Eva Lucena (Executive and Artistic Director, Principal Dancer, Choreographer) Ms. Lucena began performing at the age of three.  She spent her youth between Wales (United Kingdom) and in Granada (Spain), where she lived among the caves of Sacromonte and the gypsy quarters of Albaicin.  Her training in New York, Great Britain and Spain came from Mariano Parra, Victorio, and Manolo Rivera, among others. However, she gained most of her knowledge and choreographic creativeness from her mentor, María Alba, some of whose shawl and fan work she brings to the stage today.  Another great influence was Sebastian Castro, who taught Antonio Gades and Cristina Hoyos, whose own blend of the Classical and Flamenco can be seen in Carlos Saura's renowned film Carmen. Prior to co-founding Alborada with María Alba, Ms. Lucena toured in Spain as a principal dancer in the Sebastian Castro Dance Company, toured with María Alba in the United States and also performed many solo concerts in many cities throughout the US and in Spain.  She was showcased with Sammy Davis Jr. and Engelbert Humperdink in London.  Ms. Lucena starred in the Talk of the Town in London, and was also featured on BBC TV, Granada TV, and in films such as Tommy the Toreador starring Tommy Steele.  For three years she starred in a Flamenco show at Villa Romana, Rome and performed in several films there. Ms. Lucena has made several appearances on NJN TV's Images / Imagenes, such as Flamenco: The Essence of Dance and Drama in 2005 and most recently in the strong about the Sephardic Jews, 2008.  Each year, she serves as a judge and guest artist at NJPAC Hispanic Youth Showcase.  She continues to work on new choreographies and ballets, and trains and choreographs for Alborada's featured and company dancers.  Ms. Lucena shares her vast expertise and love for Spanish Dance by teaching student classes in New York City, and in several locations in New Jersey, including Edison, Fords, Hazlet, Brick and Point Pleasant; several of her students now form a “junior” dance group that enjoys performing opportunities for charitable organizations and in outreach programs.   She conducts master classes and lecture-demonstrations and residencies throughout the Tri-State area.
	Ricardo Santiago (Principal Dancer) Ricardo Santiago began his dance training as a scholarship student at Ballet Hispanico of New York. He has also received scholarships while attending SUNY Purchase, The Alvin Aily School and Dance Theater Of Harlem. He has studied with Liliana Morales, Manolo Rivera, Luis Montero, La Tati, La China, El Toleo, Omayra Amaya, Edwin Aparicio and Nelida Tirado.  In addition to touring throughout the United States, Ricardo has performed in Trinidad, Germany, Spain, Bolivia, Czech Republic, Poland & Japan.  He has performed in Franco Zeffirelli's productions of Carmen and La Traviata at The Metropolitan Opera, Don Giovanni at Washington Opera, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Bailes Ferrer and has appeared numerous films and music videos including Alanis Morissette's Hand In My Pocket. Ricardo has Performed as a soloist with Carmen Rubio, Sol y Sombra, Flamenco Latino, Alborada Spanish Dance, Carlota Santana, M'oro Flamenco, Flamenco Ole, Danzas Españolas, Flamenco Sepharad and Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, NY where he also served as Choreographer for their Production of Carmen. Ricardo Santiago has taught Master classes all over the US, most recently at Bucknell University. He is a teacher at The Children's Arts And Science Workshops and has taught in many outreach programs in the Tri-State area.  Please see his website at www.rickysantiago.com.
Lisa Botalico (Singer/Dancer, Choreographer and Associate Artistic Director) toured throughout the USA as Artistic Director and Principal dancer of La Compania Folklorica Latina under the auspices of the National Theatre of the Performing Arts; performing in such theatres as Town Hall (NYC), Constitution Hall (DC), Society of the Four Arts (Palm Beach), Chicago Theatre, and the Masonic Temple (L.A.). She has shared the stage with many flamenco greats including Maria Alba, Jose Molina, Manolo Rivera, Orlando Romero, Victorio and Carmen Salao and with Elena in Flamenco Moro. Lisa studied with Jose Molina, Luis Montero, Manolo Rivera, Maria Alba, Victorio and in Spain with La Tati, Ciro, Carmela Greco, Paco Romero, Maria Magdalena and La Cintia. She performed at Symphony Space in A Tribute to the Great Antonio and with the Theatre Opera Music Institute at Cami Hall.  She was principal dancer with Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company, the Andrea del Conte Company and Ballet de Puerto Rico.  Lisa performed at Gracie Mansion, at the Lincoln Center Craft Show, was guest artist with the Nassau Symphony in Long Island and in tablaos in NYC.  Lisa debuted with Alborada in 2000 as a guest artist, joining the company as principal dancer in 2001. Her critically acclaimed performances with the company include performances at the George Street Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre, Union County Arts Center, Community Theatre of Morristown,  Keane University, Passage Theatre, and the Ocean County Arts Center and on NJN's Images /Imagenes. Lisa dances regularly in the tablao at Spain Inn II in Clinton. She is currently a dance instructor with the Princeton Dance and Theatre Studio (Director, Susan Jaffe) and the Arts Council of Princeton, receiving their Katherine M. Kapoor Artist in Residence Award (2000).  She has taught at Princeton University and at Rutgers University and in workshops and residencies throughout New Jersey, including Princeton Day School, Stuart Country Day School and for the Princeton Regional Schools. With Alborada, Lisa performs for Young Audiences of New Jersey and the Morris County Arts Commission. Lisa was recently a guest teacher for the State Theatre in New Brunswick. Lisa gratefully acknowledges the inspiration she has received from Alborada's Director, Eva Lucena, to explore their shared vision to preserve and promote all aspects of Spain's rich cultural heritage   “…dance of pride and defiance.” (NY Times) “…a one woman fiesta.” (Star Ledger) “…essence of fiery passion.” (Asbury Park Press) “…made the stage tremble.”  (Il Progresso) .
	Gisele Saad Assi  (Assistant Director, Principal Dancer, Choreographer and Singer) A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil of Lebanese background has been part of the New York City flamenco scene since her arrival in 1999.  Prior to that she was a member of two flamenco companies in her hometown from 1988 to 1996: the Laurita de Castro Flamenco Company and the Tarantos Compania de Arte y Baile Flamenco.  After that she traveled to Madrid where she took classes in the legendary Calle Amor de Dios studios with such artists as Maria Magdalena, Tomas De Madrid, El Ciro, Carmela Greco, Paco Romero, Adrian Galia, Maruja Palacios.  In New York she has received instruction from Nelida Tirado, La Meira, Soledad Barrios, La China, Ana Romero, Raquel Heredia, Isabel Bayon, Bruno Argenta, Alegria Suarez, La Conja. As a performer she has been part of the Alborada Spanish Dance Company,Carlota Santana Flamenco Vivo Danzas Españolas, Val Ramos Ensemble among many others.   She has also performed in educational programs in Brazil, and the Tri-State area as well as in many flamenco clubs and venues.
Carlos Revollar (Music Director and Principal Guitarist) Carlos has been with Alborada for over eight years.  Born and raised in New York City, Carlos studied classical and Flamenco guitar with Dennis Koster, Arturo Martinez, Luis Heredia, 'Canito' Suarez, and Manuel Perez.  Carlos performs regularly with the major Spanish Dance companies and Flamenco singers in the New York-New Jersey area, as well as with his own Fiesta Flamenca.  In addition, he has worked in several theatrical productions such as Federico García Lorca's Blood Wedding by the Two River Theatre Company in Manasquan, NJ, Shigeko Suga's Satoba Komachi at the LaMaMa Theater in New York, and the Off-Broadway Theatre East.  His TV and radio appearances include the Emeril Live cooking show on Food Network, Univision's Channel 41 Noticiero Al Despertar, and Radio WADO's Sin Sensura with Miguel Perez.  Carlos and Gisele can be seen in weekly engagements at several Spanish restaurants in the Tri-State region, including Flor de Sol in NY and Tapas de España in North Bergen, NJ.  Carlos is a recipient of an award for musical Compositions granted by the American Music Center.
	Dominico Caro (Singer) studied the art of flamenco singing in Madrid, Sevilla and Jerez de la Frontera, learning his trade from great masters such as Antonio Mairena, Fosforito, Bernarda y Fernanda from Utrerar. He lived with the gypsies in Moron and Jerez and feels that this experience was invaluable to his interpretation of flamenco song (cantè). Dominico has become a foremost name in the flamenco world due to his vast knowledge of the art, and the clarity and power of his round, mellow voice (voz redonda). On his frequent visits to Spain, Dominico sings for noted teachers and choreographers such as Maria Rona Merced, Ciro, Paco Fernandez and La Tati. Other highlights in Dominico’s career include tours with the legendary Jose Greco, Jose Molina at Carnegie Hall and Ronario Galan’s Ballet Espanol,. Dominico made frequent television appearances with Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, and also on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”, and appeared with David Frost and Lisa Minnelli at the Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He has also been featured in Yago Santgria television commercials. When not on tour, he sings for the flamenco workshops in the Harkness House of Ballet and sings in many Broadway and other venues in New York City. Dominico is currently a Director and teacher at the New Jersey Art Academy.
Claudia Morena (Claudia Campbell-Matland) (Featured Dancer, Soloist - Classical and Instructor) Claudia joined Alborada in 2003, bringing experience in all forms of Spanish Dance: Classical, Escuela Bolera, Folkloric and Flamenco; she performed for many years in community dance groups in central New Jersey and New York City. Claudia's training was primarily with Alma Concepción and Jorge Navarro; she also studied at the Maria Benitéz Institute for Spanish Arts in Santa Fe, with Liliana Morales, Teodoro Morca, La Tati and with Carmen Segura in Madrid, Spain.  She also trained in ballet for several years.  Claudia currently studies with Eva Lucena, Gisele Assi and Mariano Parra.  Claudia was a faculty member at American Repertory Ballet's Princeton Ballet School, teaching beginner Spanish Dance from 1999 - 2005.  Along with Eva Lucena, she teaches all levels of Alborada student classes in central New Jersey.  Claudia also has a full time career in the medical device industry.
	Teresa Rodriguez - (Featured Dancer, Soloist Flamenco) Teresa joined Alborada in 2000, after 3 years of intense Flamenco training, and studies with Eva Lucena, Jorge Navarro, José Molina, Gisele Assi and Nelida Tirado. She also travels to Spain every year to study Flamenco.  Teresa also has a full time career in the telecommunications industry.
María Rodriguez (Maria Tylek) (Featured Dancer, Soloist, Classical & Ethnic) A member of Alborada since 2004, Maria brings high enthusiasm and much experience in Ballet, Modern, Spanish and folkloric dance forms as a former member of Ballet Hispanico of New York.  She toured in South America with the National Dance Company of Ecuador (Compania Nacional de Danza del Ecuador) and was also a member of Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano. Upon returning to the USA from Ecuador, Maria joined The Grand National Opera of USA as a principal dancer. In addition to having a career in the banking industry, Maria currently teaches Flamenco, Ballet and Jazz in the Montclair Music, Art and Dance program in New Jersey and is also a member of the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Maria currently studies with Eva Lucena and Mariano Parra.
	Krystina Cardenas (Featured Dancer, Soloist - Ethnic) Cristina joined Alborada in 2002 with an extensive history in jazz, tap and modern dance, winning several awards. She studies with Eva Lucena and Lisa Botalico. Krystina studied Mexican Dance with Julie Gutierrez, danced with Ballet Folklorico Mexicanismo and has also taught Mexican Dance in schools in Perth Amboy, NJ.  Cristina has appeared in musical theatre productions, including Grease.
Evita Alegria (Eva Conti) - (Featured Dancer) Evita brings a lifetime of study and performance to Alborada, having her first season in 2004. She has been a professional classical musician (French horn and guitar) for 15 years.  She has studied Flamenco with José Molina, Nelida Tirado, Elena Angujar and Neta Shizaf and Flamenco guitar with Carlos Lomas and Rogelio Moreno.  Evita has performed as a dancer in the Tri-State area and in Israel, and as a musician in Europe, South America as well as in the U.S. with the Israel Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan and New York City Operas and in many Broadway shows.
	David Castellano (Singer) A young singer from Granada, David has established himself in the Tri-State area and his Flamenco voice is much sought after by dance companies in the area, including Alborada, Carlota Santana and Danza Espana.  He has sung for Pilar Rioja at Repertorio Español in New York, and joined in the Russian tour with the European Pop star Ala Bina.  David is a founding member of Manué, a Flamenco fusion group which recently won the Univision contest for best new group in 2005, and will be releasing its first CD.
Elena Reyes (Ellen Schwartz) (Company Dancer and Children's Instructor) A member of Alborada since 2003, Elena is also a full time dance teacher in the Plainfield, NJ school system. She studied modern, ballet, jazz, Latin and ethnic dance and also danced professionally. She studies with Eva Lucena, Gisele Assi and Victorio, and also studied at the Maria Benitéz Institute for Spanish Arts in Santa Fe.  Elena teaches Alborada children's Flamenco classes in Edison, NJ.
	Caterina Carr (Cathy Carr) (Company Dancer) A member of Alborada since 2000, Caterina studied ballet with Pauline Goddard, Classical Spanish Dance with Mariano Parra and Eva Lucena, and Flamenco with Eva Lucena, Lisa Botalico and José Molina.  She studied Mexican Dance with Julie Gutierrez, and danced with Ballet Folklorico Mexicanismo. Caterina has appeared in productions of the Nutcracker as the Snow Princess, in ethnic dances with the European School of Dance and in several musical theatre productions.
Ami Otero (Amy Minars)  (Company Dancer) A previous member of Alborada, Ami returned in 2004 after living in Japan 4 years, where she studied Flamenco. She currently studies with Eva Lucena.
	Karina Grace (Karen Gary) (Company Dancer) Karina joined Alborada in 2002, and is a specialized dancer, and has a dramatic feel for the dance. She is an accomplished tap dancer, and studies at Broadway Dance. Karina also studies with Eva Lucena and Lisa Botalico.
Alejandra Robles (Leanne Alexandrini) (Company Dancer) Alejandra has been a member of Alborada since 2006.  Since the age of 4, Alejandra's love of music and dance led her to study jazz, ballet, and tap. Over the past 10 years, Alejandra has focused her studies on Spanish dance and Flamenco. She has been dancing with her mentor Lisa Bottalico for over 7 years. She currently studies with the Alborada Company choreographers and Monica Herrera in Pennsylvania.  When she is not dancing, she is the Director of Educational Programs for a Montessori school in Delaware, runs her own educational consulting business, and works as an adjunct college instructor for a local community college.
	Claire Spring is a guest performer in several of Alborada's large concerts and also in some of the library, school, and senior center shows.  She is also the artistic director of Nuray Rakkettes, a newly formed belly dance troupe, out of Point Pleasant where she teaches at Om Baby Studio on Arnold Ave.  Being associated with Alborada has created many opportunities to dance and be part of a wonderful community of artists. Thanks, Eva!
Kelsey Burns joined Alborada in 2004 as an experienced performer in flamenco, salsa, jazz, tap and theatre dance. After being introduced to flamenco at the age of seven with Lisa Botalico, she has used every opportunity to dance, taking three months of classes in Ronda, Spain, and attending various master classes in the tri-state area. She has participated in many theatre and musical theatre productions, in principal, chorus, and dancing roles, and plans to pursue the performing arts actively in her college years and beyond.
	Peter Basil (Percussionist) For over past twelve years Peter has been performing with Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre, Danza España, Atrevete Flamenco, Flamenco Moro, Flamenco Latino and Fiesta Flamenca. He currently teaches cajon workshops at Fazil's Dance Studio in New York City, and performs regularly in theaters and tablaos through the Tri-State area. With David Castellano, Peter is also a founding member of Manué.  If you are interested in Peter's workshops, please see his website at www.flamencocajon.com.
Peter Suarez (Guest Artist) A seasoned Flamenco and classical dancer, Peter is one of the principal dancers at the New York Metropolitan Opera in Carmen and La Traviata.  He has worked with the Gypsy Kings in their Radio City Music Hall concert as a solo dancer.  Peter has choreographed and performed for such companies as Cincinnati Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Connecticut Opera, Ballet Arkansas, Ballet Español, and Ballet de Puerto Rico.  He tours regularly to upstate New York and Miami.
	Victorio (Special Guest Artist / Choreographer) We welcome the return of Victorio, who has toured with us from 1982 to 1997.  Internationally acclaimed Spanish dancer and choreographer, Victorio performed as soloist at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  He has danced throughout Europe and been guest artist at top American venues like the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Gardens, and Avery Fisher Hall.  Victorio has choreographed for Columbia and United Artists films.  He wrote and performed in a television dance-drama entitled What Does a Man Love? in Holland.  He choreographed Los Tarantos for the María Benitez Spanish Dance Company in which his longtime partner María Alba also performed.  It received critical acclaim at the Brooklyn Academy.  He currently teaches flamenco dance at Times Circle Studio, Steps and Ballet Hispanico in New York.
Charles Seal (Set Designer) A Board of Trustees member since 2000 and a Gala honoree in 2009, he has served as Vice President and Secretary. The design and construction of Alborada's stage sets have been his contribution to the company. These include the cave of Sacramonte of Ole, the gypsy caravan and bonfire of the Feast of Sarah, the Havana nightclub of Pasion, the plaza and fountain of the Sephardic Connection, the bull ring and fantasy land of Sueno de Una Niña, the Irish cottage of the Celtic Connection and the cafe/village/jail of Homenajes. He is a retired Industrial Designer and has studied graphic arts at the Univ. of Arizona, sculpture with Gertrude Schmidt, and fine arts with Graham Young and Jacques Fabert.
	Felino Nebiar (Company Photographer) Born in the Philippines, Felino is a free-lance photographer who prefers to use color slides, B&W and color prints. Has worked in most photographic styles including journalistic portraits, travel photography, using the natural environment. His works have appeared in the Star Ledger, Luso-Americano, Philippine Express, The Post Eagle, Belleville and Nutley Post- He has had solo exhibitions including “A journalistic portrait of the Philippines”- at the NJ Convention Center, “Commemoration 1994”- at the Trustees Gallery, Belleville with regard to the 75th Anniversary of the Grand Canyon. He has been in group exhibitions at the Coliseum, NY, Philippine Trade Show 1996 Trade Show, Jacob Javits Center to name a few. He has published a Photographic Book- A Century of Love, Faith and Service St Valentine- 1899-1999.  He can be reached at 973-235-5394 - days; 973-338-4103 - evenings. Felino is available for weddings, anniversaries, and travel photography.