Bernadette Gaxiola began dancing Flamenco, Spanish Folk, Mexican Folklorico, and Classical Spanish, since the age of 6, as a way of preserving her Hispanic background. Over her career she has studied with artists such as Laura Moya, Luis Montero, Teo Morca, Julia Lopez, La Meida, Antonio Granjero, Immaculada Ortega, and recently La Conja, Carola Zertuche, and Martin Gaxiola. She has toured the United States at various dance festivals and venues which include the International VA Arts Festival, Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival, International Dance 2000 (PA), invited as a guest artist at the Feria de Abril (PA), Kimmel Center (PA), Willma Theatre (PA), Merriam Theatre, Grady Gammage (AZ), Symphony Hall (AZ), Herberger Theatre (AZ) among others. Her company credits include the Laura Moya Spanish Company (AZ), Flamenco Ole Dance Company (PA), Ballet Etudes (AZ), ‘Zona Flamenca’ in Scottsdale; and currently performs as soloist with Calo Flamenco – Ballet de Martin Gaxiola. Bernadette teaches flamenco classes locally to children and adults throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, and also has formed the children’s Flamenco group – Gitanitos del Sol, which is dedicated to preserving Flamenco and training the next generation of Flamenco dancers. She also conducts Flamenco lecture/ demonstrations for local schools, and has worked as a guest/artist with Free Arts of Arizona.