An Orange County flamenco dance program is teaching students not only how to dance, but also about a folk art form that is part of the cultural heritage of Spain.

Laura Gutierrez Vila, founder of Laviva Flamenco, said that dancing and flamenco are more than her passion; it's her lifestyle.

The 46-year-old is from a small village outside Valencia, Spain, and began dancing at 4 years old -- eventually becoming a professional ballet, modern, and flamenco dancer.

"I was with a lot of different companies, and touring around the world," Vila said.

Flamenco is an art form from southern Spain that combines passionate dance with complex rhythms. Vila says it pulls elements from a lot of different cultures from around the world.

Its origins trace back to those who passed through Spain over thou

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