Even on a flamenco scene boasting a flamboyant array of talent, Melissa Cruz stands out with her emotional intensity and crisp, beautifully articulated steps. Rooted in the hard-scrabble soil of Andalusia, the art form grew out of the medieval convergence of Gitano, Jewish, Spanish and Moorish culture. Accompanied by guitar, vocals and percussive half-clapping called “palmas,” flamenco dancers use sharp, dynamic movement, dramatic footwork and striking lines to express a wide range of themes. As noted by dance critic Rachel Howard in the San Francisco Chronicle, “Cruz is clearly possessed by the duende — the spirit that drives this deeply introspective art.” A full-time dancer, choreographer, percussionist and flamenco instructor for the past two decades, she trained under the Bay Area’s acclaimed flamenco master Rosa Montoya, who went on to hire Cruz for her company. A principal dancer and choreographer for the San Francisco Flamenco Dance Company, Cruz is in demand as a collaborator with flamenco companies and festivals around the country.

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