Linda Machado
Linda Machado is a full-time working professional Flamenco & Spanish dancer with 20 years’ experience who performs in concert halls, theatres, museums, restaurants, night clubs, schools, libraries and cultural venues throughout the Southwest and Mexico. A former member of Daniel de Córdoba Bailes Españoles dance company, Ms. Machado is the Artistic Director of Un Corazón Flamenco, a professional Flamenco performance company.
Ms. Machado was introduced to Flamenco and Spanish Dance by Daniel de Córdoba who was a member of the legendary José Greco Dance Company. She went on to study many renowned national and international Flamenco artists including Javier de la Torre, Omayra Amaya, Antonio Hidalgo, Yaelisa, Monica Bermudez, Lydia Torea and Joaquin Enciñas.Ms. Machado spent several years as an artist with Young Audiences of Greater Dallas, conducting numerous school programs and residencies throughout Texas. She was associated with the Northeast Tarrant County Arts Council as a Flamenco instructor and is a selected Roster Artist for the Arizona Commission on the Arts. She teaches Flamenco dance and culture at Flamenco! …the Studio in Tempe which she co-owns with master Flamenco guitarist and Flamenco historian Ricardo de Cristóbal.
Ms. Machado’s Flamenco dance style is infused with the passion and power of Flamenco, the grace and elegance of classical Spanish dance, and the exhilaration of improvisation – the most basic fundamental of authentic Flamenco dancing. She has the ability to execute clear, strong and rapid Flamenco zapateado while maintaining the posture and graceful arm work of a Spanish dancer.
As an instructor, her patience and ability to convey simply the challenges inherent in Flamenco dance technique make it possible for her to maintain an active base of students ranging in age from 3 to 80.Ms. Machado continues to immerse herself in the art of Flamenco through research and participation in authentic living Flamenco on a daily basis.
Linda Machado and guitarist/husband Ricardo de Cristóbal (Un Corazón Flamenco) are the only Flamenco artists in the State of Arizona approved by the Arizona Commission on the Arts* to teach and present Flamenco in both the Community and Educational tracks. Additionally, Linda holds a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
*The Arizona Commission on the Arts Teaching Artist Roster identifies and promotes high quality artists who maintain active careers as teaching and professional artists, and have particular expertise in collaborating with communities and schools to engage individuals in learning experiences in, through, and about the arts. The Roster is a juried, panel-approved compendium of Arizona artists representing all artistic disciplines. The Education Based Roster is a roster of artists available to provide arts learning programs to students and teachers in preK-12 settings.
Linda Machado is a published author on multi-cultural education with the Teaching Artist Journal, and currently teaches virtual Flamenco dance and culture to elementary school students as far away as Kenya and Dubai through Arizona Virtual Academy and K-12.
Tributes
“She looks like she stepped off a Spanish postcard.”
East Valley Tribune
“This is Linda Machado, an authentic flamenco dancer who performed. She is so awesome!”
Kathy Cano-Murillo
“…a real ‘pro.’…”
Laura Moya
“Linda has performed for over 2400 students in our WESD schools. Linda does an outstanding job sharing her craft with our students.”
Kathleen McKeever, Administrator of After-School ProgramsWashington Elementary School District
“Fantastic presenter; passionate about sharing her art of dance with children. Staff and customers alike look forward to having [Linda Machado] perform again.”
Jill Harrell, Phoenix Public Library