Paola Santa Cruz was born in Peru into a family of Spanish origin. She initiated her dance training with classic ballet at the age of five. Later begun her flamenco studies with gypsy dancer Pepe Amaya, niece of legendary Carmen Amaya. She has since trained with some of the best dancers in Spain such as Mercedes Ruiz, Rocio Molina, Rafaela Carrasco, Andrés Peña, Domingo Ortega, El Farru, Chiqui de Jerez, Amor Sánchez and Adela Campallo, and in Argentina with Lorena di Prinzio and Fabiana Pouso. Paola formed part of the Company "El Mirabras" in Rome and performed at the famous tablao Cantares in Buenos Aires. Theatre performances include Teatro Olimpico in Rome, Peacock Theatre in London, Teatro Avenida in Buenos Aires, Siri Fort Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, and Instituto Cervantes Auditorium.
In 2009 Paola established the first traditional flamenco school in India introducing this art form to many, including professional Classical Indian dancers. Paola collaborated with the Instituto Cervantes - Nueva Delhi both teaching flamenco dance and regularly performing at the Instituto's Auditorium. Her work in India include her production of India to Spain: A Journey of Gypsies which toured several theatres.
Paola is keen on exploring different forms of fusion with dance forms as diverse as Kathak, Tudor and Barroque. In addition to teaching and performing Paola has worked to introduce flamenco dance as a performing arts into schools.
Paola was invited by the Instituto Cervantes -Embassy of Spain in India- and the Nimrana Foundation to choreograph the ballet of the opera La Vida Breve by Manuel de Falla, which recently premiered in New Delhi.
In recent years, Paola was invited to form part of the Dubai Dance Academy, Dubai where she was a regular teacher. She is currently based in London and Gloucestershire.
