Liana Vargas

"If you have ever seen Liana dance, she has the 'duende' to an almost scary depth".

Harvey Schiller, Fringe Festival 2008

"From the opening moment when Liana Vargas appeared on stage, to the final exit when she walked off with the grandfather of flamenco singing, El Titi de Algeciras, the mood was in turn dramatic, passionate, witty and spectacular.."

Ute SCHULENBERG, Coffs Coast Courier

"The simmering intensity of flamenco blends with theatrical story telling and contemporary moves in this innovative production from Adelaide born and based dancer Liana Vargas - who steals the show!"

Louise Nunn, Advertiser (Lorca's Dark Sonnets)

"Liana and Chris, the dancers and musicians were fabulous, while many colourful market stalls with wares for sale added greatly to the atmosphere - it was truly a fabulous night."

Robert Dunstan, Rip It Up (Gypsy Bazaar)

"Liana and the Latino Brazza Band carry the audience to Spain with their stunning Latin street beat music and whirling flamenco dancers. This show is raw energy and has plenty of spunk." Sunday Mail

"This was divinely crazy, it's on-the-edge feeling controlled by the extreme virtuosity of the dancers and musicians. I haven't had such a good time at a dance production in ages."

Shirley Stott-Despoja, Adelaide Review LOCO

"Liana puts her audience right where she wants it! " Time Out, London (Lorca, An Evocation)

"I immensely enjoyed the magnificent dances of Liana Vargas."

What's On, London (Trader Faulkners Lorca)

 

 

Life of a flamenco dancer

Liana’s flamenco dancing career has taken her around the globe. She has lived and breathed ‘flamenco’ while performing in such places as Madrid (La Zambra Tablao), Mexico City (Meson Triana's), Los Angeles (El Cids), Milan (La Scala), London (Covent Garden Spring Gala) and the French Riviera (Casino contracts).

Liana performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company member Trader Faulkner (who performed with Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh at Stratford Upon Avon!) at Sadler's Wells, London, and was invited to dance in the Royal BBC Christmas Gala at the Royal Albert Hall where she danced alongside the ageless Roger Moore and Cliff Richard. She was fortunate enough to dance on the same stage as the great Gregory Hines at the Barbican Center for Dance Expo as well.

Liana was a regular performer at Costa Dorada Tablao and toured with Tito Heredia for the three years she lived in London as well taking on the role as performance coordinator and instructor for Las Estrellas in Bayswater Mews... and giving regular classes and Dance Works Studio off Oxford Street.

Since returning from Europe Liana has produced and choreographed many works with a bent towards interpreting Spanish Literature through flamenco, and taught her craft to eager students.

One of her most outrageous works entitled LOCO was inspired by Pedro Almodovar's film Tie me Up, Tie me Down and starred her first teacher and name-sake Antonio Vargas (he asked her to marry him the first night he met her!), Tito Heredia travelled from London to join her for the season. So successful was this production that the Adelaide Festival Center offered Liana a 'co-production' deal along with inclusion in the high profile MADE TO MOVE programme.

Liana's work has been generously supported by the Australia Council and Arts SA and in the year 2000 was granted development funding towards establishing her performance company Teatro del Mundo - who have since performed consistently in many Festivals around Australia. Highlights include touring for KULTOUR with Liana's award winning production La Guerra where flamenco takes on the Spanish Civil War.

Teaching has always played an integral part of Liana's routine and she has certainly shaken up the Adelaide flamenco scene since her return to Australia. Many of her students have gone on to win grants and funding for further development in Spain. Infact in one year three of Liana's students were awarded substantial monies for trips to Spain.

Presently Liana teaches from her (fully equipped) home studio in Aldgate which is beautifully situated opposite the charming Camelia Gardens of Standgate House. General classes are kept small with the emphasis on the individual development of each student. Private classes are available at a very reasonable rate.

With the help of the Aldgate Providore Cafe Liana has set about establishing a healthy 'flamenco scene'. Regular TAPAS NIGHTS with impromptu dancing, singing and music have taken off at the Aldgate Providore with guests bursting to share their talents - and the Adelaide Hills has many creative and talented souls. Such a success was the first TAPAS NIGHT that Liana and Lisa (of the Providore) decided to do it again but this time with flamenco guitarist Aloysius Leeson on board. These evenings are always 'popular' so early bookings are essential.

Currently undertaking a Fine Arts degree at the Adelaide Central School of Art Liana has taken her creativity to another level as she paints her flamenco passion on canvas. With two successfull exhibitions under her belt, encouraging press and reviews Liana has a renewed passion as she continues to create and express.

 

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Always devoted and loyal to her instructors Liana would like to thank those who have helped shaped her career;

La Tati, Manolo Marin, Belen Maya, La Argentina, Manolete, El Guito, Tomas de Madrid, Carmen Cortes, Cristobal Reyes, Merche Esmeralda, El Torombo, Juana Amaya - and of course... Antonio Vargas who started her on this incredible journey.

you can read about all these brilliant performers at:

flamenco_world.com