THE TEACHER AND DIRECTOR

Griset Damas-Roche was born in Havana, Cuba. She studied the Ballet Career at the Superior Institute of Art and then entered the Spanish Ballet of Havana where she performed for five years with this world renowned company.

In 1998 Damas-Roche moved to Bogotá, Colombia and thus began her own choreographic and teaching legacy. During this time she taught flamenco to over 3,500 students. For 15 years she lead her successful company, Caña Flamenca, and she continued to be a soloist collaborating with many flamenco companies in this country. At the same time, Griset had the privilege of dancing in the most important theaters in Colombia. She also directed and choreographed such outstanding works as “A ritmo de Maria”, “Salir del Paraíso” and “Castañuelas, cuerdas y tacones”. As a dancer, Griset was soloist in “Bolero” by Maestro Antonio Canales. She also performed with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogota.

In 2014, Damas-Roche moved to Columbus, Ohio with her family. She was impressed with the growing arts community and wanted to contribute her expertise to such an esteemed community.  Initially, she taught for the established Flamenco del Corazón school. Her passion for Flamenco dovetailed beautifully with this school and she was able to continue it’s legacy into what is now U Will Dance Studio.

Griset was quickly embraced by the Columbus Arts Community and was invited to join the Columbus Makes Art campaign. The privilege of this recognition led her to perform with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Princeton Symphony Orchestra.  Griset is the guest flamenco instructor at Ballet Met’s Intensive Summer program as well as many other central Ohio dance schools. In November 2019, she was the Guest Artist on TEDxColumbus Spark. 

Damas is very proud to be the Director of the Flamenco Company of Columbus.

Damas-Roche is very passionate about dance and the arts.  She is grateful to all the great teachers who influenced her career. She continues to study with master teachers annually at Albuquerque Flamenco Festival as well as intensive dance programs in Spain.