Solo Flamenco Arts Academy Sells to New Owners!

July 6, 2008 - PRLog -- Portland, OR-- Oregon’s only all-Flamenco dance and music studio, Solo Flamenco, has been sold to dancer Mitsue “La Pura” and business manager Chris Johnson.  Solo Flamenco will continue to operate in its current location, 1235 SE Division Street #107, Portland, Oregon 97202. Web: http://www.flamencodance.com

Founded by Flamenco artist and entrepreneur Laurena Marrone Campos in the year 2000, Solo Flamenco Arts Academy has earned a stellar reputation for its commitment to excellence in teaching, performance, and community outreach.  In addition to offering Portland’s most comprehensive Flamenco education, with classes in dance, cante (song) and guitar, the Academy has regularly brought masters of the art form to Portland from Spain for workshops and performances for close to a decade.  

The sale of the Academy to Mitsue “La Pura” and Chris Johnson, who have been involved with Solo Flamenco for the past 5 years, will enable the public to have continued access to high quality classes, workshops and performances.  In addition, the long standing youth scholarship program will stay in place, which offers 10 young people between the ages of 9-16 the opportunity to study Flamenco dance each year.

New owner Mitsue “La Pura” Johnson has studied Flamenco dance for many years in Japan, the United States, and Spain with such renowned instructors as Domingo Ortega, Maria Bermudez, Rafael Campallo and Laurena Marrone. She has also studied Cante Flamenco with Ana de los Reyes, Vicente Griego and Maria Bermudez. Mitsue was the first dancer to be awarded a solo performance through Solo Flamenco's non-profit organization. She has performed internationally and alongside many accomplished artists including Vicente Griego, Ricardo Diaz, Jaime del Rio and Laurena Marrone.

“Mitsue offers the student an authentic Flamenco experience highlighted by excellent technique, professionalism, patience, and a complete comprehension of Flamenco Cante (song) and Baile (dance),” states Marrone. Dance classes are offered 5 days per week and include such unique offerings as “juergas” (improvisation gatherings) and classes taught in Japanese. An exciting schedule of performances and guest workshops will be announced in September.

Founder Laurena Marrone Campos will continue to support Solo Flamenco Arts Academy as Advisor and Guest Instructor.  She plans to pursue 2 new ventures devoted to the promotion of the arts:  La MarCa Artists International, a Flamenco artist management company and GRIT PR/Marketing and Design. For information about Laurena Marrone, please visit: http://www.laurenamarrone.com or call 503/887.2644

For additional information about Solo Flamenco Arts Academy, please visit: http://www.flamencodance.com or call 503/775-2815.