How it all started

From the start, Rosario Ancer and Victor Kolstee were motivated by a shared vision to introduce flamenco to Vancouver and expand its reach to other communities.

“Thirty-five years ago, when Victor Kolstee and I arrived in Vancouver, flamenco was largely misunderstood. It was seen more as a quaint cultural performance than the vibrant, living art form that it truly is. Our vision was clear from the beginning—not just to perform, but to transform. Flamenco Rosario was born out of a deep passion to create something meaningful: a bridge between traditional Spanish art and the diverse Canadian cultural landscape. We didn’t just want to dance; we wanted to tell stories, challenge perceptions, and carve out a place for flamenco in Canada.” —Artistic Director Rosario Ancer.

At the time of their arrival, flamenco was often viewed as a relic of the past, lacking relevance in contemporary art. This motivated us to change the narrative—not only by performing but by introducing it as an essential part of Canadian arts.

Both Rosario and Victor brought extensive experience, having trained and performed in Spain with leading flamenco companies. Their expertise, combined with their interactions with Canadian choreographers, allowed them to shape Flamenco Rosario into a dynamic and evolving organization it is today.

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