Flamenco Music And Dance

Time & Place

Date: Sun, Nov 12, 2023

Time: 4:00 PM

St. Mary Catholic Church | 684 S Third St, Columbus, OH 43206

About the Concert

Unleash your senses and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Andalusian tradition as the Flamenco Company of Columbus presents an unforgettable evening of authentic Flamenco.  

Flamenco, an art form born out of the cultural mélange of Gypsy, Arab, Jewish, and Christian heritages in Southern Spain, is a mesmerizing spectacle that seamlessly blends singing, dancing, and music, mainly from the strumming of the guitar. Each performance is a unique intertwining of different styles, rhythms, and lyrics, culminating in an expressive and passionate display of human emotion.  

Join us to witness the extraordinary talent of Griset Damas-Roche, a Flamenco dancer with over 20 years of experience in performance and choreography. Griset, who also serves as the director of the show, will be joined by a talented ensemble including vocalist Dolores Ramirez, percussionist Michael Yonchak, and guitarist Karl Wohlwend. Dancers Amy Schofield and Sofia Giraldo will also grace the stage, creating a symphony of movement and rhythm that interprets the language of the music.  

Prepare to be swept away by the pulsating rhythms, the dramatic storytelling, and the raw power of Flamenco. This is more than a show: it’s an experience. It’s a journey. It’s Flamenco.  

Born in Havana, Cuba, Griset Damas-Roche solidified on her prestigious ballet journey at the Superior Institute of Art before joining the world-renowned Spanish Ballet of Havana, where she performed for five years.  

Currently, Damas-Roche is proud to serve as the Director of the Flamenco Company of Columbus, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the vibrant art of Flamenco, offering performances that represent the tradition and evolution of this captivating form of music and dance. The company comprises dedicated artists who strive to engage their audiences through the universal language of art, culture, and tradition.  

About the Artist 

Born in Havana, Cuba, Griset Damas-Roche solidified on her prestigious ballet journey at the Superior Institute of Art before joining the world-renowned Spanish Ballet of Havana, where she performed for five years.  

In 1998, Damas-Roche relocated to Bogotá, Colombia and started shaping her unique choreographic and teaching legacy. During her time there, she introduced over 3,500 students to the art of Flamenco. For 15 years, she successfully ran her company, Caña Flamenca, alongside being a soloist and collaborator with several flamenco companies in Colombia. Griset also had the honour of performing in the country’s most prestigious theatres.  

In addition to her performances, Griset directed and choreographed remarkable works such as “A ritmo de Maria”, “Salir del Paraíso”, and “Castañuelas, cuerdas y tacones”. She exhibited her talent as a soloist in “Bolero” by Maestro Antonio Canales and graced the stage with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogota.  

In 2014, a new chapter began for Damas-Roche when she moved to Columbus with her family. Inspired by the burgeoning arts community, Griset aimed to lend her expertise to this vibrant scene. She initially taught at the established Flamenco del Corazón school, where her passion for Flamenco seamlessly continued the school’s legacy, evolving into what is now known as the U Will Dance Studio.  

Griset’s talent was quickly recognized and appreciated by the Columbus Arts Community, leading to an invitation to join the Columbus Makes Art campaign. This prestigious recognition provided her the opportunity to perform with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Griset also shares her knowledge as a guest flamenco instructor at Ballet Met’s Intensive Summer program and several other dance schools in central Ohio. In November 2019, she was featured as a Guest Artist on TEDxColumbus Spark.  

Currently, Damas-Roche is proud to serve as the Director of the Flamenco Company of Columbus, an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the vibrant art of Flamenco, offering performances that represent the tradition and evolution of this captivating form of music and dance. The company comprises dedicated artists who strive to engage their audiences through the universal language of art, culture, and tradition.