Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre is proud to introduce our cantadora (singer), Andréana Cortés. Singing is an integral element of the flamenco expression and brings a richness and depth to our performances.
About Andréana
Andréana Cortés (Cortés-Heredia) is a third generation Spanish Gypsy-American, the daughter of Enrique Heredia – one of the members of the flamenco troupe, La Familia Heredia. “Flamenco is in my blood. I couldn’t stay away even if I tried!”
In 1998, realizing that her family’s wealth of experiences and knowledge were in jeopardy of disappearing, she began her flamenco studies in guitar with her father, according to the Spanish Gypsy tradition, until his untimely death in 2003. Enrique Heredia was an active guitarist for many flamenco artists of his era, most notably for José Greco. In the years following her father’s passing, she continued to hone her craft studying under such flamenco maestros such as Scott “Mateo” Davies, Pedro Cortés, Jr., David Serva, Umberto “Payo Umberto’ Wilkes, and Jose “Chuscales,” Valle.
During this time amid her studies, Andréana was elevated to guitar accompanist where she spent over a decade providing music for flamenco dance companies and schools within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, primarily for Zorongo Flamenco and Anda Flamenco as well as performing at various popular venues in the Twin Cities area.
In 2016, Andréana Cortés graduated from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN with B.A. in flamenco and classical guitar with Tony Hauser, and composition with J. Anthony Allen.
In between her guitar studies, Andréana decided to integrate other flamenco forms and began flamenco dance, most notably with Susan di Palma, as well as La Conja, Adriana Maresma Fois, and La Magdalena. “I felt the best way to understand flamenco is to immerse myself thoroughly I wanted to learn flamenco dance not just from a dancer’s perspective as a guitar accompanist, but as another extension of expression, to feel ‘el duende por flamenco’. ”
Flamenco singing emerged coincidentally by providing the cante (song) while accompanying dance students, to provide context in the Palo (form). In the fall of 2018 Andréana, continuing in the family tradition of flamenco performance, was invited by Rene Heredia to be the cantaora (singer) for his Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre company.
For Andréana, flamenco is not just an art it is a way of life, and this is apparent in her passion and devotion to her craft. Andréana endeavors to connect with the audience by bringing a powerful emotion that resonates the generations of Spanish Gypsies. Her stirring vocals draws even the most uninitiated listener into the cultural dynamism that is flamenco.
