Instructors
Maureen (Maria Teresa) Connolly
Maureen has been dancing Flamenco for over 10 years and teaching Flamenco dance in Northern Ireland for over five years.
She first started taking Flamenco dance lessons in California where she lived for many years. There she studied with such greats as Jesus Montoya www.jesusmontoya.net, La Tania www.latania-flamenco.com, and Yaelisa www.caminosflamencos.com.
After returning to Northern Ireland Maureen discovered that she could no longer continue her studies here so she travelled on a monthly basis to Glasgow to study with Felipe de Algeciras who has become her principal teacher and mentor. She also continues to visit Spain at least once a year to continue her own studies and to keep current with any new developments in the Flamenco scene there. In Spain she has studied with Javier La Torre, Juana Amaya and Cecilia Gomez.
In 2004 Maureen started to teach herself so that she could continue to be involved with Flamenco. Her love and passion for this beautiful dance is obvious in her classes where she continuously introduces new students to the dance and also in her dedication to bring new audiences in Northern Ireland to Flamenco.
Felipe de Algeciras
Born in Algeciras Felipe started dancing at the age of 13. In his late teens he founded and became chief choreographer for “El Grupo Soleá”.
He first came to London in 1991 where he performed at the Shaw Theatre. Following his debut in England Felipe has gone on to dance at Sadlers Wells, the House of Commons and has appeared with the English National Opera at London’s Coliseum.
Felipe’s powerful footwork can be heard throughout the sound track for the film “The Mask of the Zorro” staring Antonio Banderas and most recently has launched his own company “Alma”.
Felipe recently returned to live in his home city of Algeciras, Spain but returns to Belfast monthly to teach this workshop. Before returning to Spain Felipe spent much time last year touring and dancing in China, Dubai, Amsterdam and Strasbourg. During the 16 years Felipe lived in London he was in constant demand both as a performer and teacher, and gained a formidable reputation as one of London’s leading flamenco dancers.