After seeing my first flamenco show in Madrid 2 years ago, a dream formed in my mind: despite having zero dance experience and being as graceful as a farm animal, I wanted to learn flamenco! I took a 5 week intro course last summer in which I learned some basics - it was hard work, but so much fun; Xianix brings her passion for the art and her humor, patience and enthusiasm to every class. The fall schedule didn't work for me and I looked into other classes but in my heart in knew I wanted to wait to continue my studies with Xianix. I am so glad I did! In the last six months I learned to dance, albeit as an Intro student, but dance we did! The class was challenging without being intimidating, the atmosphere convivial but focused. Xianix is a devoted and encouraging instructor. Being part of this class allowed me to bond with an incredible and diverse group of people over a shared passion. Xianix teaches us not just "dance moves", but about the art of flamenco, its terminology, history, music. She plans extracurricular activities that introduce and expose us to Flamenco culture. I am thrilled to be a flamenca and look forward to continuing in Xianix's classes. read more

I love Flamenco! And having Xianix as a teacher makes you love the dance form even more. Xianix creates a very comfortable environment-open to all. She makes you laugh and reminds you to have fun. As a performer she lights the stage with her smile, charming personality and passion for the dance. As a teacher, she is clear, direct, patient, gives you space and time to learn and grow, she actually turns around and looks at what you're doing and comes to you to help you individually and to make any corrections (without making you feel embarrassed or self-conscious). I've learned immensely from her in one class that took me a whole semester to learn with another teacher because she makes it about the student. It's hard to find a person that is gifted as a teacher and as a performer and Xianix is all that. She keeps it light, happy, and fresh and most importantly she accepts wherever you are in your learning process and tries her best to teach you in the way that would be most helpful for you to learn. Take her class and go to her performances; either leaves you energized, inspired, motivated and wanting more. read more

Xianix is the most wonderful teacher and my classes with her are among the highlights of my week. I've always been besotted with flamenco as an art form but under Xianix's instruction I've come to see how fun it can be too. She is a thorough professional - classes start on time, she replies to emails and messages promptly, she makes an effort to provide individual attention, and her annual recitals are lovingly put together. Xianix is also a magisterial dancer; watching her perform is itself an inspiration to try harder! More importantly though she is a delightful person - classes are always full of levity, she doesn't take herself too seriously as some flamenco teachers tend to do, she encourages every student in the kindest way possible, and she introduces us to different ways of appreciating flamenco through class trips to shows/films etc. If you've ever been curious about whether you'd enjoy dancing this tough but gorgeous dance form, I highly recommend turning to Xianix. All her students love her and it's clear why - she's a charmer! :) read more

I wasn't prepared for the joy and enchantment of Flamenco. The beauty and passion of this dance was only clear to me once I studied with Xianix. Her grace and humor are infectious and allow me to stumble through class after class and not fear all my errors. I'm often dancing "Flamingo" while everyone else is actually dancing "Flamenco." I have so much fun in this class it's like a part of my heart falls away when I don't attend. Xianix worked tirelessly to prepare a beautiful showcase for her students and it was one of the most fun and joyous events I've ever been a part of. She is patient, tireless and always encourages everyone to try again, but not to judge themselves. I'm looking forward to studying with her for many moons to come. As one other reviewer wrote: "She created choreography that made all of us beginning dancers in the intro class look fabulous in our showcase performance." Yesssss! I looked FAB in the showcase! I have a video to prove it!!!! XOXOXOXOX Deborah read more

When I decided to start taking flamenco classes, I knew that I wanted a more personal experience with a single instructor who taught on her own rather than in a studio where several genres are taught. After reviewing her website, watching her perform and noticing how responsive she was in in my e-mail correspondence with her, I decided to start studying under Xianix. I made a great decision if I do say so myself! Xianix is a great dancer, very professional (prompt replies, thoughtful answers, detail-oriented, honest), and a very warm and fun person and instructor. Flamenco can be very intense and she is diligent about helping you perfect your technique, but she also makes classes fun and fosters a sense of community not only among the students, but we also practice and perform with musician accompaniment. With them, we have also started to learn the protocols of dancing in social settings, which is pretty cool. Very happy with my experience! read more

Xianix Barrera is truly an exceptional Flamenco teacher and artist performer. She is very engaging, dynamic and inspirational both in the stage and in the class room. Her percussive history gives an extra flair to her classes, as she is able to to convey rhythm, timing and tempo of the music with ease. Xianix's classes are concise and full of useful information, yet she is able to make it fun and relaxing. I always leave her class refreshed and inspired. Flamenco, especially in the beginning, can be very challenging (as it was for me) but thanks to Xianix's encouragement I persisted. And now, I look forward to each class, as it adds extra spice to my life. Xianis's passion about flamenco is contagious ,,and soon you will find yourself immersed in all things flamenco!! OLE!! read more

No words can accurately capture how amazing Xianix is. Not only is she a truly gifted dancer, but she is an incredible teacher - two qualities that doesn't always inhere in one person. Her classes are the perfect combination of goofiness and rigor. I've learned a ton from her and improved greatly as a dancer and I've had the time of my life while doing it! Xianix is unendingly patient and makes everyone feel comfortable, regardless of skill level - yet at the same time, she challenges her students to push past their individual comfort zones, which allows them to attain a level of proficiency that they never thought possible. I look forward to her classes every week. She is a true gem of a teacher, and the flamenco world of NYC is lucky to have her! read more

Wow where do I start. From somebody who didn't know anything about flamenco, I left the class knowing the basics very well and it was just from one of her classes, all thanks to Xianix of course. Xianix's teaching skills, individual and constructive feedback makes you feel very comfortable..she is very welcoming and takes the time to help each and everyone out. Xianix teaches students from all levels in a precise and concise manner, she is very professional and explains her techniques in great detail which better improves our knowledge and skills in flamenco. All in all, I highly recommend her class and trust that she won't disappoint. read more

Xianix Barrera is an incredible flamenco teacher. I took her introduction to flamenco for adults in spring 2017 (for about three months) and learned a lot. She would break down each step for hand movements, arm movements, and footwork each class and over time she built on those foundations to create a very fun choreography. She organized a recital at the end of the spring session, which was very positive and impressive - it's amazing how much flamenco someone can learn by taking class once a week for three months! For the record, I had zero previous dance experience of any form and I now feel like a very confident flamenca! Óle! read more

I took flamenco dance lessons years ago, and Xianix made it easy for me to re-enter my studies with confidence and excitement! She is truly dedicated to the art and culture of flamenco, and it shows in her inclusive teaching style and support of her class community. Her classes are the highlight of my week, and the student showcase is a wonderful way to share with friends and family. I highly recommend her class and her professional performances as well--her intense, playful and endearing personality shine through. She is an incredibly creative choreographer as well! Thank you Xianix! read more

I'm a first time flamenca -- and dancer! -- and was really happy that I decided to try something new and take classes with Xianix. You will feel welcome and embraced by the community, no matter your background or experience level. My fellow classmates were all kind and supportive. Xianix is a very experienced teacher AND she brings humor and levity to each class. Best of both worlds. She is highly professional and runs a tight ship! I would recommend her dance studio to anyone who is interested in beginning Flamenco. read more

It is hard to come up with words to accurately describe what an amazing experience it is to be in Xianix's class. I am more of a beginner, but feel very comfortable in her capable hands. She is an incredible dancer and teacher. Xianix takes the time to help people of every level of experience/skill, and makes flamenco so much fun! I am thrilled to learn from her, and always know each class will be a wonderful experience full of joy, excitement, and so much passion! It is an honor to learn from her! read more

I've been studying flamenco off and on for quite some time with many teachers. Xianix is one of the best because she makes it fun while teaching you "the tricks and nuances" of the dance. She's funny and passionate, which is a wonderful combination. I love her bootcamp footwork drills and her "juerga" style circles of palmas and pataitas! She is also such a fantastic dancer -- as I've seen her in action in her many tablao and theater productions. I recommend her highly! read more

Classes with Xianix are really fun, but you also learn a lot along the way. She has a great approach and energy when teaching the class, making all of her students comfortable. I was a complete beginner but had always wanted to take flamenco. From the first day with Xianix, I was hooked and have only wanted to keep going and get better. She's a wonderful dancer with a lot of knowledge in the practice whose charisma and passion make the whole class truly enjoyable! read more

Oh she's good alright; both as an artist and a teacher. She puts you right there in Spain: in the bullring close enough to smell the dust; out harvesting olives; dancing the Sevillanas at a crowded plaza next to the cathedral. It's all heroism and pride, compassion, courage, grief, elan, generosity, joy, precision, confidence, delight and seduction when she dances. And attention and encouragement to all the students, experienced or beginner. Highly recommended, read more

One of the best flamenco teachers in NYC! Xianix is an extremely caring, knowledgeable and patient teacher. Her classes are challenging but in a fun, easygoing way. Aside from being a beautiful professional flamenco dancer, she is a very down-to-earth person. She has helped me enormously with my technique and in particularly with my turns, which has always been a very weak area for me. I would highly recommend her without reservation. read more

Xianix is not only a huge talent, but a great teacher as well. She connects technique with heart and teaches in a way that is super fun, and encouraging, while challenging her students to go to the next level. I took an intro class, not knowing what to expect and now thanks to Xianix my curiosity for flamenco turned into a great passion and what I hope will be a life long study. I cant recommend her classes enough. read more

Xianix is a wonderful and patient teacher that inspires her students to really believe in themselves. Not only an adult absolute beginner flamenco student, but new to dance itself, I could have never thought it possible before meeting Xianix that I would be able to learn anything about flamenco! I am thankful for the inspiration and her time that she gives to her students! She's a real class act! read more

If you haven't taken her class before you're missing out! I have been taking class from Xianix for about two years now and every class I have with her is never a disappointment. She always makes sure we learn something new all the time. She takes her time to break down what she's teaching and answers any questions her students ask her. Thank you for offering your classes Xianix! read more