Artist Detail

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Martin Gaxiola

Actor - Choreographer - Dancer - Director - Singer

About the artist: Martín Gaxiola is the founder and artistic director of CALO FLAMENCO: Ballet de Martin Gaxiola, one of the largest flamenco music and dance ensembles in the US and based in Phoenix, AZ. He began studying dance in 1992 and since then has studied flamenco extensively in Spain (Sevilla and Madrid) with such renowned artists as Antonio Granjero, Immaculada Ortega, Juana Amaya, Manolo Marín and in the U.S. with Dini Roman. He gained professional experience performing with such dance companies as Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco (NM), Flamenco Ole! (PA), Flamenco Y Más (AZ), Carlota Santana Spanish Dance Company (NY), Lydia Torea’s Artes Bellas (AZ), ‘Zona Flamenca (AZ), and at such major venues as the Joyce Theater (NY), Phoenix Symphony Hall (AZ); the Majestic Theatre (TX) and Thalia Mara Auditorium (MS). As a featured artist with the National Theater of the Performing Arts, Martín has performed in every state within the continental United States. He was also the principal male dancer in critically-acclaimed productions by the Dallas Opera (2000), Arizona Opera (1994) and Southwest Arts & Entertainment’s “Flamenco Fireworks!” (1995). Martín can be seen in two different PBS television specials: Flamenco, the Emmy award-winning autobiographical feature (KAET-TV Channel 8, AZ: Mike Sauceda, producer), and Flamenco: The Passion of Flamenco Dance, a full-length performance feature produced by Mississippi Public Broadcasting that is in nation-wide HDTV distribution.

Crucial to the development of his own artistic style, Martín sought out instructional and creative opportunities outside of performing. As a teacher, Martín has shared his flamenco artistry in dance classes and lecture demonstrations to children, students and adults across the U.S. and abroad. As a choreographer, he created several original works and full theatrical presentations for various dance companies and solo artists in the U.S. including a commissioned piece for Flamenco Ole! sponsored by Dance Advance (funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts).