The Mirada Flamenca Dance Company was founded in October 2006 and is led by Director Ulrika Frank, originally from Sweden, who is a highly sought after teacher/performer/choreographer in the DC area. Original company members are Deborah Belo, Renée Gokey, Cecilia Terrasa, Nicole Totah, Maria Roncal, Jackie Perodin and Olivia Rassenti-Rojo. The newest company member is Sharon Garcia. The dancers come from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as diverse dance training. Different styles of dance studied by company members include jazz, hip-hop, ballet, African, ballroom and modern. The company meets regularly at Ulrika’s home studio in Vienna, Virginia and has performed with guest flamenco artists from across the United States at such venues as Old Town Theater in Alexandria, Joy of Motion, DC Dance Place, American Dance Institute, and Tutto Bene Restaurant. The group has been rehearsing and working with flamenco guitarist, Frank E. Rourk, who has studied extensively in Spain. Mirada Flamenca Dance Company combines the rich tradition of flamenco with contemporary forms of expression.