Click Play To Hear Original Song by Kenji Bakuya, “Niña Mia”
Click Play To Hear Original Song by Kenji Bakuya, “Niña Mia”
Duende Flamenco
Traditional and modern/artistic interpretations of the ever-evolving art of flamenco.
Duende Flamenco is based in Orange County California, we have been performing all over Southern California since 2005 at private, corporate, and cultural events. The “duende” in flamenco is the culminated moment of artistic expression – the moment of passion, of the coming together of music, dance, and form, that breaks all neatly packaged rules and barriers. The “duende” touches the heart, excites the senses. That is what we strive to bring you with our entertainment. Unique moments that move you, bring you joy.
We are available for all your private event needs, no matter how intimate and small, or how large. We tailor our shows to your specific requirements, making your event unique and memorable. Duende offers many options. We are happy to work with you!
We have performed at countless venues, including UCLA Fowler Museum, Chapman University, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Casa Romantica, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, Montage Resort, Nixon Library, City of Mission Viejo, City of Fontana, Newport Beach Arts Guild, Fullerton Arboretum, The Segerstrom Center, Balboa Bay Club, and many others. We also performed for 14 continuous years on stage every Saturday night, at the former Tapas Flavors of Spain in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo until 2019.
We love to share the art that is flamenco and would love to share it with you!
Flamenco Orange County
Duende Flamenco
Traditional and modern/artistic interpretations of the ever-evolving art of flamenco.
Duende Flamenco is based in Orange County California, we have been performing all over Southern California since 2005 at private, corporate, and cultural events.
We are available for all your private event needs, no matter how intimate and small, or how large. We tailor our shows to your specific requirements, making your event unique and memorable. Duende offers many options. We are happy to work with you!
We have performed at countless venues, including UCLA Fowler Museum, Chapman University, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Casa Romantica, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, Montage Resort, Nixon Library, City of Mission Viejo, City of Fontana, Newport Beach Arts Guild, Fullerton Arboretum, The Segerstrom Center, Balboa Bay Club, and many others. We also performed for 14 continuous years on stage every Saturday night, at the former Tapas Flavors of Spain in Newport Beach and Mission Viejo until 2019.
We love to share the art that is flamenco and would love to share it with you!
James/Sina Samimi – Guitarrista/Guitarist
Sina began his studies of flamenco guitar at an early age after being inspired by the poetry and artistry of world cultures and flamenco music. Federico Garcia Lorca’s poetic expression of the passionate moment of “Duende” brought him full circle to flamenco guitar. He immersed himself in the music of Paco de Lucia, Sabicas, and Paco Peña, as well as the work of various other flamenco luminaries.
He studied under the tutelage of a protégé of Sabicas, Theodore McKown, a founding member of the Orange County Classical Guitar Circle. He amassed a growing repertoire of traditional flamenco material and gradually began developing his own style. Along with Kenji Bakuya, Sina began accompanying flamenco dancers at the Blanca Luz Dance Academy. He has performed all over Southern California and was the founding member of Duende Flamenco in 2003, along with fellow guitarist, Kenji Bakuya, with whom he has recorded two flamenco music albums.
James/Sina Samimi – Guitarrista/Guitarist
Sina began his studies of flamenco guitar at an early age after being inspired by the poetry and artistry of world cultures and flamenco music.
He studied under the tutelage of a protégé of Sabicas, Theodore McKown, a founding member of the Orange County Classical Guitar Circle. He amassed a growing repertoire of traditional flamenco material and gradually began developing his own style. Along with Kenji Bakuya, Sina began accompanying flamenco dancers at the Blanca Luz Dance Academy. He has performed all over Southern California and was the founding member of Duende Flamenco in 2003, along with fellow guitarist, Kenji Bakuya, with whom he has recorded two flamenco music albums.
Aida Ganddini – Bailaora/Dancer
Aida has been bringing the passion and excitement of flamenco to audiences as a troupe member all over Southern California since 2005. She has the distinction as a dancer, of continuously performing with Duende for 14 years at Tapas Flavors of Spain. She has also assumed the role of artistic director for the group shows, and thematic performances for many years, bringing new and innovative artistic experiences for the audience.
She began dancing as a child. With Spanish grandparents, she had her first pair of castanets at 4 years of age, and is a masterful castanet player. English is her second language and flamenco is a way to honor her Spanish heritage. She has always danced, and has had a long career in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. She is passionate about flamenco and feels that flamenco dances her; it is a cathartic and emotional experience. The most rewarding part of performing, is the connection, feedback and comments from audience members who seek her out after performances. She is grateful and humbled to be able to share her love of flamenco and her Spanish heritage with so many.
Aida Ganddini – Bailaora/Dancer
Aida has been bringing the passion and excitement of flamenco to audiences as a troupe member all over Southern California since 2005.
She began dancing as a child. With Spanish grandparents, she had her first pair of castanets at 4 years of age, and is a masterful castanet player. English is her second language and flamenco is a way to honor her Spanish heritage. She has always danced, and has had a long career in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Orange County, CA. She is passionate about flamenco and feels that flamenco dances her; it is a cathartic and emotional experience. The most rewarding part of performing, is the connection, feedback and comments from audience members who seek her out after performances. She is grateful and humbled to be able to share her love of flamenco and her Spanish heritage with so many.
Michon Downs/Michoncita – Bailaora/Dancer
Michoncita’s study of dance began at the age of 7 when her mother enrolled her in a Mexican Folklorico class at the Blanca Luz Academy of Performing Arts. Under the guidance of Giselle, artistic director at the Academy, Michon explored other dance disciplines including ballet and Flamenco. Her elegant lines and strong footwork lent themselves naturally to the art of Flamenco. She continues to develop and refine her skills through classes, traveling to Spain, and various workshops with dancers from Southern California and around the world. She has been performing with Duende Flamenco since 2005.
Michon Downs/Michoncita – Bailaora/Dancer
Michoncita’s study of dance began at the age of 7 when her mother enrolled her in a Mexican Folklorico class at the Blanca Luz Academy of Performing Arts.
Victoria Romero – Bailaora/Dancer/Cante/Singer
Victoria has always loved to dance. Her dance training began at age 8 at the prestigious Harkness Ballet School in New York City and she has been dancing ever since. She has studied flamenco with Rina Orellana and has taken various master workshops with many other over the years. She is also an avid salsa dancer and a has been a popular Southern California Zumba instructor for many years. You can find her at her classes, Zumba with Victoria in Lomita and Torrance. She has been performing with Duende since 2014.
Victoria Romero – Bailaora/Dancer/Cante/Singer
Victoria has always loved to dance. Her dance training began at age 8 at the prestigious Harkness Ballet School in New York City and she has been dancing ever since.
Emily Burgos/La Mielita – Bailaora/Dancer
La Mielita developed an interest in flamenco in 2000, when she embarked on a semester abroad program in Madrid, but did not begin her flamenco journey until 2007 when Flamenco Dance became available at Fullerton College. Immediately hooked, she was encouraged by instructor Rosa Garcia to continue and studied with various teachers in the area such as Juan Talavera, Richard Chavez, Cihtli Ocampo, Mizuho Sato, and Briseyda Zarate. She also attended workshops at the NIFNM Flamenco Festival in Albuquerque and at Biennial in Sevilla, as well as workshops in Orange County with visiting professionals from Spain. Finding health and purpose in the emotional, mental, and physical elements central to the flamenco art form, she is a devoted achiever and a powerful force in evolving technical and rhythmic proficiency. Emily joined the Duende Flamenco family in the Spring of 2013 and has enjoyed each and every performance since then. She loves the professional camaraderie that Duende presents, the support in learning cante and different palos, the artistic avenues and the fun each performance brings. She is a fiery, passionate dancer, that excites audiences to be drawn into the moment of “duende”.
Emily Burgos/La Mielita – Bailaora/Dancer
La Mielita developed an interest in flamenco in 2000, when she embarked on a semester abroad program in Madrid, but did not begin her flamenco journey until 2007 when Flamenco Dance became available at Fullerton College.
Corey Townley – Cajonero/Percussionist
Corey “El Cohete” is a seasoned drummer, respected teacher and percussionist for more than 27 years. He joined Duende Flamenco in the summer of 2018. Eager to learn the art of Flamenco, he built his own cajon and started down the path of what would soon be a match made in heaven.
Duende is proud to have El Cohete as part of our troupe.
Corey Townley – Cajonero/Percussionist
Corey “El Cohete” is a seasoned drummer, respected teacher and percussionist for more than 27 years.
Duende is proud to have El Cohete as part of our troupe.
Kazu Nagano – Cajonero/Percussioinist/Bailaor/Dancer
Kazu is a cajon player with Duende Flamenco, but also a bailaor, with a love for all things flamenco. He has studied with Andres Marin, Sarah Parras, Cristobal Reyes and others. He has been making beautiful cajon instruments for percussionists for many years as well as portable flamenco dance floors. He has performed with Duende flamenco since 2007.
Kazu Nagano – Cajonero/Percussioinist/Bailaor/Dancer
Kazu is a cajon player with Duende Flamenco, but also a bailaor, with a love for all things flamenco.
Macarena/Maqui Sainz – Cante/Bailaora – Singer/Dancer
A graduate of the University of Texas where she earned a degree in Music as well as certification in sound engineering. Maqui was drawn to California by her dreams of surf and the opportunity to take her place in the vast expanse of the region’s music scene. Instilled with a passion and zest for culture and world music as a child, the colors, melodies, and distinct rhythms of flamenco captivated Maqui early in her musical career. This passion evolved into a desire to study flamenco dance and song, and various master classes in Spain provided a place for her to hone her cante skills. She is passionate about flamenco and is thrilled by the opportunity to share this exhilarating form of self-expression and unique part of her heritage. She has been performing with Duende since 2009, moving audiences with her uniquely beautiful voice.
Macarena/Maqui Sainz – Cante/Bailaora – Singer/Dancer
A graduate of the University of Texas where she earned a degree in Music as well as certification in sound engineering.
Craig Shields/El de La Barba – Cajonero/Percussionist
El de la Barba is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in percussion and piano. He’s been performing with Duende Flamenco since 2013 and the Latin alternative-folk band Cuñao since 2014. His regular work includes accompanying dance classes at CSU Fullerton, composing music for dance, and teaching as an adjunct percussion instructor at Chapman University.
Craig Shields/El de La Barba – Cajonero/Percussionist
El de la Barba is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in percussion and piano.
Kenji Bakuya – Guitarrista/Guitarist, Founding Member Emeritus
Kenji is a flamenco guitarist and composer who founded Duende Flamenco along with Sina Samimi. He has relocated to Texas but remains an active member of our flamenco family as a consultant, with an open-door policy to perform with Duende whenever he’s in California. Sina and Kenji have recorded two albums, they are available for purchase at our events and listed on this website.
Kenji Bakuya – Guitarrista/Guitarist, Founding Member Emeritus
Kenji is a flamenco guitarist and composer who founded Duende Flamenco along with Sina Samimi.
Booking, rates and information:
Let us bring you a touch of Spain to your next event!
Available in a variety of formats/number of performers:
Corporate Events ◊ Cultural Events ◊ Parties
Wine Tastings ◊ Themed Events ◊ Wedding Receptions
Rehearsal Dinners ◊ Showers ◊ Graduations ◊ Art Shows
Birthday Parties ◊ Fundraisers ◊ Artistic Collaborations
Booking, rates and information:
Let us bring you a touch of Spain to your next event!
Available in a variety of formats/number of performers:
Corporate Events ◊ Cultural Events ◊ Parties
Wine Tastings ◊ Themed Events ◊ Wedding Receptions
Rehearsal Dinners ◊ Showers ◊ Graduations ◊ Art Shows
Birthday Parties ◊ Fundraisers ◊ Artistic Collaborations
◊ Serving Southern California ◊