Magdalena is a flamenco teaching artist, choreographer and performer based in Washington, D.C.
BIOGRAPHY
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When not teaching, performing, or choreographing in the greater Washington, D.C. area, Magdalena can be found dancing "por fiesta" on the streets of her second home in Seville, Spain.
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Her journey began in the mid 90’s when Magdalena helped revive the NYC Flamenco scene, cutting her teeth with fellow compañeros on stage at local Manhattan venues such as Alegrías, Ñ, Kaña and Xunta. Inspired by her first mentors from New York City she fled to Andalucía and trained there intermittently for eight years.
Magdalena combines her background in music, sociology and education to teach people of all ages. Today almost 30 years later, she continues uniting these passions via her own performance and the production of her student recitals. In 2013 she moved with her family from NYC to Washington D.C. Motivated by her little dancing daughter she created Flamenco 4 Kids!™ - a community based organization which has grown to serve dozens of private and public schools in the area.
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Magdalena is inspired by her own first mentors and is best known for her traditional style which focuses on the grace, majesty, rhythm and musicality of flamenco.
She integrates her unique artistic and educational training into an exciting study program for people of all ages and backgrounds.
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Magdalena has inspired audiences and students alike for over 25 years. Since 2022 she has been awarded a fellowship annually from DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities for her work as an independent teaching artist.
LA magdalena - Building community
Over the years, Magdalena's countless activities have have grown into a community-based endeavor called Dance Flamenco DC, which brings the sights, sounds and movements of Andalucía to the DMV.
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Magdalena is known for her focus on the rhythm and musicality of flamenco dance. She expertly weaves extensive knowledge of the craft with her academic background in education and social services.
Magdalena is a teacher at heart, dedicated to students and the exciting journey of learning. In 2025 she was awarded a grant to explore the healing qualities of percussive dance in treating survivors of domestic abuse. The project, titled "Fire Within," is in its early stages and can be read about HERE.
LA magdalena - Awards
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Tenleytown Business Grant (2024)
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DC Arts and Humanities Fellowship (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
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DC Collaborative Teaching Artist Fellowship (2022)
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Field Trips Grant Panelist Commission on the Arts and Humanities (2022)
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Dance Institute of Washington Hispanic Heritage Consultant (2021)
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Sitar Arts Center Early Childhood Professional Development (2020)
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Opera singer coach in preparation for "Carmen", NYC Opera (2009)
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Artist in Residence: Space and production grant from The Field NYC (2009)
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Featured in documentary "Flamenco: Here and There" by Lisa Katzman (2008)
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Recorded with internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Antony & the Johnsons (2007)
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Awarded grant from Fractured Atlas for work as an independent performance artist (2006)
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Choreographer at HERE Art Center “Culture-mart” Series (2005)
Your presence brings me back to the time I visited Sevilla.
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Yuko
Thank you for your "flamenco spirit" which clearly resonates with your audiences.
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Jeanne
You bring the soul of Spain to our laps and it's so wonderful.
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Olivera
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