Estela Vélez de Paredez, Artistic Director of Furia Flamenca, is a leading flamenco artist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she trained extensively with Maestro Antonio Santaella of Granada and with renowned artists including Carmen La Talegona, David Coria, La Farruca, Rocío Molina, Joaquín Grilo, and Pastora Galván. Critics have praised her commanding presence, noting her “stunning” stage charisma and “strong, graceful” performances. Estela has appeared at major venues such as the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and Terrace Theater, Lincoln Theatre, National Theatre, Wolf Trap, and Atlas Performing Arts Center, and was a principal dancer in the 44th Annual Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Justino Díaz. In 2004, she founded Furia Flamenca, earning multiple Metro DC Dance Awards and recognition for her choreographies. A dedicated educator, she teaches throughout the region, offers master classes, and lectures on flamenco history and culture.
Professional Accomplishments
- Former Chair of the Board of Directors of Dance Metro DC (2014-2017)
- Founding Board Member and current Artistic Advisory Committee member of TorcuArt, a non-profit organization established in 2020
- Winner Best Costuming for “Lorca: Flamenco Poetry” Dance Metro Awards 2010.
