Brianna Austin
BRIANNA's natural talent for rhythms was apparent at an early age. She began her
training with Middle Eastern and Flamenco dance, and shortly thereafter added
percussion to her studies.
She has studied dance with an impressive array of teachers including Myriam Eli,
Serena Ramzy, Virginia, Bozenka, Rachel Brice, Elena Lentini (Middle Eastern),
Leandra La Greca, Omayra Amaya, Joaquin Enciñias, Maria Pages, and Farruquito
(Flamenco). Brianna has also studied dumbek with renowned artists “Sultan of
Swing” Hossam Ramzy, Joe Zeytoonian, and Daveed Korup. Flamenco cajón with
Manuel Soler and Francisco Javier Orozco “Yiyi”, djembe with Jan Sebon, and
conga with Richie Flores.
As a dancer/percussionist, she has performed in south Florida over the past 12
years, as well as in England, Puerto Rico, New York and Texas. She frequently
performs with Bailes Ferrer, Flamencos! Music and Dance Ensemble, and has been a
company member of the Middle Eastern dance troupe Harmonic Motion. Additionally,
Brianna contributes choreography and is a member and soloist for the innovative
dance troupe TranZenDance.
Brianna is a well known performer at the Florida Renaissance Festival, and also
contributes to the local scene giving classes, workshops and lecture
demonstrations. Brianna shared the stage with such renowned artists as Rachel
Brice and John Compton, and taught “Zambra” at Spirit of the Tribes 4. She
appeared with Jill Parker and Heather Stants in “Spellbound”, part of the
“Spark” tour.Some of Brianna’s performances include “Fusion of Indian
Classical Music and Flamenco Music & Dance Concert”, and “Shradhanjali”,
which took place in London, Ace Award and Hola award winning show “Encuentro
de Pies, Tambores, e Faldas” in New York and “ReEncuentro” and “Flamenco
Festival 2005” in Puerto Rico. Together with Erin Harkin she is an artistic
diretor of Masala Middle Eastern Dance Fusion and she currently teaches Middle
Eastern dance at the University Center for the Performing Arts in Davie and
U4ria Dance Studio in Coral Springs.