Bringing the passion and spirit of Flamenco
Flamenco Appalachia began in 2019 with a small group of students under the guidance of Asheville-based Flamenco dancer Paola Tinoco. After several years of dedicated instruction, Paola launched the first Asheville Flamenco Festival in 2023 at the Diana Wortham Center for the Arts. With the help of the world recognized dancer and choreographer Daniela Tugues @danielatugues.
In addition to this flagship event, Flamenco Appalachia has performed at the LEAF Festival and various venues across Western North Carolina. Recently, the group welcomed Flamenco guitarist Jake Mossman, who shares a commitment to promoting authentic Flamenco.
Flamenco Appalachia is now working towards the production of the 2024 Asheville Flamenco Festival, scheduled for October 19th-26th, 2024, including masterclasses and performances at LEAF Festival and at AB Tech.
Fostering the growth and appreciation of authentic Flamenco.
Mision Statement
Flamenco Appalachia is dedicated to fostering the growth and appreciation of authentic Flamenco dance and music, rooted in the rich heritage of Andalucia, Spain, in Asheville and surrounding communities.
Our mission is to provide high-quality performances and education. Central to our efforts is the annual Asheville Flamenco Festival, showcasing top Flamenco artists from the United States and Spain, bringing the passion and spirit of Flamenco to a wider audience.
We aim to preserve and promote this dynamic cultural tradition for future generations.
¡Ole Y’all!
Paola Tinoco.
Founder
Paola Tinoco began her flamenco studies in 2003, performing with various groups in Caracas, Venezuela. She has been trained by several recognized teachers inside and outside of Spain. She began teaching in 2011 after returning from a intense training in Spain, and began learning about tablao (improvisation) performances. In 2013, Paola moved to South Florida, where she taught and performed at different venues, theaters and events. After moving to Asheville in 2019, she founded FLAMENCO APPALACHIA, where she teaches flamenco at different studios around Asheville and performs at different venues in North Carolina with different local and international artists. In 2022, she organized the first Asheville Flamenco Festival in April 2023 with the support of renowned flamenco dancer, choreographer and director Daniela Tugues, with the idea of bringing authentic flamenco teachers and musicians to the area. She recently spent 3 months in Andalusia, Spain, gaining more knowledge and inspiration to begin organizing the second Asheville Flamenco Festival.
Jake Mossman.
CO-Producer
Jake Mossman began playing guitar at twelve, focusing on Classical and rock guitar. After earning a BFA in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of New Mexico in 1997, he dedicated himself to the study of Flamenco. He studied in Spain and later in Los Angeles, where he performed with local Flamenco groups and taught Flamenco guitar at Pasadena City College. From 2005-2021, he lived in Las Cruces, NM, producing the popular Flamenco Fridays concerts. Jake now resides near Asheville, NC, continuing to share and promote authentic Flamenco.