Since graduating from the Conservatoria de Danza in Alicante with a diploma in Classical Ballet, Spanish Dance and Flamenco, Mercedes has taught dance and performed professionally for over 25 years. She has appeared in several artistic productions at many renowned theatres and dance venues in Spain.
Her passion and commitment to Flamenco has also taken her around the world, choreographing and performing with a number of Spanish dance companies in countries such as Mexico, Italy and France.
First settling in the UK in 1998 based in Plymouth, she delivered Flamenco and Salsa classes in several schools and colleges across the South West of England. She was an established teacher at the Barbican Theatre in Plymouth where she formed her own Flamenco group "Flamenco Vivo", performing at numerous venues, community arts projects, corporate events and private functions all over Devon and Cornwall.
Mark Barnwell
Mark is a professional Spanish guitarist based in the South West of the UK. His experience of live performances spans over 30 years. His repertoire includes Latin, contemporary and world fusion as well as traditional Spanish guitar pieces.
Mark has also distinguished himself as a composer and recording artist. He has recorded five albums, including his latest award-winning album, "Mandala".
As well as all over the UK, Mark has also performed in many countries including Greece, France, Germany, India, Australia and recently in California with top LA based World Fusion band Incendio, who make guest appearances on "Mandala".
Review:
"What a treat we enjoyed at the Riverside Hall on Saturday! Guitarist Mark Barnwell kept the audience spellbound with his amazing playing. Mark's repertoire included not just Spanish but ranged from Simon and Garfunkle and Madonna to Mozart and Rodriguez. There wasn't a sheet of music in sight. He had written several of the pieces himself and invited requests from the audience which kept them very much participants as well as spectators. To watch him work not just the fretboard and strings, but produce different drum sounds from the body of his instrument was fascinating.
You could be forgiven for think that Mark had more than 7% Spanish blood in his DNA and dancer Mercedes Romero was certainly the real thing. She had a very dexterous and flexibile fingers and hands that added much to her performance. Several changes of costumer added to the ambience. When she wasn't dancing, she accompanied Mark with the castanets. The audience could hardly beleive that this was the first time the pair had worked together; they informed us it will not be the last!"
Extract from "The Signpost" on behalf of the Riverside Hall, Bampton
