The Danza Viva Spanish Dance Academy was founded in 1984 to cater for the large number of dancers trained in other disciplines who have not had the opportunity to study Flamenco. The school has grown to include 2 beginners classes (one adult and one children), 5 junior grades, 3 senior levels and 5 open and/or production classes during any working week. It also conducts Flamenco workshops with guest artists and teachers who thus contribute to the academy's keeping abreast of the latest developments in the art, as well as exposing its students to different trends and teaching styles.

In addition, there are teachers courses offered at 3 levels, 2 junior and 1 senior. Dance has been the focal point in the life of Danza Viva's founder, Deanna Blacher. Along with a successful international performing career as a dancer and castanets virtuoso both in recital and with symphony orchestras, she has always been drawn to the teaching of Spanish dance and determined early in her active and diverse career to pass on to others the skills, artistry and focus that dominated so much of her life and continues to do so to this day.

Still active as a castanets recitalist, and master of a number of Spanish dance styles besides Flamenco, she imparts a wide knowledge and insight in her classes, born of practical experience and artistic expertise. A prodigious choreographer, with hundreds of works to her credit, (it would be impossible to list them all) she is one of those rare beings who feel equally at home on stage or in the studio. She has created legions of dancers and teachers who are testimony to her teaching methods and inspiration.

The school's mission is to provide the highest quality dance tuition for those who love Flamenco. Although the school is not an audition school, commitment and a love of dance are the qualities that it seeks in its students. It aims to provide a broad-based Spanish dance training that encompasses the full range of Spanish dance, including Flamenco.

As a result, the academy has an enviable reputation for producing fully trained, polished and professional dancers and highly competent teachers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
DEANNA BLACHER AT