We have ongoing performances at
The Lodge at Santa Fe all season
from July 5-October 8th.
“We are proud that this new interpretation of Flamenco has resonated with our community in Santa Fe and are excited to return to the stage for another season” said La Emi. “Last year, we incorporated more modern elements and were able to introduce traditional Flamenco at a larger scale. This year, we welcome new and returning audience members to join us and embrace their love of Flamenco as our show continues to grow and evolve.”
The show is a combination of the classic style of Flamenco puro and Danza Española, which is a culmination of Flamenco, Ballet and Folklore. Guests will delight in an eye-catching display that captures a range of emotions — love, loss, power and strength. Dancers will don custom frocks handmade by local Santa Fe seamstress Maria Sena, made of fabrics and materials hand-selected by Emi during her time in Spain, and various acts will include props such as bastones (canes), sombreros cordobés (hats), castañuelas (castanets), and hand-made Valencian pericones (fans).
Meet this year's Featured Artists
La Emi began her flamenco journey at the age of four and has emerged as a teacher and performer acclaimed for her artistry and craft.
La Emi started studying flamenco with the María Benítez Institute for Spanish Arts (ISA) when she was four years old and began working with the Institute’s youth company, Flamenco’s Next Generation at the age of 10. Just two years later – when she was only 12 – she started teaching within the Northern New Mexico public school system. She began teaching for Moving Arts Española in 2005 and ISA in 2006.
As a performer, La Emi has danced on stages from New Mexico to Spain, appearing in the production of “El Pintor” at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque (2010), Entreflamenco, the company of Antonio Granjero and Estefania Ramirez, at the Lodge at Santa Fe (2011, 2012 and 2015), Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe (2013, 2014 and 2016) and Compañia Chuscales y Mina Fajardo (2010-2014). She also danced with the National Institute of Flamenco in their Summer Season at the Lodge at Santa Fe in 2017.
In 2011, La Emi was nominated and selected as one of the 12 young and emerging artists in Pasatiempo.
In 2012, she received the Santa Fe Mayor’s Melissa Engestrom Youth Artist Award for Excellence in the Arts.
La Emi studied intensively in Spain with Gala Vivancos, Carmela Greco, La Popi, José Galván, Juana Amaya, Yolanda Heredia, Iván Vargas Heredia, Torombo, Rocio Alcaide Ruiz, Monica Fernandez and many others. She has performed under the direction of Carmela Greco, José Galván, and Torombo and at major venues including the Carmela Greco Seminario de Flamenco y Danza Española and Café de Chinitas in Madrid; Cuevas Los Tarantos in the Sacramonte of Granada and the Teatro Alameda Festival Flamenco in Sevilla.
La Emi founded her non-profit EmiArteFlamenco Academy in 2019 where she continues to teach and is the director. She also performs in many venues throughout the country.
La Emi began her professional career with Heritage Hotels & Resorts in partnership with the National Institute of Flamenco in the summer of 2018 and produced with them a second summer season in 2019. In the fall of 2019, La Emi launched her independent company, with a series of performances at The Lodge at Santa Fe.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
La Emi began her flamenco journey at the age of four and has emerged as a teacher and performer acclaimed for her artistry and craft.
La Emi started studying flamenco with the María Benítez Institute for Spanish Arts (ISA) when she was four years old and began working with the Institute’s youth company, Flamenco’s Next Generation at the age of 10. Just two years later – when she was only 12 – she started teaching within the Northern New Mexico public school system. She began teaching for Moving Arts Española in 2005 and ISA in 2006.
As a performer, La Emi has danced on stages from New Mexico to Spain, appearing in the production of “El Pintor” at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque (2010), Entreflamenco, the company of Antonio Granjero and Estefania Ramirez, at the Lodge at Santa Fe (2011, 2012 and 2015), Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe (2013, 2014 and 2016) and Compañia Chuscales y Mina Fajardo (2010-2014). She also danced with the National Institute of Flamenco in their Summer Season at the Lodge at Santa Fe in 2017.
In 2011, La Emi was nominated and selected as one of the 12 young and emerging artists in Pasatiempo.
In 2012, she received the Santa Fe Mayor’s Melissa Engestrom Youth Artist Award for Excellence in the Arts.
La Emi studied intensively in Spain with Gala Vivancos, Carmela Greco, La Popi, José Galván, Juana Amaya, Yolanda Heredia, Iván Vargas Heredia, Torombo, Rocio Alcaide Ruiz, Monica Fernandez and many others. She has performed under the direction of Carmela Greco, José Galván, and Torombo and at major venues including the Carmela Greco Seminario de Flamenco y Danza Española and Café de Chinitas in Madrid; Cuevas Los Tarantos in the Sacramonte of Granada and the Teatro Alameda Festival Flamenco in Sevilla.
La Emi founded her non-profit EmiArteFlamenco Academy in 2019 where she continues to teach and is the director. She also performs in many venues throughout the country.
La Emi began her professional career with Heritage Hotels & Resorts in partnership with the National Institute of Flamenco in the summer of 2018 and produced with them a second summer season in 2019. In the fall of 2019, La Emi launched her independent company, with a series of performances at The Lodge at Santa Fe.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
From Dixon/Embudo, NM, Vicente is devoted to Cante Flamenco. In 1999, toured internationally with José Greco II and mentored by Alfonso Gabarri, “El Veneno”. Griego is a pupil of guitarist (Jose Valle, Chuscales) and singer, José Fernández. Griego performs with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, and EmiArteFlamenco. He is lead singer in the Rumba Flamenca band, ReVoZo. Griego’s a faculty member in the department of Theatre and Dance at the University of New Mexico
Click here to Read Bio
Meet this year's Featured Artists
From Dixon/Embudo, NM, Vicente is devoted to Cante Flamenco. In 1999, toured internationally with José Greco II and mentored by Alfonso Gabarri, “El Veneno”. Griego is a pupil of guitarist (Jose Valle, Chuscales) and singer, José Fernández. Griego performs with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, and EmiArteFlamenco. He is lead singer in the Rumba Flamenca band, ReVoZo. Griego’s a faculty member in the department of Theatre and Dance at the University of New Mexico
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Carlos Menchaca began dancing at age 9, receiving extensive training in Folklórico Mexicano as well as Ballet and Flamenco. In 2006 he began to work with Yjastros: the American Flamenco Repertory Company in Albuquerque, NM. Menchaca has worked and trained with some of the finest Flamenco artists of this generation and is regularly invited to perform with various internationally acclaimed companies. Currently, Menchaca is a principal dancer in Yjastros, and faculty of the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts as well as the University of New Mexico.
Carlos Menchaca began dancing at age 9, receiving extensive training in Folklórico Mexicano as well as Ballet and Flamenco. In 2006 he began to work with Yjastros: the American Flamenco Repertory Company in Albuquerque, NM. Menchaca has worked and trained with some of the finest Flamenco artists of this generation and is regularly invited to perform with various internationally acclaimed companies. Currently, Menchaca is a principal dancer in Yjastros, and faculty of the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts as well as the University of New Mexico.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Fabian Esquipula Sisneros began his formal training through the National Institute of Flamenco in Alburquerque, NM. He danced with Yjastros, the American Flamenco Repertory Company, under the direction of Joaquin Encinias for seven years, which he credits as the seminal learning experience of his Flamenco career. Fabian is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, majoring in English and Flamenco; he now teaches at the Public Academy for Performing Arts, leading the Flamenco dance program and teaching AP English literature. As an active member of the Flamenco community, Fabian performs regularly and serves as a strong advocate for the arts in education. He lives with his wife, Katrina, a dancer and educator, in the South Valley in Albuquerque with their three children.
Fabian Esquipula Sisneros began his formal training through the National Institute of Flamenco in Alburquerque, NM. He danced with Yjastros, the American Flamenco Repertory Company, under the direction of Joaquin Encinias for seven years, which he credits as the seminal learning experience of his Flamenco career. Fabian is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, majoring in English and Flamenco; he now teaches at the Public Academy for Performing Arts, leading the Flamenco dance program and teaching AP English literature. As an active member of the Flamenco community, Fabian performs regularly and serves as a strong advocate for the arts in education. He lives with his wife, Katrina, a dancer and educator, in the South Valley in Albuquerque with their three children.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Olivia Rojas is a traveling flamenco singer artist. She began her professional career singing choral and Mexican rancheras. In 2004, Olivia began singing flamenco cante and has toured throughout the United States with Calo Flamenco: Ballet de Martin Gaxiola and Chris Burton Jacomé Flamenco Ensemble. She has had the honor of performing at the prestigious Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque during the Albuquerque Flamenco Festivals and has performed with Flamenco Denver, Sachiko “La Chayí” in Minneapolis, DanzArtsSan Diego, EmiArteFlamenco in New Mexico and La Juerga Flamenco Ensemble. She has performed throughout the State of Arizona with Alma Performing Arts, Carlos Montufar – World Dance, Mosaico, Yumi La Rosa Ensemble, Flamenco del Pueblo Viejo and Inspiracion Flamenca. Olivia is owner of Arizona based, Flamenco Por La Vida. She performs in various venues throughout the Valley and Nationwide.
Olivia Rojas is a traveling flamenco singer artist. She began her professional career singing choral and Mexican rancheras. In 2004, Olivia began singing flamenco cante and has toured throughout the United States with Calo Flamenco: Ballet de Martin Gaxiola and Chris Burton Jacomé Flamenco Ensemble. She has had the honor of performing at the prestigious Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque during the Albuquerque Flamenco Festivals and has performed with Flamenco Denver, Sachiko “La Chayí” in Minneapolis, DanzArtsSan Diego, EmiArteFlamenco in New Mexico and La Juerga Flamenco Ensemble. She has performed throughout the State of Arizona with Alma Performing Arts, Carlos Montufar – World Dance, Mosaico, Yumi La Rosa Ensemble, Flamenco del Pueblo Viejo and Inspiracion Flamenca. Olivia is owner of Arizona based, Flamenco Por La Vida. She performs in various venues throughout the Valley and Nationwide.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Born in 1998, Eloy began studying Flamenco with the opening of Tierra Adentro de Nuevo México charter school in 2010. Shortly after, he received a scholarship to the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. Since then, Eloy has dedicated himself to the study of Flamenco guitar while pursuing a degree in liberal and interdisciplinary arts at The University of New Mexico. In February of 2023, Eloy was part of the first American Flamenco company to be invited to perform in the prestigious Festival de Jerez, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. He performs professionally in tablaos and theater productions nationally and throughout New Mexico.
Born in 1998, Eloy began studying Flamenco with the opening of Tierra Adentro de Nuevo México charter school in 2010. Shortly after, he received a scholarship to the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. Since then, Eloy has dedicated himself to the study of Flamenco guitar while pursuing a degree in liberal and interdisciplinary arts at The University of New Mexico. In February of 2023, Eloy was part of the first American Flamenco company to be invited to perform in the prestigious Festival de Jerez, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. He performs professionally in tablaos and theater productions nationally and throughout New Mexico.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Janira started dancing at the age of 5 with Baile Español, a Folklorico group in Santa Fe. Soon thereafter she discovered Flamenco and began studying under María Benítez at the Institute for Spanish Arts. By the time she was 8, Janira was asked to join the group Flamenco’s Next Generation (FNG), a youth company formed in 2002 through the Institute of Spanish Arts. As she continued to perform and cultivate her passion for Flamenco, Janira had the privilege to further her dance and study under well-known Flamenco artists, such as Gala Vivancos, Adela Clara, Juan Siddi, Jose Junco, Antonio Granjero, Ileana Gomez and many others. Janira also performed and studied under Mina Fajardo and Chuscales in Santa Fe. Janira has taught at EmiArteFlamenco Academy and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. Janira continues to cultivate her passion and study Flamenco.
Janira started dancing at the age of 5 with Baile Español, a Folklorico group in Santa Fe. Soon thereafter she discovered Flamenco and began studying under María Benítez at the Institute for Spanish Arts. By the time she was 8, Janira was asked to join the group Flamenco’s Next Generation (FNG), a youth company formed in 2002 through the Institute of Spanish Arts. As she continued to perform and cultivate her passion for Flamenco, Janira had the privilege to further her dance and study under well-known Flamenco artists, such as Gala Vivancos, Adela Clara, Juan Siddi, Jose Junco, Antonio Granjero, Ileana Gomez and many others. Janira also performed and studied under Mina Fajardo and Chuscales in Santa Fe. Janira has taught at EmiArteFlamenco Academy and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. Janira continues to cultivate her passion and study Flamenco.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Cienna is a dancer, artist, and performer at heart. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Chavez stated dancing at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico and The National Institute of Flamenco, where she learned Flamenco was her calling. She has been a part of groups such as Niños and Teeños Flamencos and Young Flamenco Philanthropists. In these groups, she performed for the community and raised money for young dancers to study Flamenco. She has worked with dozens of artists; the one that influenced her the most was Hugo López with his ability to dance freely and genderless, aspects which Cienna desires to incorporate into her art.
Photo Credit: Joel Wigelsworth
Cienna is a dancer, artist, and performer at heart. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Chavez stated dancing at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico and The National Institute of Flamenco, where she learned Flamenco was her calling. She has been a part of groups such as Niños and Teeños Flamencos and Young Flamenco Philanthropists. In these groups, she performed for the community and raised money for young dancers to study Flamenco. She has worked with dozens of artists; the one that influenced her the most was Hugo López with his ability to dance freely and genderless, aspects which Cienna desires to incorporate into her art.
Photo Credit: Joel Wigelsworth
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Madison Olguin started her training in flamenco dance at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico Charter School and the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. In 2019, she won the prestigious Flamenco Vivo’s Certamen in New York. To further her dance studies, Madison attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023. While at UNM, she studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, was a Friends of Dance scholarship recipient, and a part of the UNM Flamenco Dance Ensemble who were chosen to perform at Jacob’s Pillow through the American College Dance Association National Conference. Madison began working as an apprentice with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, where she is now a Corps dancer. In 2023 Madison was recognized as a Princess Grace Award winner in dance performance. Madison has studied under Daniel Doña, Raquel La Repompillas, Juana Amaya, Lidón Patiño, Marco Flores, Valeriano Paños, Rafael Estévez, Carmen Coy, Jesus Perona, Agueda Saavedra, Concha Jareño, Irene La Sentio and many others.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Madison Olguin started her training in flamenco dance at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico Charter School and the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. In 2019, she won the prestigious Flamenco Vivo’s Certamen in New York. To further her dance studies, Madison attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023. While at UNM, she studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, was a Friends of Dance scholarship recipient, and a part of the UNM Flamenco Dance Ensemble who were chosen to perform at Jacob’s Pillow through the American College Dance Association National Conference. Madison began working as an apprentice with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, where she is now a Corps dancer. In 2023 Madison was recognized as a Princess Grace Award winner in dance performance. Madison has studied under Daniel Doña, Raquel La Repompillas, Juana Amaya, Lidón Patiño, Marco Flores, Valeriano Paños, Rafael Estévez, Carmen Coy, Jesus Perona, Agueda Saavedra, Concha Jareño, Irene La Sentio and many others.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Aislin Garica Robertson has been studying Flamenco under La Emi for the last 10 years. Seeking to advance her studies, Aislin started studying at the National Institute of Flamenco. She is a member of the performing group, Flamenco Youth de Santa Fe; and an apprentice to La Emi’s professional company. She continues to do her best to share this gift with her community and next generation of artists.
Aislin Garica Robertson has been studying Flamenco under La Emi for the last 10 years. Seeking to advance her studies, Aislin started studying at the National Institute of Flamenco. She is a member of the performing group, Flamenco Youth de Santa Fe; and an apprentice to La Emi’s professional company. She continues to do her best to share this gift with her community and next generation of artists.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Kyra Murzyn received her BFA in Technical Design and Production with a specialization in Lighting Design from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design in 2018. After completion of her degree, she attended a One-Year Technical Internship at Yale School of Drama, joining the Electrics Department Staff in the MFA program’s 2019-2020 season. Kyra has worked extensively in the Santa Fe Theater community since her arrival in 2014 at venues including the Santa Fe Playhouse, The Lensic Performing Arts Center, and the Santa Fe Opera. In her time on the East Coast, she worked as an Electrician at Longwharf Theater, Hartford Stage, Yale Music Hall, Yale University Theater, and Yale Repertory Theater. Kyra has also worked as Lighting Programmer at Houston Stages as well as the Kranzberg Art Center in St. Louis, MO. Upon returning to Santa Fe in 2020, Kyra was the Technical Director for the National Dance Institute of New Mexico at the Dance Barns. In 2022, she switched roles to her current position as Stage Manager and Internship Program Supervisor at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.
Kyra Murzyn received her BFA in Technical Design and Production with a specialization in Lighting Design from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design in 2018. After completion of her degree, she attended a One-Year Technical Internship at Yale School of Drama, joining the Electrics Department Staff in the MFA program’s 2019-2020 season. Kyra has worked extensively in the Santa Fe Theater community since her arrival in 2014 at venues including the Santa Fe Playhouse, The Lensic Performing Arts Center, and the Santa Fe Opera. In her time on the East Coast, she worked as an Electrician at Longwharf Theater, Hartford Stage, Yale Music Hall, Yale University Theater, and Yale Repertory Theater. Kyra has also worked as Lighting Programmer at Houston Stages as well as the Kranzberg Art Center in St. Louis, MO. Upon returning to Santa Fe in 2020, Kyra was the Technical Director for the National Dance Institute of New Mexico at the Dance Barns. In 2022, she switched roles to her current position as Stage Manager and Internship Program Supervisor at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Sydney Elliot is a recent graduate of New Mexico School for the Arts and will be attending Boston University in the Fall in the Design, Production, and Management core. She is from Raton, New Mexico, and currently lives in Albuquerque. She has been a part of many shows in Santa Fe as a performer, technician, run crew, and stage manager. In her spare time, she collects records, embroiders, and watches tons of movies.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Sydney Elliot is a recent graduate of New Mexico School for the Arts and will be attending Boston University in the Fall in the Design, Production, and Management core. She is from Raton, New Mexico, and currently lives in Albuquerque. She has been a part of many shows in Santa Fe as a performer, technician, run crew, and stage manager. In her spare time, she collects records, embroiders, and watches tons of movies.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Gabriela Pery is a junior at Mandela, an international baccalaureate school in Santa Fe. Gaby is
interested in a STEM career in the future, more specifically in sports medicine. She is a
volunteer at the children’s museum and also enjoys playing volleyball, going on runs, and the
outdoors. Being half Venezuelan, Gaby is also passionate about the rich Hispanic culture; its
music, dance, traditions, and of course, food. Starting new this season, Gabriela is excited to be
part of this incredible flamenco experience.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Gabriela Pery is a junior at Mandela, an international baccalaureate school in Santa Fe. Gaby is
interested in a STEM career in the future, more specifically in sports medicine. She is a
volunteer at the children’s museum and also enjoys playing volleyball, going on runs, and the
outdoors. Being half Venezuelan, Gaby is also passionate about the rich Hispanic culture; its
music, dance, traditions, and of course, food. Starting new this season, Gabriela is excited to be
part of this incredible flamenco experience.