In order for craft to become art, the artist must transcend technique and infuse it with meaning. In dance, nowhere is this more apparent than with flamenco. Here, the execution, of technique is vital, but without meaning, specifically human emotion, the spirit of the dance is lost. After 20 years of performance, Kristina Martinez can surely be described as a flamenco artist.

Kristina was born in St. Louis, Missouri of Colombian descent and, at the age of six began her Spanish dance training under the tutelage of Carmen Tucheri, in Madrid Spain. While beginning her mastery of the art of flamenco, Kristina was also studying classical ballet with the Ballet Conservatory in St. Louis- a course of study that would last for thirteen years. All the while, Kristina would continue her training in Flamenco and Spanish dance, both in Spain and the United States, studying with such masters as Maria Benitez, Ciro, Rafaela Carrasco, Inmaculda Ortega, Daniel de Cordoba and many more. This simultaneous course of study in Flamenco and classical ballet has defined Kristina’s work with a verve and sensitivity that has become her signature. In that time, Kristina has performed for countless international festivals and stage productions, corporate and private events, as well as for various arts organizations, such as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Ensemble and The Classical Guitar Society. She has cataloged over fifteen live television appearances, and has also lent her talents to the stage as a lead choreographer, most recently for Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ 2004 production of Carmen. Even with her hectic performance schedule, Kristina still finds time to teach her beloved art, both privately and with the Center of Creative Arts.

Today, Kristina strives to expose her art to a broader audience by coupling traditional flamenco with other modern influences. Kristina Martinez believes in the spirit of flamenco. What’s more amazing is that, after all these years, the spirit of flamenco seems to believe in her.