Valerie Scannura

The Ritmo Flamenco Dance & Music Ensemble was formed in 1995 by Valerie Scannura (Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer) and Roger Scannura (Music Director, flamenco guitarist).  Since then, she has performed in concerts and festivals worldwide.  A graduate of the National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, she began her studies in flamenco in Toronto before travelling to Spain to further absorb ideas and training methods at various centers such as Madrid, and Jerez de la Frontera, Granada.  She has also attended flamenco festivals in Albuquerque, New Mexico and New York City.   Her work has received praise by critics and arts presenters and she has spearheaded many projects for the company while guest teaching at several professional dance institutions like Canada’s National Ballet School, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre and the Quinte Ballet School of Canada.  Proving that flamenco is bred in the bone, her daughter Anjelica is Co-Artistic Director of the company and is a successor of her work as she is an award-winning choreographer and Valerie’s artistic partner.  More information at www.ritmoflamenco.net

“The talented dancers rivet the eye with their commitment and Valeria, as always is a compelling performer.”

“Flamenco concerts can sometimes by formulaic but Ritmo Flamenco refuses to fall into that trap.”

“Flamenco concerts can sometimes by formulaic but Ritmo Flamenco refuses to fall into that trap.”

Roger Scannura Flamenco Guitarist/Composer

Roger Scannura is an internationally recognized and award-winning flamenco guitarist and a leading exponent of Nuevo Flamenco.  Scannura was born on the history drenched island of Malta.  His early schooling began at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Theresa where he was tutored in European history and fine art restoration.  He has been immersed in music since early childhood and mastered the techniques and nuances of flamenco guitar while under the auspices of Pepe Habichuela and other gypsy masters.  Scannura is the founder of the Toronto based music and dance company Ritmo Flamenco which was founded alongside his wife, Artistic Director Valerie Scannura in 1995.  He has composed and released 9 CD’s of music spanning genres of flamenco and his music has been featured in both film and television.  Besides touring in concerts and festivals throughout the world, highlights of his career have been performing for dignitaries like the Prime Minister of both Malta and Canada and for celebrities such as Sting and Russell Crowe.  Roger is currently a course director at York University where he teaches flamenco guitar.  More information about Roger can be found at www.rogerscannura.ca

“a gifted composer whose music is as beautiful as it is haunting” The Globe and Mail

“rarely is flamenco guitar played so eloquently with just the right amount of passion and grace”  20^th Century Guitar Magazine

There are only a few tickets left to see this amazing performance featuring over 35 flamenco dancers from the school of Ritmo Flamenco and professional members of the company! Email vscannura@gmail.com to check availability.