Daniel Alejandro Garcia is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Dance, with a focus in flamenco choreography, at the University of New Mexico. Originally from Edinburg, Texas, Daniel is a dancer, choreographer, educator, and emerging artist whose work is rooted in tradition, artistry, and community. Daniel has been dancing flamenco for nine years and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance with a concentration in Modern and Flamenco Technique from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

During his time at UTRGV, Daniel served as Rehearsal Assistant for Ballet Español, the university’s flamenco company, under Sonia Chapa-Gomez, where he supported rehearsals and the development of the company’s work. He also assisted a Dance Performance course by creating and teaching contemporary choreographies throughout the Spring 2024 semester. These experiences strengthened his passion for both performance and dance education.

Daniel has had the opportunity to further his flamenco training internationally through two trips to Madrid, Spain. During his first visit, he trained with distinguished artists including Daniel Caballero, Nerea Carrasco, Yoel Vargas, and renowned flamenco artist Concha Jareño. With Maestra Jareño, Daniel learned a Bamberas choreography that Ballet Español later presented and was adjudicated at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) conference in Austin, Texas, in 2024. That following summer, Daniel returned to Madrid to participate in Veranos Flamencos, a renowned month-long program dedicated to intensive flamenco technique courses. There, he had the opportunity to study with acclaimed artists including Belén López, José Maya, David Paniagua, Olga Pericet, Manuel Liñán, as well as Veranos Flamencos directors Alfonso Losa and María Juncal. These experiences have deepened his understanding of flamenco while allowing him to engage directly with artists and traditions at the heart of the form.

Daniel carries with him a deep sense of gratitude for his late flamenco mentor and professor, Sonia Chapa-Gomez, whose guidance, and passion introduced him to the extraordinary beauty of flamenco dance. Her influence continues to inspire his artistic journey, teaching, choreography, and commitment to sharing flamenco with future generations. He plans to continue expanding the presence of flamenco within higher education while honoring the cultural and artistic traditions that have shaped his practice. Following graduation, Daniel will pursue a career teaching flamenco at the collegiate level. Ultimately, he hopes to return to his hometown of Edinburg to share his knowledge, experiences, and love of flamenco with the community that shaped him.