Aloysius Leeson

Aloysius has been playing guitar since he was a child. After studying classical guitar at the Elder Conservatorium, he took up flamenco. This led him to spend time in Spain following the traditional apprenticeship of accompanying singers and dancers, studying with maestros and playing at Juergas (parties). Eventually he was able to work at the dance studios of Javier Cruz and Maria Angeles in Seville.

Since coming back to Australia he has continued to work as a soloist and with a variety of dancers and singers. He recently released his second CD of original compositions, "Chispa Flamenca", and continues to explore the possibilities of the guitar in many different styles.

"It is more than evident that Leeson is a virtuoso guitarist, with a style that easily moves from sensitive to frenetic"- Michael Hunter, dB magazine.
"Professional and intense" - Scott McLennan, Rip it up magazine.
"A superbly authentic sound" - Celia Brissenden, The Advertiser.

Kristy Manuel

Kristy's lifelong passion for dance first led her to Flamenco in 2001. In the relatively short period since, she has established herself as an outstanding Flamenco performer, being described as a 'wonderful, expressive dancer' by Radio Adelaide's Jane Costessi. Kristy's dedication led to her studying at the prestigious 'Amor de Dios' academy in Madrid. Here she spent 14 months studying with maestras 'La Truco' and Imnaculada Ortega in 2003 and 2004. Upon returning to Australia, it wasn't long before Kristy felt the lure of Spain again, returning in 2006, this time to Seville. She spent three months studying with some of the most accomplished dancers in Spain, including Manuel Betanzos, Isabel Bayon, Angel Atienza, Adela Campallo and Ursula Lopez.

Kristy has been a regular performer on stage including the festival of El Horno in Madrid, as a principal dancer in Studio Flamenco's Tablao Flamenco II and WOMADelaide 2006 productions. Kristy has recently showed her unique blend of physical and emotive styles at several performances including Flamenco! at the International Guitar Festival in November 2007, Peña Flamenca at The Chapel Theatre in December 2007 and sell out performances in Chispa Flamenca at the 2008 Adelaide Fringe Festival.