Encuentros is a percussive dance spectacular revealing passionate encounters by some of the world’s great dancers in Flamenco, Irish, Tap, and Egyptian Belly Dance! In a stunning display of romance, seduction, love and jealousy, Artistic Director Kasandra “La China” and International guest artists, Ricardo Lopez (Flamenco dancer, Madrid), Joel Hanna (Irish Tap Dancer, Vancouver/New York), and Egyptian Belly Dancer Ashley Kirkham, throw down the gauntlet and meet on the dance floor! Experience rich, seductive dance duets with male dance partners of such star power…Ricardo Lopez from Madrid and Joel Hanna from New York’s Broadway…a rare treat in Vancouver!

With powerhouse Flamenco singer, Vicente Griego, and live musicians playing Flamenco guitar and Cajon, Oud and Darbuka, the dance is showcased with profound musicality. The beauty of lyrical dance and the power of percussion result in a dazzling presentation, full of drama, intensity and bravado. Encuentros is at once a feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul!

Kasandra “La China” is one of Canada’s leading flamenco artists, renowned for her unrelenting drive to push the artistic envelope. Kasandra is always hungry for new sources of inspiration and knowledge, constantly pushing her musical and choreographic mastery to its limits. “Vancouver’s flamenco star who has embodied flamenco with her dynamic, precise style” Flamenco-World magazine.