Who We Are

Casa Triana Flamenco is a nonprofit flamenco dance and music school dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive flamenco community in Chicago. We offer classes for all ages and levels in dance and percussion, integrating rhythm and movement to help students develop a strong foundation in flamenco.

Rooted in a deep respect for tradition and a passion for education, we believe flamenco is for everyone, whether you are pursuing it professionally or simply seeking joy, expression, and connection. We actively engage families and community members in our performances, workshops, and cultural events to ensure flamenco is a shared experience.

While we work toward securing a permanent home, Casa Triana currently holds classes and programs in community-based dance and music studios across the city. This flexible model allows us to grow our community and fulfill our mission of keeping flamenco alive, visible, and accessible to all.

Meet the Founders

A woman with dark hair styled back, wearing a flower on her head, polka-dot dress, and earrings. She is looking to her left inside a room with large windows showing an outdoor landscape.

  • Claudia Pizarro is a professional flamenco dancer and teacher with an extensive career in flamenco education and performance. Born in Mexico, she brings a rich cultural heritage to her work, blending Spanish and Mexican influences in both her teaching and performance. With decades of experience mentoring students of all ages, Claudia has established herself as a dedicated educator and passionate performer, deeply committed to the art of flamenco.

    She began her professional career with Ensemble Español in 2002 under the direction of Dame Libby Komaiko. Rising to the rank of First Dancer—the highest distinction given to any company member—she was featured in many of the company’s signature works. From 2019 to 2024, she danced professionally with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, where she deepened her experience in tablao performance, regularly performing at Tablao Albuquerque. During this time, she collaborated with renowned artists, including Concha Jareño, Marco Flores, and Estévez y Paños, under the artistic direction of Joaquín Encinias.

    Claudia has performed across the United States, particularly throughout the Chicagoland area, sharing the stage with prominent flamenco artists and reaching diverse audiences. From 2014 to 2018, she also served as a Dance Instructor for teens through After School Matters in Chicago, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to arts education. In 2024–2025, she returned to Ensemble Español to serve as Artistic Director of their Youth Company, a role she has since completed.

    She is currently the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Casa Triana Flamenco, a flamenco dance and percussion school based in Chicago. Casa Triana is dedicated to nurturing talent, building community, and preserving the rich tradition of flamenco culture through high-quality education. On June 7, 2025, Claudia co-produced and premiered Casa Triana’s first student show, "Tablao en Casa," a sold-out event that highlighted the school’s students and mission through performance.

    Claudia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from Northeastern Illinois University, graduating with honors in 2008. Her background in performance, teaching, and program development continues to make a lasting impact on the flamenco community, where she remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers and musicians.

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  • A percussionist from Caracas, Venezuela, has been dedicated to his craft since the age of eight. His musical journey began with "EL SISTEMA," Venezuela’s Youth Symphony Orchestras, where he performed and taught percussion under Maestro Edgar Saume. Javier earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Roosevelt University’s College of Performing Arts and has collaborated with notable artists including Rhonda Richmond, Reginald Veal, Herlin Riley, Cassandra Wilson, and Badi Assad.

    Javier’s international career features performances at Beijing’s concert halls, The Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, as part of the Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated Sones de Mexico Ensemble and instructed percussion at the People's Music School for over a decade.

    During his time in Albuquerque from 2018 to 2024, Javier performed with The American Flamenco Repertory Company "Yjastros," participating in six editions of the Albuquerque Flamenco Festival. He had the pleasure of working with international artists such as Daniel Doña, Cristian Martín, and Estévez y Paños, and performed at the International "Festival de Flamenco de Jerez" in Spain in 2023. Additionally, he shared the stage with other local flamenco artists and taught at the National Institute of Flamenco and TANAM, a flamenco charter school, while contributing to the Dance Department at the University of New Mexico. Javier also collaborated with Rahim Alhaj.

    Now back in Chicago, Javier is passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians, helping them achieve their full potential as drummers, and expanding his expertise to serve the diverse musical community.

Our Mission

Through the art of flamenco, we aspire to build a dynamic and inclusive community in Chicago, where we nurture emerging artists and warmly embrace individuals who wish to engage in our programs and become part of our artistic family. We aim to foster artistic development and a deep sense of belonging, ensuring every student feels valued and supported in their journey with us.

Our Vision

We envision a future where our school stands as the heart of flamenco culture in Chicago, where we cultivate artistic talent and inspire a profound appreciation for dance and percussion. Through our dedication, we seek to integrate flamenco into the very essence of our community, enriching lives across all ages and backgrounds.

Our Values

Community

At Casa Triana, we believe in building a strong and supportive community. We aim to create a welcoming environment where students, teachers, and enthusiasts come together to share their love for flamenco and percussion. We foster a sense of unity and collaboration, ensuring that everyone feels like a valued member of our artistic family.

Belonging

We strive to make everyone feel a deep sense of belonging at Casa Triana. Everyone is welcomed and respected regardless of age, skill level, or background. We are committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone can explore and enjoy the beauty of flamenco and percussion.

Respect

Respect is fundamental to our community. We treat each other with kindness, empathy, and consideration. This respect extends to our teaching methods, student interactions, and engagement with the broader community. By fostering mutual respect, we create a positive and nurturing environment for all.

Creativity

Creativity is at the heart of flamenco and percussion; we encourage it in every aspect of our school. We inspire our students to express themselves artistically and explore their unique styles. Through innovative teaching and performance opportunities, we cultivate a dynamic environment where creativity thrives.

Dedication

Dedication drives our commitment to excellence in flamenco and percussion education. We are passionate about nurturing talent and helping our students achieve their full potential. Our instructors are devoted to providing high-quality instruction, and our students are encouraged to pursue their goals with perseverance and enthusiasm.