Who Am I ?

Jose Oliva is from Andalucia in Southern Spain, the home of Flamenco. He started dancing at a young age, studying at Dance Academies in Almeria.
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"I was lucky to meet Anabel Alonso who helped me to understand Flamenco dance better and who taught me more about the pure Flamenco. Later I became a member of the Flamenco group 'Embrujo Andaluz' and spent several years dancing with them. It was fantastic. We were three men and three ladies, a nice group. Dancing like a team makes you feel very confident on the stage, it was like a family."

"I learnt a lot of different dance styles but I found that I could express my feelings better through the Latin Rhythm dances. When I listen to this music some part of my body is always in movement, I can't help it, it's automatic. It doesn't matter if I'm sitting or driving, my feet, hands or my head will start marking the rhythm."

Jose spent three summers working as a dancer and entertainer in a hotel on the Granada Coast.
"I could see how people appreciated my work and I was very grateful because I realised that I was making people happy with my dance and this is the best reward."
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Jose came to England in 2011 because he wanted to learn English and explore new places.
"I have been in Wirksworth for nearly three years and have lived through some amazing moments. Everyone has treated me very well and thanks to them I feel at home now." His passion for dance and desire to develop his skills have increased. "I have always wanted to learn more and more, you can't ever stop because there is always something to learn and dance training never has an end."

During his time in England Jose has taught lessons to people of all ages and abilities in schools, leisure centres, hotels and bars. He has choreographed Flashmobs and wedding dances, and he and his students have performed at dance congresses, corporate events and festivals.
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"I love Salsa and Bachata, they are fantastic social dances. I have met a lot of new friends in wonderful atmospheres sharing together our passion for dancing. My goal is to help people feel rhythm, not just to learn steps but the language of your body and the expression of feelings - with these ingredients we can have the perfect dance lessons."