Rene Heredia

Teaches at BVSD Lifelong Learning

René and his flamenco guitar have been together for so many years that there seems to be no separation of the two. He began his training with his father, a Gitano Puro (pure Gypsy). René was taught the rudiments of flamenco guitar and Spanish gypsy dance as a boy. René remembers that as a child his parents’ home was always full of flamencos such as Carlos Montoya, Vicente Escudero, Mario Escudero, José Greco’s dance company, Carmen Amaya, Sabicas, and La Chunga and her company. They were all close friends of his father, José Heredia, and his family. Sabicas would help to teach René the secrets of flamenco at his mother’s kitchen table. René studied classical guitar for three and half years in Paris France with Antonio Francisco Serra a student of Emilo Pujol.  

René Heredia is the only living artist in the United States from the Carmen Amaya era. When he was just seventeen years old Carmen Amaya selected him to be her lead guitarist. Carmen Amaya (1913 – 1963) is considered by many to be one of the greatest flamenco dancers, or “bailaoras,” who ever lived giving her own definition to the art of flamenco.  

He toured with her for many years and he is the only person who can teach you the “Carmen Amaya Alegrías.” He remembers all the techniques of Carmen and specializes in the Alegrías. To learn “Flamenco Puro”, contact René.