Founded in 1982 by Susana di Palma, Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School is the preeminent flamenco company in Minnesota.
The learning experience with Zorongo is an adventure into the physically dynamic and emotionally expressive world of Spanish dance and music.
Under the direction of master teacher and artistic director, Susana di Palma, all of Zorongo Flamenco's instructors are committed to educating others in the appreciation of the art of flamenco. Each teacher's enthusiasm infuses students with the excitement of learning, while giving them the experience of sharing in the dynamic world of rhythms, sounds, and movements. Each teacher has studied extensively in Spain and is a professional dancer, eager to share her knowledge of flamenco with others.
Zorongo's teachers carefully focus on technique and body awareness to prepare students toward a professional standard while keeping the classes invigorating and fun for all. Each class begins with a body warm-up followed by technique exercises in bracero (arm and body movement), taconeo (footwork), vueltas (turns), and compas (rhythms). Sensitive to the level of each class, the techniques are woven together into challenging choreographies. Classes are accompanied by live flamenco guitar, which gives students experience and understanding of flamenco music.
Classes are carefully designed for all levels from novice through professional. Children can begin at 6 years of age by joining the Palomitas Class (not offered in Winter) and progress to the Palomas Class for young dancers ages 9-13. A wide variety of special classes are offered during the year such as Flamenco for Fun, Flamenco Conditioning, Sevillanas Only, Student Performing Ensemble, Spanish Classical Dance with Castanets, and Theatre Flamenco Choreography. Special international guest artists are invited annually to give workshops to further inspire and challenge the Zorongo community. Such honored teachers such as Manolete, Sara de Luis, La Conja, Jesus Montoya, Antonio Granjero, Marisol Moreno, Raul Salcedo, Rose Mercedes, and others have added their special expertise and magic to the Zorongo school.
