A Legacy of Passion:
The Flamenco Sur Story
Founded by Carlos Villatoro in 2010, Flamenco Sur Dance Company has become a vital force in the Southern California arts scene—now bridging communities from San Diego to Mexicali through performance, education, and collaboration. Read more.
A Legacy of Passion:
The Flamenco Sur Story
Founded by Carlos Villatoro in 2010, Flamenco Sur Dance Company has become a vital force in the Southern California arts scene—now bridging communities from San Diego to Mexicali through performance, education, and collaboration. Read more.
Founded by Carlos Villatoro in 2010, Flamenco Sur Dance Company has become a vital force in the Southern California arts scene—now bridging communities from San Diego to Mexicali through performance, education, and collaboration.
Flamenco Sur Dance Company is a creative home for flamenco artists and enthusiasts, rooted in passion, community, and cultural expression. Known for its powerful stage presence and inclusive approach to education, the company has built a strong reputation across Southern California. Through performances at festivals, private events, and community showcases, Flamenco Sur celebrates the rich traditions of flamenco while encouraging personal growth and artistic exploration among dancers of all levels.
In 2025, founder Carlos Villatoro expanded his vision beyond San Diego by establishing a new branch in Mexicali, Mexico—furthering the company’s mission to connect and uplift flamenco communities across borders. With Carlos now cultivating the Mexicali-based ensemble and school, the San Diego branch continues under the direction of his longtime students, Makiko Sanchez and Julie Verona. Their shared vision ensures that Flamenco Sur remains a space where tradition thrives, new voices emerge, and the spirit of flamenco continues to inspire.
Meet Your Instructors
The artists who will guide you, inspire you, and dance beside you.
Makiko Sanchez
At the age of 5, Makiko began her studies in classical piano in Japan developing a deep appreciation for music. While in Madrid, Spain in 1994, she was profoundly impacted after seeing a flamenco show in a tablao. The dancers and musicians emanated universal raw emotions and feelings. Years later, she found herself in Flamenco Sur and studied under Carlos Villatoro for 15 years, and other local flamenco artists. In 2017 she had the opportunity to train in Sevilla and Madrid, where the culture of flamenco is literally alive in the streets. Artists included: Jose Galvan, Angel Atienza, Rafael Campallo, Alberto Sellés and La Tati. She has been performing at several venues in San Diego for 10 years and is a regular performer at Cafe Sevilla since 2021.
Julie McGee
Julie Verona began her flamenco studies 15 years ago in New York City under the direction of Andrea del Conte. After studying with several local teachers in New York she sought further instruction in workshops with preeminent visiting artists, and ventured to Spain to study in the birthplace of flamenco. After moving to San Diego, Julie became involved with the local flamenco community and began performing with Ole Flamenco, Flamenco Sur, and Paloma Aragón dance companies. She has appeared on the tablaos and stages of San Diego and surrounding areas, as well as with the San Diego Opera. In 2018 was selected as a finalist to compete in the Flamenco Certamen USA which culminated in a performance at the Bruno Walter Auditorium in Lincoln Center in NYC.
Carol Basilio
Carol Basilio “La Champi” has been dancing flamenco for 20 years, studying, performing and teaching in Philadelphia, New York and Sevilla, where she lived for 5 years. She’s had the privilege of studying with great flamenco masters such as Fernando Romero, Carmen Ledesma, La Tati, Alejandro Granados, Juana Amaya, and her mentor La Chocolata. In addition to formally studying and performing flamenco, Carol immersed herself in flamenco at tertulias held at various peñas and bars in Sevilla and Jerez, at juergas/jam sessions as well as in the streets where she cultivated true afición for the flamenco heritage and tradition. Living now in San Diego she now performs at Cafe Sevilla San Diego regularly.
New to flamenco? Try a class!
Curious about flamenco? Start with a beginner-friendly class that introduces you to the basics of rhythm, posture, footwork, and expression. No experience or special shoes needed—just bring your energy and curiosity! Whether you're exploring a new passion or stepping into dance for the first time, this is a great way to begin your flamenco journey.