One of the best, and sometimes unexpected, gifts flamenco gives us is friendship. 

I’ve met and become friends with many incredible people along my flamenco journey;

I know you have as well.

Friendships that begin in the studio and blossom outside of it.

Sadly, the Portland community has lost a beautiful flamenca, Pam Norris, after an extended illness.

Pam, “La Pamela,” was one of my first flamenco friends. 

Pam had a huge heart.

She loved movement and all kinds of dance. 

When I first met Pam I was working as an instructional assistant planning special activities for the kids and families. We hired Pam to come and give a creative movement class. The kids adored her, and it was so much fun.

Pam loved flamenco, and she LOVED playing castanets. 

It’s hard to believe that just two months ago she, Stefani, and I were playing castanets together in her family room talking about when she’d be able to come back to class. 

Pam inspired us all with her love of movement and her infectious energy. 

She was one of those people who made you feel good.

Pam was FUN.

Having a fiesta? Pam was there. (And more often than not, Pam was the one having the party.)

Our community will not be the same without Pamela.

Rest in peace, amiga.