Contreras Flamenco Arts
Join us at CFA at our studio
in Santa Barbara to dance,
grow, and be inspired
Contreras Flamenco Arts
Join us at CFA at our studio
in Santa Barbara to dance,
grow, and be inspired
Owner/Director - Jesalyn Contreras McCollum
The Owner and Director of CFA, Jesalyn Contreras McCollum, embarked on her Flamenco dance journey at the age of 3. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara where she was trained by Linda Vega, Maria Bermudez and Manuel Gutierrez. A Flamenco artist for 20 years and Flamenco teacher for 7 years, Jesalyn has participated in Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days Fiesta for the past 17 years. She was honored to represent the city as the 2012 Junior Spirit and the 2018 Spirit of Fiesta. Her love for Flamenco has inspired her to travel to Spain many times to study with world-renowned artists such as Mercedes De Córdoba, Manuel Liñán, Miguel Heredia and Adela Campallo. To continue her growth as a dancer, she attended the University of New Mexico to study flamenco with the Encinias family, and is currently working on a degree in Flamenco. Her artistry and expertise in Flamenco have led her to perform across the country in professional productions, private events, and dance companies. These opportunities led Jesalyn to be invited to perform at Jacobs Pillow with her college ensemble in 2023. Jesalyn is known as a knowledgeable and inspiring teacher, whose deep understanding of Flamenco arts empowers students to grow, thrive, and find their own unique voice and creative style. Her lifelong dream of operating her own studio and teaching future generations of dancers has brought her back to her roots in Santa Barbara, to create a safe and inviting Flamenco studio for all.