BIOGRAPHY

Xianix Barrera is a Bessie award nominated flamenco dancer, teacher, and choreographer whose work aims to highlight bold and tenacious female artists and their unapologetically robust femininity.  Female empowerment, sexual identity and social justice color her choreographic work and create the focal point for the company she founded in 2012; Xianix Barrera Flamenco Company.  With a background in dance and percussive studies, Xianix has dedicated herself to the lifelong study of flamenco with the masters of the art form in both New York and Spain.  Throughout her career she has worked with revered artists such as Isabel Bayón, Raquel Heredia, Rosario Toledo, Soledad Barrio (Noche Flamenca) and Juan Ogalla on some of the most important stages in the world including The Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center, The Red Theater in Abu Dhabi and Cafe Silverio in Sevilla. 

Over the years Xianix has received ongoing recognition for her work; she was a scholarship recipient for the Flamenco Program at the School of Jacob's Pillow, an Artist in Residence with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana,  and a two-time SU-CASA community arts engagement grantee. In 2019 Xianix was nominated for a Bessie Award for Outstanding Performer for her role in "Latido" as part of the Emerging Choreographer Series at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center produced by Mare Nostrum Elements.  In 2023, Xianix was featured in an article on Dance Magazine (in print and online) on “How Using Hand and Finger Articulation Can Enhance Expressivity".

Xianix is a dedicated teacher with a thriving flamenco school in NYC for people of all ages, levels and abilities while conducting workshops for the Joyce Theater and New York City Center during their annual flamenco festival.

Follow me on social media: @XianixBarreraFlamenco Instagram Facebook TikTok

PRESS

“Xianix Barrera is strong and feminine, and showcases the smaller flourishes and attributes of the Flamenco form. Her style exemplifies sweetness, power and poise." - Jamuna Chiarini, Artslandia Magazine

"...I enjoyed Xianix Barrera, who injected a healthy dose of teasing sensuality.” - Marina Harss, Dance Tabs

"...Xianix Barrera, had a striking presence...she was extremely refined in her movement, her head remaining absolutely still as her body kept moving. Her gaze into the audience was impactful, while her movements in her arms, torso and feet were subtle. Her fingers held as through they had a constant breeze moving through them. Her hand movements, gestures and fingers became the focal point of attention..." - Gina Palumbo, Philadelphia Dance , 2016

"Flamenco artist, Xianix Barrera, a picture of sensuous hour-glass richness, transfixed many pairs of eyes with fiery grace and sinuous body movement. Draped in a magnificent, embroidered peacock blue silk shawl with shimmering bone fringes, Barrera skillfully flung, wrapped and unwrapped herself as she wended through an entrancing solo." - Ashabi Rich, The Dance Journal

“Xianix Barrera in a Solea por Buleria...This lady can literally rock the house. Before she discovered flamenco, this talented dancer was a percussionist. That skill was apparent in her deep understanding of rhythms and reflected in her mastery of compás. She is a remarkable artist ... she deserves to be recognized for the fierce diva she is."  - Maya de Silva, Flamenco Buzz 

"A Renowned Dance Couple Keeps Flamenco’s Flame Burning in New York" by Susan Hartman, New York Times

FLAMENCO CLASSES SUMMER 2024

Starting Thursday, July 11, 2024

in-person and on zoom

registration for the Spring, 2024 classes are now closed

Click on each class for detailed information + pricing

ONLINE FLAMENCO STORES

• Ole Ole Flamenco

• Flamenco West

• Flamenco Closet

• Lily Vestuarios

• Lunares Flamenco

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• HOW OFTEN SHOULD I ATTEND CLASS? The classes are structured in such a way that the student gets the most out of their experience and are able to progress at a faster rate if they attend twice a week (with the exception of those classes that only meet once a week). Life often gets in the way and students can only attend once a week. That is fine. Ideally twice a week is the way to go as your muscle memory and mental memory are developed simultaneously. You develop retention, stamina, and consistency. If you can only attend once a week you are encouraged and expected to practice and review before attending your next class to keep your memory active.

• WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CLASS? Form fitting clothes such as tank tops, leotards, tights, yoga pants and track pants with a skirt or vest are recommended. Loose fitting clothes make proper body placement, lines and form difficult to see. Please do not attend class in casual clothing or work attire as this is not permitted.

• DO I NEED TO PURCHASE FLAMENCO SHOES? Flamenco shoes are an investment for all. Only purchase shoes if you're committed to classes. See ABOVE for places to purchase. For your first few classes you can wear closed-toe shoes such as dress shoes or boots with sturdy heels, or character shoes. Stiletto shoes and sneakers are not recommended. Call or email for assistance.

• HOW DO I KNOW WHAT LEVEL I AM? There are class descriptions listed above for you to assess which level is best suited for you. If you're still unsure please call or email me. You are welcome to observe the class before you take it but I always encourage students to take the class rather than watch to get a proper feel for the level.

• DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS? I offer private and semi-private lessons to cater to your particular needs, whether it is to mount a choreography, work out kinks in a choreography you already have, a couples wedding dance, a competition, mommy-and-me, etc.

• STUDENT PERFORMANCES? Students are encouraged to participate in the annual showcase that takes place every May or June. A smaller more informal showcase is presented in December for our holiday party. Students perform in traditional attire for friends and family to showcase what they've been working on throughout the year, and strut their stuff while enjoying libations and tapas from Spain.

• CAN I ATTEND CLASS EVERY NOW AND THEN OR JUST TO GET A WORKOUT? I’m so sorry, but with all due respect…No. :) If you start flamenco classes with that idea in mind, unfortunately my flamenco classes are not a good fit for you. Flamenco is one of the most complicated dance forms to study. It will be a year or two before you can fully understand the concepts, break a sweat or even like what you see in the mirror! Only those who have patience with this slow initial process and themselves survive this period. The first few classes are awkward, frustrating and slow. You have to be patient because it is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. For this reason, it is not advisable to drop in whenever you feel like it because it is not the type of dance form that you can quickly “pick up”. It requires a steadfast dedication and commitment to not only attend class consistently but to make time to practice and review on your own. You will get out of these classes what you put into it. If you come once a week and don’t practice/review you will be lost and hence frustrated. We have created a wonderful community of students and artists that are supportive and encouraging of one another in this difficult yet rewarding journey. We have great fun learning, laughing, and enjoying ourselves. We can’t wait for you to join us!

• DO YOU HAVE VIDEOS I CAN USE TO PRACTICE? CAN I VIDEO/AUDIO RECORD WHAT WE’VE DONE IN CLASS? Yes! Each level has a private Whatsapp group for students to post videos of the material covered in every class so that you can practice and review on your own. We also share tips, videos, words of encouragement and research.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

See more reviews here

STUDIO LOCATION:

Flamenco Vivo STUDIOS

4 W. 43rd Street, 8th floor

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XIANIX BARRERA FLAMENCO

Founded in 2012 in New York, Xianix Barrera Flamenco produces collaborative flamenco performances and events with other artists on a global scale, with a strong focus on flamenco education and local community outreach through workshops and cultural engagements. Xianix passionately believes in flamenco’s power as a community art form, one in which expression integrates all who participate in it regardless of background and experience. Xianix Barrera Flamenco aims to showcase flamenco’s attributes as an intimate community art form, where it is not just a momentary physical experience, but also one that you can take with you for life. Where the collaboration between dancers and musicians are as important as the relationship and interaction with the audience. The company had its widely successful debut in 2012 with Sabor Flamenco. Their latest production, FLAMENCONA, debuted in Spanish Harlem earlier this month and featured special collaborations with Spanish artists including Raquel Heredia “La Repompa” from Malaga.

PERFORMANCES

Xianix Barrera Flamenco provides authentic and traditional flamenco performances of music and dance from southern Spain. Audiences will be clapping along to the strums of the guitar, be enchanted by the colorful costumes and rhythmic foot stomping of the dancers and find themselves under the spell of the singers transcending song by bringing Spain directly to you.

Dance & rhythm WORKSHOPS

Looking to add an exciting Flamenco class to your school, studio, or gym? Xianix Barrera has years of experience with instruction of flamenco dance and rhythms for adults, children, and seniors. We provide specialized workshops to fit all ages, interests, fitness and dance levels.

ARTS-IN-EDUCATION

Would you like to teach your students about Spain and/or the origins of flamenco? Would you like your students to experience a flamenco dance class? Xianix Barrera Flamenco provides lecture-demonstrations and/or master dance classes for language, music, dance, history, and/or general classes at your school. These programs provide an interactive experience for your class with  demonstrations of flamenco song, guitar and dance, history of Flamenco and culminating with student participation. School residencies with a final presentation is also available. 

CONTACT