Ritmo Flamenco

Ritmo Flamenco promises an electrifying and dynamic display of castanet-accompanied dances, and also traditional fans and authentic attire, rivalling the finest flamenco shows in Spain. With years of experience, our accomplished dancers prioritize entertainment in their performances whether it be in concert, festivals or private events.
Performing with live music is a priority but we can have a dancer perform solo with her own music if need be.

While live music is a preference as it adds to the excitement and makes for an more interesting performance both visually and musically, we can accommodate a solo dancer with CD accompaniment if absolutely necessary.

The ideal show is one flamenco guitarist with 1 - 3 dancers. The guitarist is able to bring his own amplifier and would need to plug in.

We would request a change room away from the public and a wooden surface to dance on. (no carpet). We have the means to bring a small portable floor.

Ritmo Flamenco is one of Canada’s foremost flamenco dance companies and have received accolades for their brand of flamenco that refuses to be formulaic. Along with Artistic Director Valerie Scannura and their troupe of musicians and dancers they have performed in festivals, private functions and self-produced concerts in Canada, the US, Mexico, Spain, Malta and the Middle East.

Valerie Scannura: Artistic Director of Ritmo Flamenco
The Ritmo Flamenco Dance & Music Ensemble was formed in 1995 by Valerie Scannura (Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer) and Roger Scannura (Music Director, flamenco guitarist). Since then, she has performed in concerts and festivals worldwide. A graduate of the National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, she began her studies in flamenco in Toronto before travelling to Spain to further absorb ideas and training methods at renowned flamenco enclaves such as Madrid, Seville, Granada and Jerez de la Frontera. The mandate of Valerie’s company is to create original concepts that weave in and out of various dance forms while working closely with music director Roger Scannura. Her work has received praise by critics and arts presenters and she has spearheaded many projects for the company as well as continuing to teach in her Toronto studio and in eastern Ontario at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada. Proving that flamenco is bred in the bone, her daughter Anjelica is Co-Artistic Director of the company and is a successor of her work as she is an award-winning choreographer and Valerie’s artistic partner.
Roger Scannura Flamenco Guitarist/Composer
Roger Scannura is an internationally recognized and award-winning flamenco guitarist and a leading exponent of Nuevo Flamenco. Scannura was born on the history drenched island of Malta. His early schooling began at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Theresa where he was tutored in European history and fine art restoration. He has been immersed in music since early childhood and mastered the techniques and nuances of flamenco guitar while under the auspices of Pepe Habichuela and other gypsy masters. Scannura is the founder of the Toronto based music and dance company Ritmo Flamenco which was founded alongside his wife, Artistic Director Valerie Scannura in 1995. He has composed and released 8 CD’s of music spanning genres of flamenco and his music has been featured in both film and television. Besides touring in concerts and festivals throughout the world, highlights of his career have been performing for dignitaries like the Prime Minister of both Malta and Canada and for celebrities such as Sting and Russell Crowe.