creative residency

Each year we offer emerging and mid-career flamenco dance artists an opportunity to research and develop a creative idea with the help of an experienced mentor.

We’re excited to announce
Andrés Peña as the 2024 mentor and Aina Yasué as the mentee.

Andrés Peña is a celebrated flamenco dancer, choreographer, director, and teacher whose artistic journey has left an indelible mark on the flamenco world. Born and raised in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, Peña began his dance education at a young age, mastering traditional flamenco techniques while also pushing the boundaries of the art form with contemporary influences. As a performer, Peña has collaborated with esteemed companies and artists, including Compañía Flamenca Manuel Morao, Compañía Flamenca "La Chunga," and Compañía Flamenca Carmen Cortés, among others. Peña's performances have earned him acclaim at renowned festivals such as the Festival de Jerez, the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla, and the Festival de Música y Danza de Granada.In addition to his achievements as a performer, Peña has also distinguished himself as a visionary choreographer and director. His productions, including "Peña," "A Fuego Lento," and "Cádiz de la Frontera," have been showcased at prestigious festivals and venues worldwide, earning accolades and recognition for their innovation and artistry.

Peña's passion for flamenco extends to his work as a teacher, where he has shared his expertise with students at institutions and dance companies across Spain and internationally. From leading workshops at renowned flamenco schools to teaching masterclasses at conservatories of dance, Peña has inspired countless aspiring dancers with his dynamic teaching style and deep understanding of flamenco technique and expression.




From Salt Spring Island, Aina Yasué, is a dance educator, dancer, choreographer, and writer recently admitted to the World Arts, Culture/Dance PhD program at the University of California in Los Angeles to continue dance training and research on Indigenous traditional and contemporary dance practices in Taiwan, Republic of China.

About her proposal: 
My plan is to use this residency to develop this idea of music appreciation through dance and the role of dance in ‘un-complicating’ our lives so that we can be more present. What does this look like on the unceded traditional territories of Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples? How might this seed of inspiration develop with the resources I have here and now? How can they manifest in my life, away from Jerez, or Seville, where these practices, values, and settings are more easily accessed? What is the value of this wisdom gained from learning bulerias moving forward into the future, in times of unprecedented global and local challenges?

photo by Ikue Yasué



Creative Residency Studio Showing

You're invited to an intimate showing and discussion of the creative residency process with mentor Andrés Peña and mentee Aina Yasué.

July 07, 1:00pm at The Dance Centre, Marcuse studio. 
Register here, limited seats available. 

photo by John Cameron



Mentee applications are closed.

Through mentorship, the residency will provide an artist mentee the opportunity to be guided as they carve their own artistic voice and develop creation skills. The mentor will challenge the mentee to explore dance vocabulary and their individualistic choreographic expressions, while reflecting and experimenting. There is potential to explore and integrate the use of props and scenographic elements to expand the artistic environment. The objective is to nurture the artistic mind, empowering the mentee to be a flamenco leader of tomorrow.

To be eligible, the mentee must be an emerging or mid-career Canadian professional Flamenco artist. This is defined, for this purpose, as an artist who has completed basic training or a professional training program, maintained a professional dance career for a minimum of one year, and has been paid artist fees for performing in a professional, public setting.


To apply:

  • Please submit a proposal of up to one page, outlining your creative idea, along with your resume, and a 5 minute video of you dancing, to applyflamencorosario@gmail.com

  • Applications are due May 17, 2024

  • Only apply if you can be present throughout the residency, July 02–07, 2024



We look forward to hearing from you next year!

The mentee receives:

  • up to 20 hours of free studio time at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, Vancouver: July 02—07, 2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

  • 10-15 hours of time in the studio with Andrés

  • an opportunity to present a small informal sharing of the ideas that you explore on July 07

  • $1,000 fee


Flamenco Rosario asks the mentee to:

  • be present at, and complete, all studio sessions

  • focus on development as a choreographer of Flamenco dance

  • be proactive and enthusiastic in interactions with mentor – the mentee will direct the relationship

  • There is no expectation to create a finished work. This is research and development for you that you may decide to continue to work on after the residency.

  • inform Flamenco Rosario of any issues with the process as they arise

  • take part in an end-of-program evaluation