About Martita Santiago

 Martita started dancing Flamenco and Spanish Classical professionally as a solo act in 1954. She has been exciting audiences with her unique style throughout the U.S. for over 50 years. She has appeared at the San Francisco Opera House, the Marc Hopkins, Jack Tarr, Casa Madrid, St. Francis Hotel, the Oregon State Fair, Kezar Stadium, the Phoenix Festival, to name just a few venues.

She has played at fund raisers and social events too numerous to mention. Her professional career includes tours with the USO and she has danced many times for the disabled and recovering soldiers at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco. Martita was a star for the Red Cross USO Entertainment Branch for several years in the 1960's and was invited to perform for John Kennedy in 1962 at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium.

As a young lady she studied at and performed with the San Francisco Academy of Ballet under Gabriel Del Oro, renowned choreographer and instructor for the Bolshoi Ballet in the 1930's. Her studies also included classes with the fabulous Lolita and Jose of the inimitable Cansino's (Rita Hayworth's family).

Her performances include billing with the fabulous Cruz Luna and Sisters and the incomparable Carlos Montoya.

Since 1966 to the present day Martita has continued to develop her Spanish and Caribbean dance styles, teaching and performing while raising eight wonderful children with her spouse David. Although her professional career has been somewhat limited due to family responsibilities, she has opened three studios dedicated to Spanish and Caribbean dance, (Family Tree Dance Studio in Miranda California in the 1970's, Bailar Dance Studio in Eugene, Oregon in 1995 through 2011 and now Eugene Flamenco Arts). She has continues to dance  at civic and private functions thus keeping her entertainment skills at a very high level.

As well as dancing her signature solo numbers, Martita dances with her Flamenco troupe, Flamenco Chico. Her shows represents the Gypsy spirit of Flamenco, a veritable treat for the eyes and ears.

Martita started her dance studios with the hope of passing her knowledge and grace of her craft on to future generations of dancers and performers.

Watch her dance. See the passion and beauty of her expressions and movements. This is entertainment that you won't want to miss!