Espíritu Flamenco is a small family business, run as collective with other musicians and friends. Sarah Chambers is the manager and their events are mainly traditional flamenco, run on a cost recovery basis.

Sarah has an Honours Degree in classical music from the University of Manchester and has been a professional project manager for over 20 years, with a Postgraduate Diploma specialising in project management.  She selects flamenco shows based on musicianship, authenticity and quality and is proud to introduce this complex art form to UK audiences.  Espíritu Flamenco already has a following in Manchester and Liverpool made up of people who are looking for the intensity and excitement generated by world-class performers; including dance enthusiasts, classical guitarists and people who have lived and worked in Spain, all wanting more than frivolous tourist spectacles.  Flamenco is designated as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and Sarah collaborates with others to make this community art form accessible for everybody, from the discerning connoisseur to the curious newcomer.

Sarah first encountered flamenco at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona and began studying this unique and highly expressive dance and musical art form over 15 years ago.  Her particular interest is in improvised flamenco, based around the traditional song forms (cante), with accompaniment (guitar and percussion) and dancer. She is perhaps most satisfied with her reputation for quality and taste in Andalusia, the heart of flamenco culture today.

Sarah has been teaching music in schools, for private pupils and community groups since her teenage years.  A violinist and pianist, she has led workshops, string groups and chamber music groups as well as assisting with school orchestras and singing groups.  Over the last ten years she has given classes in flamenco rhythm, dance and musical form at public and private events.  Working with live musicians, she has worked in primary and secondary schools to present a fun introduction to flamenco music and dance.  Sarah teaches beginner flamenco dance online and face to face (within health guidelines). She also visits community groups in the area, giving talks, presentations and performances.

Several years ago, Sarah started to host visits from flamenco teachers to Manchester, from the UK, Spain and beyond.  There are few teachers in the UK at intermediate and advanced level and very few singers.  Collaborating with partners in the UK and Spain, Sarah has hosted many weekend workshops offering classes in dance, guitar, singing, clapping (palmas), cajon and other educational events, in collaboration with other flamenco enthusiasts in the area.  She has worked with volunteers to build up the Flamenco Manchester social networking sites, raising interest in flamenco and promoting events.

Sarah has been a key member of a community group that has met for a monthly flamenco ‘jam’ over several years, first in Levenshulme, then Cheadle Hulme, Stretford and more recently Salford and Whalley Range.  She has also hosted events for students to share their work with family, friends and flamenco enthusiasts.  She is a professional member of ‘People Dancing’.

Sarah’s studies of flamenco music and dance have been consistent over the years, with classes from Pilar Fajardo, Mari Carmen Guerrero and Ana Garcia as well as many UK weekend workshops with visiting professionals.  More recently she has studied with Andrés Peña, Cristina Aguilera, Irene ‘La Sentio’, Julio Ruiz and Magdalena Mannion.  

Enhanced DBS check.  Public liability insurance.  Covid19 Secure events. Professional Member of People Dancing