GUEST ARTISTS

Solangel “Lali” Calix  -  Baile, Castanets

Solangel ”Lali “Calix is a graceful and experienced flamenco and Spanish classical dancer with excellent castanet technique learned from Maria Magdalena, one of Spain’s most prominent players.  With over 30 years of performance experience her energetic and joyful dance is the culmination of extensive training in Spain under the guidance of expert flamenco figures.

Lali began studying flamenco as a young girl in her native Honduras.  Between 1976 and 1979 she attended the famous Amor de Dios School in Madrid, Spain where she studied Flamenco, Ballet Clásico and Español.  She has attended flamenco workshops throughout the United States and abroad as both student and teacher for over 30 years.

In 1994 she established the Alianza Flamenca New Orleans as the co-director with guitarist John Lawrence.  From 1994-2005 she taught flamenco in the New Orleans School of Ballet.  She maintained an active performance schedule at El Matador as well as at various guest appearances around the country.

After Hurricane Katrina, Lali established residence in Houston, TX.  From 2006-2008 she returned to Spain periodically to continue her education at Escuela Flamenco with Juan Polvillo in Sevilla.  Currently she is the correspondent for the southwest region of the U. S. for the website www.flamencobuzz.net where she writes reviews of flamenco performances and events. 

She continues to teach and perform flamenco on a regular basis.  As guest dancer with Solero Flamenco Calix adheres to the art of improvisation, making each performance unique in the tradition of flamenco.    

Edith Niño  -  Baile

Edith Niño is a young and articulate flamenco dancer.  Her natural talent is complimented with technique, poise and confidence beyond her years.  As guest dancer with Solero Flamenco she performs at varied venues in Houston.  Her interpretation of the Flamenco Guajira with the accompaniment of Irma La Paloma, cante, and Jeremías García, guitar has captivated and rendered the applause of audiences making this one of her signature dances.

Edith was born in Caracas, Venezuela and was inclined to the arts at an early age.  She began her training at Voces Blancas de Elisa Soteldo, Academia de Ballet Fanny Montiel and at the Conservatorio de Música under the direction of María Dolores García.  While studying ballet at the English Montessori School in Madrid, where she resided from 1988-1990, she was exposed to flamenco arts and culture.  After returning to Caracas she graduated from the Conservatorio de Música and joined La Coral de U. E. Universidad Simón Bolivar.  She continued Classical Ballet with Fanny Montiel until 2000.