Daniela

In her native Venezuela, on Margarita Island, Daniela Sastriques started dancing flamenco at the age of 11. Fuego Gitano Academy opened its arms to her and was her home for numerous years. Here, she learned flamenco technique as well as how to channel her emotions through el tacón and la palma. Throughout the years, Daniela has continued learning and expanding her flamenco skills through classes and workshops with Daniela Tugues, Siudy Garrido, and Patty Cinquemanni. In 2012, Daniela migrated to the United States as a result of political unrest in Venezuela. In St. Louis, Missouri she met Carmen Dance, founder and director of Grupo Atlántico, a fusion dance company comprised of dancers of different genres. There, she became part of a large dance family with whom she gained stage experience through regular performances; she also learned dance techniques outside of the flamenco repertoire that allows her to fully express herself; and as the only flamenco dancer in Grupo Atlántico, she developed her creativity and spontaneity in her dance. In 2019, she moved to Norfolk, and in January 2022, Las Lolas Flamencas Dance Company was born. Through Las Lolas, she can express her personal experience and her passion for flamenco.