Tomas Arroquero Flamenco, located in Fitzroy North, is a renowned Flamenco school and dance company that offers an immersive experience into the world of Flamenco. With over 20 years of experience in dance, Tomas Arroquero has honed his skills in Spain, the birthplace of Flamenco.
Tomas trained for 7 years in Madrid at El Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Espaola Amor de Dios, studying under esteemed founding members Maria Magdalena, El Ciro, and Paco Romero. During this time, he had the opportunity to work in various theatre and tablao settings across Spain and Europe, collaborating with esteemed companies such as Clara Ramona, Isabel Olivide, and Gisa Micheln.
Tomas has performed at renowned venues worldwide, including the prestigious tablao Casa Patas in Madrid, the Royal Concert Hall in Dublin, and the Hackney Empire and Royal Albert Hall in London, where he shared the stage with Tomatito. These performances have paved the way for Tomas's exploration of Flamenco and have brought him international recognition.
In 2001, Tomas relocated to Jerez de la Frontera, where he immersed himself in Andalusian culture and refined his practise. He continued his training with local artists Ana Maria Lopez and Maria Bermudez and performed as a soloist with the London-based company Flamenco Express for six years.
In 2007, Tomas moved to Seville to further his training with renowned artists such as Isabel Bayn and Alejandro Granados. Throughout his career, Tomas has taught Flamenco internationally and has established partnerships with dance schools in Australia, including The Australian Ballet School. He has also made guest appearances with Diana Reyes Flamenco in Sydney and Areti Flamenco in Adelaide.
Passionate about creating innovative work, Tomas is the producer and director of Sonidos Flamencos, a collaborative project that brings together Melbourne-based dancers and musicians. His recent postgraduate studies have allowed him to explore Flamenco within the broader context of contemporary dance, enabling him to push the boundaries of the art form and redefine its defining characteristics.
Tomas's repertoire includes numerous original works such as “Pasodoble” (2011), “Calle Nueva, Sideline” (2012), “Fragmentos” (2015), “Water Bodies” (2018), and “Scarlet Pluma” for Saln Flamenco (2019). These works have been performed at various venues, including The Flying Nun in Darlinghurst, Sydney, and regional tours across Victoria.
Throughout his career, Tomas has had numerous career highlights, including the Scarlet Pluma inaugural performance for Saln Flamenco, the MFA creative presentation of the work Fragmentos at the Grant Street Theatre in Melbourne, and serving as a dance accompanist for the world-renowned flamenco guitarist Jos Antonio Rodrguez and trio at the International Guitar Festival in Adelaide.
Tomas's commitment to his craft is evident in his extensive training, international performances, and dedication to making innovative works that blur the boundaries of Flamenco. His unique perspective and kinaesthetic approach to dance have allowed him to create captivating performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.