Hi, my name is Briseyda Zárate Fernández and 28 years ago I took the risk of following my dream to become a professional Flamenco Dancer. I left my job as a school teacher and moved to Madrid alone on a shoe string budget. I did not have family support nor was I encouraged in any way to believe that I could ever achieve this. Despite the odds, I pushed forward with self-belief. Since then I've performed in Spain’s Tablaos & Festivals, I’ve won awards and toured the US, California and my beloved LA where I've planted seeds, grown deep roots and cultivated a deep appreciation & respect for Flamenco amongst my students and audiences.

Gaining new skills & growing in mastery is an important part of being a professional artist. Without this we burnout, or worse, we quit. Every year I devote 2-3 months to train in Spain, developing new ideas and gaining new skills to bring back to the US in the disciplines of Flamenco Baile & Cante. This summer I’ll be attending 3 amazing professional development opportunities:

I've been an independent artist for 3 decades, I've sold my belongings, slept on couches and in addition wrote those grant proposals. Whatever it took. As a woman of color I learned that I have to over-work for everything, and this I have done. I learned that I must do it alone and feel ashamed and defeated should I need help. This has deeply impacted my ability to ask for support. I’m now healing this mindset. I can’t do it alone anymore because at this point it has taken a toll on my physical and mental health. It’s clear that if I am to keep thriving as an artist, I need support. Any amount to keep Flamenco alive in me & through me is greatly appreciated! Your sponsorship will go towards course fees, flights, room & board.

You may also send contributions via:

Venmo: Briseyda Zarate

Other ways to contribute:

Private Lesson: $125/hr.

Lesson Packages:

4 sessions, $380

8 sessions, $700

12 sessions, $1000

Please contact me to schedule.