Cihtli Ocampo, La Gallardi

Described as a “young, powerful dancer” by Dancemagazine, Cihtli Ocampo was born in San Diego, CA and was awarded the William J. Fulbright Scholarship for Flamenco and Spanish Dance in Spain in 1999. In 2000 she moved to Seville to train exclusively with the Farruco family. In 2004, Ms. Ocampo began performing with them debuting in Farruquito’s production of “Alma Vieja.” Cihtli has also performed as a soloist with Farruca and Farruco chico in “Familia Farruco”. She was a featured dancer in Tony Gatlif's film Exils, which won best director at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. In October of 2004 Ms. Ocampo shared billing in Paris with La Macanita and Diego del Morao in “Exils” the performance.

Ms. Ocampo has performed extensively throughout Spain in such venues as the Arriaga Theater in Bilbao, and Los Gallos in Seville. She has worked with some of Flamenco's most recognized artists including the Farruco family, Manuel Molina, Montse Cortes and Antonio Moya. Her latest project, “Arte y Pureza” is a show that unites all aspects of pure flamenco music, singing and dancing.

Ms. Ocampo is known for her strength and power while maintaining an elegance of line that comes from a lifetime of dancing. When she dances, she takes her audience to a very personal, almost forbidden place where they are forced to face their own emotions...She dances because she knows no better way to express herself or communicate with others. She teaches because she is committed to preserving and diffusing flamenco at its purest, most visceral form. After seeing Cihtli perform, Carmen Amaya's biographer, Mario Bois wrote: ...”this girl is truly exceptional...she danced with a man's suit and I was reminded of Carmen Amaya. She is strong and astounding, something you do not see every day.”

photo by Elazar Harel