Fundacion Centro Flamenco

We are Philippine Flamenco

Keenly aware of the close historical bond between Spain and the Philippines, considering the 400 years of Spanish colonization, the Fundacion Centro Flamenco aspires to celebrate the rich heritage gained from this relationship by creating a Center where teachers and musicians of Spanish music and dance can share and promote the culture. It endeavors to preserve and enhance the Spanish heritage of the Filipinos gained from their relationship with Spain; celebrating these artistic influences in each performance and demonstrating the unity in the mixture of artistic tendencies between the two countries.

Fundacion Centro Flamenco encompasses boundaries between cultures and traditions and aims to keep pace with the present trend of Flamenco, allowing innovative styles in the dances and their interpretations without losing touch with tradition and the captivating soul of Flamenco. It opens its doors to foreign professors and established artists of Flamenco to share and give workshops at the Center, encouraging interaction among local and foreign teachers and students.

We are approaching a quarter of a century since we opened our doors in 2002. As Fundacion Centro Flamenco prepares to celebrate our silver anniversary, it is rewarding to know that Centro Flamenco has kept true to its primary objective of laying the groundwork for aspiring professionals and artists in the Philippines, giving them the foundation and the necessary tools towards higher pursuit in the art of Flamenco.

Emma Estrada

Founder, Fundacion Centro Flamenco

FAQ

  • Fundacion Centro Flamenco is the premier flamenco school and cultural center in the Philippines. Established in 2002 and founded and artistically directed by Emma Estrada, the foundation is committed to promoting and transmitting Spanish culture in the Philippines through flamenco, guided by artistic integrity and genuine cultural exchange. Based in Makati, it provides disciplined training for students of all levels while producing performances rooted in the authentic traditions of Spain. For over two decades, it has cultivated dancers and brought the power and artistry of flamenco to Philippine audiences.

  • Our school and main studio are located at the 5th Floor, SJG Bldg 8463 Rockwell Drive (Kalayaan Avenue) Corner Don Pedro Street, Makati, Philippines. All regular classes, workshops, and rehearsals are held at our Makati location.

  • No. We welcome complete beginners. Our program is structured so that anyone can start learning flamenco, even with no prior dance background. Students are guided step by step from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels.

  • We teach students of all levels:

    • Beginner – for those new to flamenco

    • Intermediate – for students with foundational skills

    • Advanced – for experienced dancers preparing for higher-level technique and performance

    Each level focuses on proper technique, rhythm (compás), musicality, choreography, and stage presence.

  • The Foundation’s artistic faculty is built on a strong artistic lineage led by Emma Estrada, who trained extensively in Spain, including sustained study at the renowned Amor de Dios in Madrid. She has trained and worked closely with several teachers who now instruct students at the Foundation, ensuring continuity in authentic Spanish flamenco technique and discipline.

    The Foundation’s faculty remains Spain-focused. Teachers continue to train in Spain through workshops and intensive flamenco campamentos (a deep dive retreat for flamenco) in Andalucia and Madrid, immersing themselves in advanced study under master artists. Students therefore learn within a school that maintains an active and ongoing connection to Spain, upholding the highest standards of Spanish flamenco artistry.

  • We offer regular weekly flamenco classes, technique classes, choreography classes, private lessons, and special workshops. Our curriculum covers footwork, body technique, castanets, palmas, rhythm training, and performance preparation.

  • Yes. Performance is woven into the heart of the program. As students grow in skill and confidence, they may be invited to take part in recitals, showcases, and even professional productions alongside the Foundation’s performing arm, allowing their training to come alive on stage.

  • To enroll, simply contact us through our website or message us directly for the current schedule. We will help you choose the right class level and guide you through the registration process.

  • Yes, that is our mandate. the Foundation has two arms:

    • A school arm, focused on training students in authentic flamenco

    • A performing arm, which stages professional flamenco shows and cultural presentations

    Our performing group appears in events of all sizes, from small private functions to large theater productions.

  • Yes. The Foundation regularly welcomes guest artists from Spain who bring direct connection to the living tradition of flamenco. These artists perform either as soloists or in collaboration with the Centro’s performing arm, enriching productions with authentic Spanish artistry and contemporary repertoire. In addition to performing, they conduct workshops and masterclasses for the Foundation’s students, offering focused training in technique, compás (rhythm), choreography, and performance interpretation. This continued exchange ensures our students remain connected to current flamenco practice in Spain while experiencing international-level instruction within the foundation’s program.

  • Written and directed by Emma Estrada together with Leo Rialp, and performed by the dancers of Fundacion Centro Flamenco, La Luna Roja is one of the first full-length flamenco ballets produced in the Philippines. It remains a landmark production in Philippine flamenco history and reflects the foundation’s long-standing commitment to serious artistic work and high production standards. Further details about the production and its historical significance may be found on its Wikipedia entry.

  • Absolutely. Our performing arm is available for corporate events, cultural programs, weddings, theater shows, and special occasions. We can provide performances ranging from small sets to full-length flamenco productions.

We do not dance to be perfect, we dance to feel alive. Let every movement, every “taconeo”, remind us that every heartbeat has a rhythm and every soul has a story to share.
— Emma Estrada

email: centroflamencophil@gmail.com