Private Events

The Flamenco Company of Columbus is a dynamic group passionate about the art of flamenco. Griset Damas-Roche, a Cuban dancer, lit up the flamenco dance scene in Columbus, Ohio in 2014 and the following year she invited talented musicians Karl Wohlwend and Michael Yonchak to create the company. The authentic Spanish singer Dolores Ramírez joined in 2016.

The passion of Dolores’s voice, the intensity of Griset's dance, the sound of Karl's guitar strings and the rhythmic beat of Michael's cajon merge in performance to create a unique experience for delighted audiences. Though they are a resident company in Columbus, Ohio, the members individually bring a wealth of experience from performing on stages around the globe.

Dolores was born in Seville, Spain, in the cradle of flamenco. She has been singing since she was a little girl, a family tradition in Andalusia. She started singing with her parents, and when she moved to US she brought this art that runs through her veins.

Karl is a guitarist who plays diverse styles in various settings: classical concert halls, playing rock 'n roll, musical theater orchestras, jazz clubs, Irish pubs and Flamenco shows. He has degrees in classical guitar performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of South Carolina. Karl is in high demand as a freelance artist and music teacher in central Ohio.

Michael Yonchak, percussionist, is an Associate Professor at Otterbein University and a versatile  musician. He is able to play several percussion instruments, including the “Cajon Flamenco”, a very hard-to-play instrument coming from Peru and introduced in Flamenco by the world famous guitarist Paco de Lucia.

Griset, a dancer with more than 25 years of experience in Flamenco has also developed her career as a choreographer and teacher. She was a soloist for Ballet Espanol de La Habana, and served as director and choreographer for several companies in Colombia. She lived there for 17 and enjoyed a prominent career there. She now has her own dance studio in Plain City, OH, dedicated to Flamenco instruction (http://www.uwilldance.com).

The Flamenco Company of Columbus has performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and also with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. They have performed in numerous festivals, schools, libraries, universities, and private parties. They frequently appear in Columbus restaurants with their show, “Tablao Flamenco,” sharing their passion for the exciting art of flamenco.