Fiesta Flamenca - Greater London Flamenco

The exuberance and sheer explosiveness of Anita La Maltesa's dancing, the haunting beauty of her voice, so superbly complemented by Seville's Los Gallos guitarist, Ramon Ruiz, make Fiesta Flamenca one of the most exciting and intoxicating shows to be seen in Europe today. Fusing Flamenco with Andalucian Folk and South American Cantos, whether as a duo or a full flamenco ensemble, these unique artists give us a celebration of dance, voice, palmas, zapateado and jaleo - full of passion, joy, sensuality and "Duende".

RAMON RUIZ

Ramon Ruiz is UK's leading Flamenco guitarist, Performer, Composer, regestered Flamenco guitar teacher at the London College of Music, Morley College and Richmond Music Trust.

Born in Granada, Spain in 1964 Ramon Ruiz is UK's leading Flamenco Guitarist and Composer. He took up the guitar at the age of 16 and has never looked back. By the age of 20 he was performing daily at Spain's leading flamenco venue ‘Los Gallos’, in the Barrio de Santa Cruz in Seville and playing alongside top guitarists in Spain.

In 1997 he moved to London where he qualified in Music Theory at the Trinity Guildhall. He produced his first CD "Flamenco Havana" with Naim Records and performed in London's most prominent Theatres including the Royal Albert Hall, Purcell Room and Bloomsbury Theatre. His growing reputation for mixing with artists from different backgrounds led him to study Indian, Jazz and Latin American music and to perform in the award-winning musical comedy show ‘Ole’. In addition to his performing activity he carries out regular Flamenco teaching and guitar workshops. He is currently registered flamenco guitar tutor at the London College of Music, Morley College and Richmond Music Trust.

His latest musical ventures include playing Flamenco and singing with the singer-dancer "Anita la Maltesa" in a duet that incorporates Flamenco with Rumbas and Latin American songs as well as joining forces with the quintet "Alcazaba", a group without boundaries blending music from Andalucia through Mesopotamia to North India.

What makes his music so special, apart from his musical gifts, is the warmth and spirituality he brings to all his musical and personal encounters.

ANITA "LA MALTESA"

Born, London, 1966. She attended the 'Kenmore School for Dancing' at the age of five. By the age of 16 she had completed the ISTD 'Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing' Syllabus and went on to further her dancing career performing in the UK.

In 1985, her interests turned to flamenco music and dance. Having studied the basic forms of the art in London, she moved to the heart of Andalucia, Seville, where she received personal tuition from highly acclaimed dancers, namely, Juana Amaya, Matilde Coral and La Tona. Using her singing talents in Spanish song, she interpreted rumbas and sevillanas in the Andalucian Ferias between 1991 and 1994.

In 1995 she relocated to London where she joined forces with flamenco guitarist, Ramon Ruiz and formed the company 'Fiesta Flamenca' performing in renowned British Theatres, to list a few, Blumsbury theatre, London, Purcell Room, London, 'Olimpia exibition, London.

Performed live on BBC1 and LWT 'Saturday Night Alwright' with Ian Wright. In 1997 joined the award-winning flamenco comedy show 'OLE' that tour worldwide, and in April 1999 with a full flamenco ensemble made her first appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, London.