Artistic Director / Visionary
Elaina dy Electrah
Multi talented, visionary Elaina dy Electrah, has been immersed in all styles of dance since age nine, studying the basics in ballet, tap and jazz, becoming a member of the “Royal Academy of Dance”, and later on specializing in Flamenco, Argentine Tango, and Salsa, always living and studying at the source.
Electrah has been gypsying around the planet for decades, always studying the local dances, and teaching what she has learnt.
She is equally experienced, talented and knowledgeable in each form of dance. By having expertise in one form, it has not diminished the validity of her talent in any other style of dance,in fact this has only added to her profile as a unique talent.
"I learn new dance styles real fast. I just seem to fall into the rhythm, steps, style and feeling instantaneously, and because of this ability and understanding, I am able to impart this knowledge with relative ease.
With five years in Spain studying and performing Flamenco, she became a touring member of the internationally famous “Jose Greco Spanish Dance Company”.
"Dancing in the same company as the legendary "Faruko" took me to a deeper understanding of Flamenco".
Settling in California she performed Flamenco at the legendary "Spaghetti Factory" in San Francisco, and taught and performed throughout California, to Colleges Universities, and Cultural Centres for more than a decade, with performing side trips to New Orleans, Arizona, and later on Miami.
Before leaving the States for Cairns, she taught classes in Salsa, and started the Argentine Tango scene at "Cafe Arguellos" in the Mission district San Francisco.
Living in Miami afforded close proximity to Latin America, with frequent work/study trips to
Buenos Aires, Havana and Brasil.
“I go to the source and soak up the essence”.
With more than 10 years involvement in Argentine Tango, she was invited to join the Dance Company of Jorge Nel [Mr. Tango].
In Miami Electrah was Director of the school “Salsa at the Beach” for more than 12 years
and also “Tango on the Beach” at “Tropical Cigars” on the world famous Lincoln Rd. Mall
Diversity
Her diverse experience in dance ranges the gamut from...
Modern Dance Choreographer to the R.T.V. Dancers Hong Kong.
Teaching tap to the kids of the Chinatown Y San Francisco.
Teaching Flamenco to the performing branch of the Singapore Army.
Teaching Spanish Dance at the University of Bahia, Salvador Brasil.
Dancing Samba and Samba Reggae [Reggaeton] in Carnivals in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, Brasil.
Studying the various styles of dance in India and Pakistan, and performing in a command performance in Pakistan.
Amongst her teaching credits in Australia...
Taught Spanish Dance to the Schools of the Australian,Ballet Victoria, and Queensland Ballet.
Has successfully choreographed for competitive dancers in local dance schools in Melbourne, Brisbane, Lismore, and Bundaberg.
Always on the cutting edge, over the decades Electrah has returned to Australia, imparting bit by bit of her dance vision, introducing and teaching new dance styles from Melbourne though Northern NSW, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast to Cairns, mainly but not exclusively in Flamenco and Cuban Salsa.
With her original talent and flair, she has contributed invaluably to the implementation of Latin Dance in northern NSW / Byron Bay / Brisbane, introducing and teaching Flamenco and Samba in the early nineties, years later Reggaeton [Samba Reggae] and Argentine Tango, and in 1999 setting up schools in Cuban Salsa-Casino-Rueda which are still flourishing today, always implanting fresh ideas.
Electrah introduced and taught introductory classes in Cuban Salsa-Casino Rueda in 1999 in Cairns.
Quotes
Rex Reed, the innovative modern dance master /instructor who, at his time in Melbourne taught floor exercises long before anyone had ever heard of Pilates, had proclaimed of Electrah ”She instantaneously dances with the correct styling and authentic feeling, to whatever style or rhythm is played”.
Betty Pounder, another modern dance legend from Melbourne, and previously choreographer with J.C.Williamsons said “With that style, you are guaranteed to succeed”.
So quick to learn that she seems to just soak up the new information, in Madrid she was nicknamed by "Mercedes and Albeniz" as "Elaina la Lista"
[Elaine the clever one].
Quality is the magic word. Anyone can teach or learn steps, but true dancing is a quantum leap into another dimension. I emphasize authenticity and styling, breathing in the essence, listening to the basic undertone, and becoming one with the music. Going with the flow and releasing the “Dancers Spirit”. “Now that’s what I’m talking about”.
Elaina Electrah brings to her classes and choreography a special touch, her unique sensitivity, style, and originality, together with a sense of drama and flow that is her trademark.
Presently residing in Cairns, she is spreading her dance vision in North Eastern Australia, teaching Argentine Tango, Cuban Salsa, Mambo, Flamenco and more.