so much about Flamenco that I never knew. It opened my eyes flamenco dance is all about. She is not only an incredibly gorgeous dancer (and lady)but also an incredibly warm person. I enjoy her class so much that I don’t mind driving a long distance in rush hour traffic. I wish I could take her class everyday so I could be an expert.” – Minako/student

“I am having so much fun in Flamenco class… and I am learning soooo much! It seems as though each time I learn something… it enables me to learn yet another layer of understanding! And I think your new addition of the white board to palmas is great… that way all types of learners are addressed: visual (board), audio (counting), tactile (clapping)…Your classes are Fabulous!…I LOVED class today! I had soooooo much fun The choreography is so much fun – and it was so fun to wave a pretty fan around. And the classroom was so enjoyable this morning. At one point when the music was playing and we were dancing the opening section I felt a cool breeze come across the room thru the window. And it made me so happy that this was how I was spending my Saturday morning It was heavenly! At first I was thinking of just taking 1 day… but after class I changed my mind and would like to take the rest of the days.” – Alexandra Ness/student

“Laura Onizuka is one of the most dedicated proponents of Flamenco/Spanish dance, music and culture in the Pacific Northwest that I have ever known. She is a kind and generous teacher who not only inspires her students with her love and artistry, but who also humbly keeps up the inspiration by hosting a plethora of incredible artists direct from Spain. These artists are essential to the growth of any student engrossed in this particular art form as well as serve through performances (that she has self-produced) as an invaluable cultural experience for the entire Portland community. She is a consummate collaborator and is truly interested in sharing and expanding her community. Eres un tesoro en la comunidad flamenca ” – Danica Sena, Founder/Artistic Director Andanza Spanish Arts, Master Flamenco/Spanish Teacher ODC School San Francisco

“Linda clase Laura, cada vez me gusta mas…la clase es genial, la disfruto, me encanta !! La repeticion es perfecta, la comodidad del estudio estupenda !! MI REGALO EN EL FLAMENCO ES TENER UNA MAESTRA COMO TU, QUE ENSENA CON EL CORAZON !!! Esa es la generosidad y regalo mas grande !… Te dediques a la ensenanza que lo haces de maravilla, has captado todas las complejidades y partes dificiles del flamenco. Veo que ensenas con el alma, lo das todo.” – Connie Bierbach/student

“That was the coolest student show in the history of the world. Everyone was so happy and proud of their dances and it was alot of fun. Food-a great place-you were so sweet-everything was so perfect. Thank you for all you have done to build a truly flamenco community in this town. See you tomorrow in class.” – Stefani Miller/student

“Six months ago I started taking one beginners class a week with Laura, and I enjoyed her class so much that I now take three weekly classes, plus private lessons with her. She has supported and encouraged my new-found obsession with gentle nudges, and shares her knowledge and skill freely. Laura has a knack for communicating technique that is easy to understand, and her warmth and humor creates a non-intimidating atmosphere that makes the challenge of learning flamenco quite fun. Laura es una maestra phenomenal!” – Heather/student

“You are a great teacher! You find 1 or 2 things to focus on so we do not think too much then with practice and patience I found that my thoughts and movement changed, the timing clicked. Thanks for the wonderful upper body and workout dance class, they all connect to the form and the rhythm that we use for Flamenco. It is wonderful to have your calm teaching style. I’m excited to be learning to move in a new way. I really enjoy the class and appreciate your patience. You are an excellent teacher…you add a breath of grace and professionalism.” – Gail Bruner/student

“Laura is an exceptional teacher, as well as a beautiful ad talented flamenco dancer. When she dances, you cannot take your eyes off her, she is so compelling. But Laura also has the rare gift of being able to effectively teach and explain the art of flamenco dancing. Teaching a non-verbal art for can be extremely challenging, but Laura excels at this. Not only can she perfectly demonstrate what a flamenco movement should look like, she is able to explain how the body needs to move to accomplish it.” – Jackie K./student & flamenco aficionado

“Your performance last night was amazing. You have such a wonderful gift!”
“I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE taking your class! Thanks for encouraging me and making me feel good about my “beginner” status. You’re such a wonderful and patient teacher!” – Brittany/student

“Thank you for being such a kind and fun teacher. You inspire me!” – Kelley Fox/student

“For the decade I’ve been dancing flamenco, Laura Onizuka is the best teacher I have had. She cares for every one of her students and respects our own needs and goals. Student improvement and satisfaction in her class is her own joy. Her classes are very well considered and structured for us not only to achieve the next stage in this profound art of flamenco but also to enjoy the fascinating world of flamenco with what we know and can do now. With “every time, a tiny bit better than last time” approach, I found myself doing some movements easily which I had difficulties before. It was very nice to know that my body can do a lot more than I think I can. I believe that all of her students agree she has great teaching skills. No wonder that she is a school teacher before becoming flamenco performer and teacher. Her class is hard (very good exercise! I love this part too as I can burn calories in fun way.) and very enjoyable. I always look forward to going to her class, and do not even remember when I missed her class last time. It’s just too much fun to miss!” Ritsuko/student

“I have enjoyed the class so much. You are beautiful to watch. I am never watching myself in the mirror, I am always watching you!” – Celeste/student

“You are the best flamenco teacher I have ever had, and I think everyone in class feels that way.” – Ann/student

“When Friday afternoon rolls around, all I want to do is take a nap after a long week of school. I usually lay down for about a minute before I start thinking about flamenco class and not wanting to miss it. By the time I finish my 45 minute drive (commute) to class I am full of energy and excitement for another great Friday night class. (It) is fun, educational, and a good work out. Laura has always made me feel comfortable. During my first classes I knew I was behind the other students but that was okay. Laura encouraged me but also taught me how to improve my flamenco dancing. Laura Onizuka is a skilled teacher and possesses a professionalism that is complimented by her good nature and quick smile. While at a local flamenco event, I was amazed that after only one month I was able to use the routine Laura had taught us in class to dance at the event. Thanks Laura for dancing it with me! My friends can’t believe how affordable the classes are! Thanks Laura for a good year of classes…I sure appreciate the joy they have brought me. Thank you for bringing a little bit of Spain to Portland for me and the others. As a study-abroad student to Spain, I’d recommend your classes to students before they go (especially the sevillanas) or when they get back so they can continue to experience a little bit of the Spain they now love.”
- A male student

“Just thinking about how great you danced the other night. With a lot of duende and confidence (as well as great technique). You are “dancing” a lot more (vs. “doing a dance”), if you know what I mean. It is inspirational to watch you perform and continue to get better and better :=) You did the great job pulling it all together and cheering your students on! Your positive, loving and inclusive energy is what makes it all work :=) And everyone did look like they were having a great time – lots of smiles and people having fun – ole!” – Jackie K/student

“Laura is one of the most languid, gracious, and curvy flamenco dancers I have ever seen since Inma Ortega.” – Diana B./flamenco cantaora