Estela Velez

Flamenco Instructor

Estela is the founder and creative director of Furia Flamenca, a renowned Flamenco dance company based in Washington, D.C.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Estela trained intensively with Maestro Antonio Santaella and numerous recognized Spanish flamenco figures, such as Mercedes Amaya, La Tati, Omayra Amaya and many others. In addition, she has studied with Antonio Vargas and Joaquin Encinias at the Flamenco Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Estela has been performing in the Washington, DC area since 1998. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Jack Guidone Theater, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Dance Place, Publick Playhouse and Alden Theatre. She has appeared in festivals and showcases throughout the DC metro area.

In a 2002 review that appeared in the Washington Post, Ms. Velez was described as "a stunning performer with a gaze that enraptures".

Estela also has a background in ballet, jazz, tap and Middle Eastern dance.