Bios

Carlos Rodriguez Gonzalez (Director/Choreographer) - International choreographer, director and dancer Carlos Rodriguez returns to Orlando to direct ‘La Casa de Bernarda Alba’, as told through the art of Flamenco. Mr. Rodriguez first came to Orlando in 2019 to direct, choreograph and perform in ‘Romeo y Julieta’ with Flamenco del Sol Dance Company. This was followed by his rendition of ‘Dracula’, in 2023. Mr. Rodriguez has been director, choreographer, and principal dancer of Madrid’s Nuevo Ballet Espanol for twenty-five years. During that time, he was also a soloist and invited guest star to the Ballet Nacional de Espana. Besides touring his Madrid-based company with his production of ‘Eterno Picasso’, he currently serves as Artistic Director for “Spain’s Got Talent”. Mr. Rodriguez is recognized as one of Spain’s leading Flamenco artists of the 21st century.

Briana Small (Adela) - Briana is a Central Florida based Flamenco artist and dancer. She has been dancing flamenco for 15 years and has been a principal dancer with Flamenco del Sol under the direction of Tammy Weber de Millar since 2013. Briana has studied with luminaries of flamenco such as La Lupi, Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Rojas, Daniela Tugues, Mariana Martinez, Tamara Lopez, Ursula Lopez and Miguel Vargas. She has performed alongside Carlos Rodriguez and Daniela Tugues in Carlos Rodriguez’s “Dracula”. Briana is also a singer and actress. She can be seen working with local theatre companies such as Wildfire Players and The Ensemble Company. Briana plays the role of Adela in “La Casa de Bernarda Alba”.

Isabella Millar (Amelia) - Isabella is a 16-year-old high school junior who has already made significant contributions to the flamenco community as both a company dancer and an instructor at Flamenco del Sol. Isabella’s passion, technique and dedication to her craft have allowed her to excel in the art of Flamenco from a young age. She has studied with a variety of today’s Spanish dance masters including Carlos Rodriguez, Antonio Najarro, Angel Rojas, Rocio Bazan, Daniela Tugues, Mariana Martinez, Tamara Lopez, Ursula Lopez, Raquel Gomez, La Lupi, Nino Reyes, Rosa Belmonte, Jesus Lozano, Christian Lopez, and Lorena Franco. Isabella also travels to Spain in the summer to further her education. Isabella has had the privilege to perform in various theatrical flamenco productions, showcasing her versatility. These include a Bride of Dracula in “Dracula”, and ensemble performances in “El Amor Brujo”, “Romeo y Julieta”, “Carmen”, and “Dali y Lorca”. Currently, she dances the role of Amelia in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Leslie Eggenberger (Angustias) - Leslie is a dynamic and passionate dancer with over 12 years of professional experience, starting her dance career in contemporary, jazz and tap. She began her training at the prestigious Performing Arts Studio in Guatemala City, where she honed her skills under guidance of renowned Guatemalan and American guest instructors. She joined Flamenco del Sol in 2021 and has quickly become part of the cast of many performances, including Carlos Rodriguez’s “Dracula” in 2023. In addition to her performance work, Leslie is dedicated to teaching Flamenco history and culture in the Central Florida schools. She regularly conducts in-services to teach about the art of Flamenco. Leslie has a career as Medical Liaison in Molecular Diagnostics, and she is also a certified life coach and transformational leader. Leslie plays Angustias in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Tammy Weber de Millar (Bernarda)- Tammy is founder, director and choreographer of Orlando based Flamenco del Sol dance company and academy as well as Executive Director of Orlando Flamenco Organization whose mission is to make the diverse art form of Flamenco more accessible to Central Florida by sponsoring top tier artists from Spain in production, master classes and extending community educational programming. Her award-winning theatrical flamenco productions enjoy critical acclaim and stellar partnerships with today’s greatest Flamenco talent. Ms. Weber de Millar began studying Flamenco and Classical Spanish Dance in Madrid in the early 1990’s. She embarked on her professional dance career in South America touring her flamenco dance company with the sponsorship of the Spanish Embassy, while running her Flamenco academy and working as choreographer for the city opera. Upon returning to the United States in 1999, with the dance company she formed, she began building Flamenco del Sol – Orlando. In addition to teaching classes at Flamenco del Sol, Ms. Weber de Millar also conducts character class at Orlando Ballet School, in-services for instructors, as well as Flamenco residencies at Orange, Seminole and Osceola County schools. Tammy dances the role of “Bernarda” in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

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Daniel Benavides (El Destino) - Daniel grew up dancing Ballet Folkloric, Mexican folk dance through high school. Recruited to the Anaheim Ballet, he was soon on scholarship and beginning his professional career; also receiving a full scholarship to study with the San Francisco Ballet School. He joined the Boston Ballet in 2004 and the Orlando Ballet in 2006 and has been with them for seventeen seasons performing leading soloist roles. After a distinguished professional performance career, Danny has set his own ballets and is currently a Guest Artist and Teacher for various companies. Daniel plays the role of ‘El Destino’ in “La Casa de Bernarda Alba”.

Susan Martin (Martirio) - Susan is an 18-year-old high school senior, who has been immersed in the world of dance since the tender age of three receiving comprehensive training in ballet (Vaganova method), modern lyrical, jazz and flamenco. However, it was Flamenco and danza estilizada that truly captured her heart and became her ultimate passion. In 2019 she embarked on her journey at the prestigious Flamenco del Sol Academy where she is now a valued company dancer and instructor. For Susan, stage is where she finds her utmost joy. She has showcased her talent in numerous ballet productions that have toured throughout Florida. Susan has proven herself as a versatile dancer. Notably, she had also shared her talent as an ensemble dancer in Flamenco del Sol’s productions of “Romeo y Julieta” and “Dracula”. Susan is cast as Martirio in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Mariana Martinez (Magdalena) - Mariana began studying Flamenco at age 10 in her native Venezuela and upon completing high school began traveling to Spain to study with the great teachers of the time. After completing her university studies in accounting, she moved permanently to Sevilla to begin her professional formation, where she won a scholarship in her second year of conservatory. Mariana has won numerous prizes within the Flamenco world for her performances in Spain. She resides in Barcelona where she dances in several high profile tablaos, and performs at well know Flamenco festivals in Spain and internationally as invited artist. Mariana plays Magdalena in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Gina Fleites (Maid) - Gina is an instructional designer for the US Navy, living in Melbourne Florida. She grew up dancing ballet from age 5-20 at the Galmont Ballet Center for Dance Education. After an 8-year hiatus from dance, Gina joined Flamenco del Sol and has since fallen in love with the art of Flamenco. She continues to grow in her training and passion for this art form. Gina currently plays the maid in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Rocio Bazan (Maria Josefa) - Rocio is a flamenco singer from Malaga whose voice has been forged in the greatest flamenco festivals of Spain. She has won countless prestigious awards for her flamenco interpretations, starting as far back as 1999. Rocio travels the world, working with some of the finest orchestras and Flamenco ensembles of the day. Rocio has been called “The Alpha and Omega Flamenco Singer”. She can often be seen performing a one-woman show of “El Amor Brujo” with orchestras worldwide. Her musical flamenco range is astounding, having dominion over most of the flamenco rhythms. Rocio plays Maria Josefa in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Maria Cardozo (Poncia) - Maria began her flamenco journey at the age of 12 at La Escuela Flamenco Cruz del Sacromonte in Valencia, Venezuela. Since 2015 she has been part of Flamenco del Sol performing in such productions as “El Amor Brujo”, “Carmen”, “Romeo y Julieta”, and “Dracula”. Maria has studied under renowned instructors including Carlos Rodriguez, Angel Rojas, Daniela Tugues, Mariana Martinez, Tamara Lopez, Maricruz Blanco, Aida Blanco and Romina Vazquez. In addition to her passion for dancing, Maria is an industrial engineer and at Orlando Health, when she focuses on enhancing patient access and ease of use. She also maintains her physical fitness through CrossFit, balancing her analytical and artistic skills. Maria plays the role of Poncia in La Casa de Bernarda Alba.

Jose Luis de la Paz (Guitarist) is regarded as a top guitarist in flamenco embodying its timeless passion and serving as a distinguished ambassador for the genre.  Recognized among the top ten guitarists of his generation, he directed ballet Cristina Hoyos for a decade, collaborating with iconic figures in flamenco.  His musical journey expands beyond traditional boundaries earning him acclaim as a world music artist, Jose Luis blends deep traditional knowledge with a contemporary approach; establishing himself as one of today’s premiere guitarists.

Justin Steger (percussionist) is also a composer and arranger who has toured the U.S. and performed internationally with various groups. Although his primary studies were in classical percussion, he has since arranged for and performed with musicians in the genres of jazz, rock, Latin, flamenco and other fusions of world music.  Justin’s classical and jazz compositions, arrangements and recordings have been performed and featured many times at educational institutions, National Public Radio, Spotify and various jazz stations. Tonight, he features his skill on the flamenco cajon and various other percussion instruments from around the world.