“Dance is a journey within,
an exploration, and endless discovery. Flamenco gives me the freedom to express depths within me through its rhythms and movement.”
- Ela Razon, Flamenco Dancer and Choreographer
Pamela Razon de Ocampo, nickname Ela Razon, began training in modern dance at the age of 10 in her native Manila, Philippines. She became fascinated with rhythms in her early teens, when she first encountered indigenous tribes, and soon after, witnessed their dance and culture in the northern mountains of the Philippines.
She was later drawn to flamenco upon discovering the art form’s driving rhythms, which sparked the same primal energy that stirred within her in the presence of indigenous people.
Ela moved to the U.S. in 2003, and has since studied and performed extensively with the Arte Flamenco Company under the direction of Natalia Monteleon, where she became company soloist in 2005. She joined the Flamenco Aparicio Company in 2007 and performed in many of Edwin Aparicio’s acclaimed works. Ela also quickly adapted to the unpredictable environment of the tablao, experimenting with new ideas and improvising on stage as a regular performer in the weekly tablao circuit all over Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for over 15 years. Since 2012, she has consistently trained with renowned artist, Mercedes Ruiz, from Jerez, Spain.
In 2016, Ela sought to get close to the art form’s roots and immerse herself in its current pulse by spending time in Seville, Spain. During that period, she learned from masters Juana Amaya, Carmen Ledesma, El Oruco, Miguel El Rubio, and Cristina Hall, enhancing her technique and sensitivity. The experience birthed Ela’s original production, “Dos Almas”, an exploration towards greater freedom, in collaboration with dancer Anna Menendez, guitarist Ricardo Marlow, and singer/percussionist Yiyi Orozco at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C. in 2019.
In September 2022, Ela launched SonDeBaril, an artistic partnership with musician Yiyi Orozco, with the premiere of their full length production, “Evolución”, with support from the Maryland State Arts Council. “Evolución” is about continuance, a tribute to our ancestors, and living THIS MOMENT.
Ela is based in D.C. currently focused on the creative, collaborative, and performance aspects of dance. She has taught flamenco classes at the Arte Flamenco Studio and at The Washington Ballet for their summer intensive program. She also works with Ziva’s Spanish Dance Ensemble and the Washington Performing Arts on various projects, including giving performances to young audiences at schools in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Ela is presently exploring new work and hopes to contribute to the growth of the art form. She continues to enjoy each moment unfolding, and is dedicated to expressing what is unspoken.
