Tablao Flamenco

LAKSHMI “LA CHIMI” BASILE is an international flamenco dancer and instructor. Born in a household of artists, she grew up dancing in California and moved to Spain at the age of 20. “La Chimi” was based in Sevilla for fifteen years performing daily as a soloist. In that time, she won prizes in the most coveted national contests: the Concurso de las Minas de La Unión, and the Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco de Córdoba. In recent years, she founded the nonprofit organization Alma Flamenca, based in California. “La Chimi” now divides her time between Spain and USA.

CRISTINA TERESA HALL is a flamenco dance artist known for exceptional technique and rare artistic vision. She shapes her work with discipline, individuality, and innovative creativity while maintaining deep respect for traditional flamenco forms.

She has collaborated with renowned artists including Israel Galván, Andrés Marín, and Eduardo Guerrero, performing at prestigious festivals like the Seville Flamenco Biennial and Jerez Festival. Since 2007, Cristina has created original works including El Sonido del Silencio, Translúcido, and Simbiosis. Her accolades include first prize at Barcelona's Estrena't Dansa and Madrid's Tetuán Choreographic Competition. Recently, she became the first flamenco dancer to perform with Cirque du Soleil in Spirit.

AMPARO HEREDIA is the 2021 winner of the Lámpara Minera at the Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas, one of flamenco's most prestigious competitions. Known as "La Repompilla," she was born in Malaga in 1970, daughter of the legendary Rafaela "La Repompa" and guitarist Luis Heredia. Starting at age 16 in Miami under Juan de Alba's tutelage, Amparo performed in major US tablaos before returning to Spain. She became a fixture at Madrid's most important venues, notably Casa Patas. Highly sought after by flamenco dance companies, she has shared stages with flamenco's greatest stars and excels as a recitalist, earning numerous awards including La Silla de Oro de Leganés in 2017.

JUANI DE LA ISLA (Guitar) is a sought-after flamenco guitarist and composer born in San Fernando, Cádiz, Spain. He studied with flamenco singer Rafael Romero and guitarist Manolo Sanlúcar. Throughout his career, he has toured internationally accompanying renowned artists including José Mercé, Chato de la Isla, Juan Villar, and dancers Sara Baras and Manuela Carrasco.

He composed music for Cristina Hoyos' dance company and served as musical director for singer "El Barrio" for over a decade. His recording career includes participation on more than 300 albums. In 2015, he released his solo CD "Libertad En Mis Manos" and founded "The Juani de la Isla Quartet." His participation in Tablao Flamenco is in collaboration with Casa Flamenca in Albuquerque, NM.

FRANCISCO “YIYI” OROZCO, (Percussionist & Singer) a Barcelona-born musician from an Andalusian family, began his professional career at age 12, having trained under his father, flamenco singer “Joselón de Jerez.” He grew up surrounded by flamenco in his father’s peña and toured internationally across Europe, Asia, and Africa throughout the 1990s. Since establishing himself in the U.S. in 1998, Yiyi has performed nationally for decades with major companies such as Santa Fe’s Maria Benitez and NYC’s Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. He continues to be one of the most sought-after flamenco musicians in North and South America and leads workshops locally and on tour. He has been based in Maryland since 2015.

RAUL ORTEGA (Co-Artistic Director & Dancer), born in Alcorcón, Madrid, has performed as lead dancer and choreographer for major flamenco companies including Manuel Soler, Rafael Amargo, Antonio Canales, and Maria Pages. He toured internationally with Luis Dávila "Luisillo" and was principal dancer with Rafael Amargo's company (2001-2006), performing in productions like "Amargo," "Tablao," and "Poeta en Nueva York" at New York's City Center.

Since 2006, Raúl has focused on creative projects, creating acclaimed shows like "Hermanos de Baile" (2008) and "Flamenco Inside" (2011). He founded Puro Arte Jerez tablao in 2014 and continues guest performances at prestigious venues like El Corral de la Morería while touring internationally.

LEAH KEITH (Artistic Director) is Co-Founder and Director of Rhythm of the Arts LLC, a creative producing house and talent agency for touring performing artists. Proudly Latina, she is committed to elevating BIPOC voices on stage and connecting with new audiences and communities. Leah was a professional flamenco dancer, touring and studying in the US and Spain, and her 20-year career history spans artist/tour management and booking, marketing and fundraising, outreach, and performance. Leah has a BA in theatre, emphasis in acting and directing from the University of Northern Colorado and an MFA in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College. She, along with her husband, daughter, and dog, live in the Hudson Valley in New York.

RHYTHM OF THE ARTS LLC (Producer) connects presenters with visceral performing arts experiences that audiences crave. The company was founded in 2005 by Peter Bogdanos as a boutique production and management company for culturally specific projects and performing artists. Under the leadership of Leah Keith, Rhythm of the Arts has recently expanded its scope as a booking agency, with a carefully curated roster of artists that responds to the current needs of presenters. We celebrate authentic storytelling, multi-disciplinary projects, cross-cultural collaborations, and live music. We value the strong connections between artist and audience and take pride in creating experiences and lifting up voices that bring us together in community. www.rhythmofthearts.com