Silvia Duran

Silvia Duran

Silvia was born into a family of musicians in South Africa. She was an accomplished pianist by the age of 12 when she saw the great Spanish dancer Antonio performing in Johannesburg. There and then she decided on her future, and, after studying Spanish dance and classical ballet in South Africa she journeyed to Spain. In Spain she studied with the great teachers of the day.

Silvia has performed as soloist in the world's most prestigious theatres with the foremost Spanish dance companies: Antonio, Luisillo, Fernando Belmonte, Paco Ruiz and Carmen Rojas and EXPOTUR the official representation of Spanish Culture together with Jose Antonio.

She performed as soloist at the famed Tablao Flamenco CAFÉ DE CHINITAS in Madrid at the side of famous legends of flamenco: Rosario, El Farruco, Matilde Coral, La Chunga, Carmen Mora, Mario Maya , El Guito to mention just a few.

In October 1973 Silvia visited Israel as a volunteer during the Yom Kippur war, performing for the soldiers in hospitals and at the front. This experience led to her decision to return to Israel as a new immigrant in 1975.

Since her aliya, she has created 5 solo programmes performing all over Israel with Omanut Laam. In 1977 she established the first Spanish Dance School in Israel with the great ANTONIO "El Bailarin" as Patron and, soon after, the first Israeli Spanish Dance Company, training all the well-known names in Israeli Flamenco.

She is recognized as a Pioneer of Spanish dance in Israel. Her School and Company are recognized by the Israel Ministry of Culture, the Spanish Embassy in Israel and the Cervantes Institute. She is also a member of the Israel Choreographers Association.

Today, Silvia continues to teach and direct in her School where her syllabus is recognized and approved by the great Antonio "El Bailarin". She gives lectures and master classes all over Israel and worldwide.

For information on her awards and achievements, please visit her website: www.silviaduran.co.il