Victoria Dougherty

Rina is truly a gifted teacher with tremendous knowledge, skill and PATIENCE to train dancers technically while also encouraging them to embrace and develop their individual style — and always in a welcoming, supportive, and FUN class environment! I’m so thankful I chose to begin my flamenco journey with Rina and I’m eager to continue it with her.

I have studied flamenco with many teachers. But it is only when I started taking classes from Rina that all the pieces fell into place.  Her choreography and fiery style match my personality and for the first time, I could envision the dancer I want to become. With Rina’s and my flamenca classmates’ warm support, I had a blast performing for the first time this fall.

Is it crazy to drive from Encino to Torrance three times a week for flamenco? No, and here is the reason why. Rina is a gifted teacher who brings out the best in each student. She is patient, breaking down movement, explaining the nuances of attitude and aire, challenging us to feel it and to dance! And what I enjoy is the opportunity to perform in our student shows. Rina’s passion for flamenco, her skill as a dancer, her enthusiasm as a teacher translate to growth and confidence in her students.

Is it crazy to drive from Encino to Torrance three times a week for flamenco? No, and here is the reason why.

When I started my flamenco adventure I was taking classes from a series of teachers nearer to where I live. Two years in, I was ready for something more. I wasn’t progressing, the desire was there but I was stuck. When Rina started teaching at Boogiezone in Torrance it was time for me to commit to the drive and see what would happen.  That was 5+ years ago, and I have never looked back. What I found in Torrance was a welcoming environment and a sisterhood of committed fellow flamenco travelers who offer support and friendship. But most of all (and we all would agree on this) it’s Rina. Rina is a gifted teacher who brings out the best in each student. She is patient, breaking down movement, explaining the nuances of attitude and aire, challenging us to feel it and to dance! And what I enjoy is the opportunity to perform in our student shows. Learning all the choreographies, planning the costumes, rehearsing, the nervousness and the excitement! Rina’s passion for flamenco, her skill as a dancer, her enthusiasm as a teacher translate to growth and confidence in her students. I look forward to every class!
Amen.

I have studied flamenco with many teachers.  From each and everyone, I learned valuable lessons, all crucial in the formation of a flamenca.  But it is only when I started taking classes from Rina that all the pieces fell into place.  Her choreography and fiery style match my personality and for the first time, I could envision the dancer I want to become.

Never a technician, I have steadily become stronger to the point that now it is a thrill to tackle new choreography and footwork.

With Rina’s and my flamenca classmates’ warm support, I had a blast performing for the first time this fall.  It was really so much fun! Ole!

After a year-and-a-half of classes with Rina, I was able to perform my first full-length solo — something I couldn’t have imagined when I started. Now, after six years, I’ve become a much stronger dancer solely because of her teaching, advice, and the performance opportunities she’s given me. Rina is truly a gifted teacher with tremendous knowledge, skill and PATIENCE to train dancers technically while also encouraging them to embrace and develop their individual style — and always in a welcoming, supportive, and FUN class environment! I’m so thankful I chose to begin my flamenco journey with Rina and I’m eager to continue it with her.