Azriel 'El Moreno' began studying Flamenco dance in New Mexico with Rafael Martos during the Maria Benitez Santa Fe Flamenco Festival. Soon after, he was introduced to the Flamenco cante (singing) by guitarrist Ives Lucero. Under the artistic direction of Ramona Garduno, El Moreno began performing as a singer and dancer with group 'Aire Flamenco' in 1998. He studied with many renowned Spanish artists such as dancers Joaquin Ruiz, Antonio Granjero, Domingo Ortega, Rafael Campallo and Andres Marin and singers Silverio Heredia, and Jose' Anillo. Since moving to the Bay Area in 1999, El Moreno sings regularlyfor most professional Bay Area Flamenco dancers, both in theater and "tablao" style performances. He has also sang along side renowned Flamenco singers Felix de Lola, Roberto Zamora and Jose' Anillo. He has made multiple appearances both as a singer and as a dancer at the San Francisco Ethnic festival and performed with Teatro Flamenco Company. Azriel is the founder of the Flamenco Dance Company Riquezas. |
