Tickets Are
Available
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Santa Fe
Eldorado Hotel
Santa Fe
Hotel Encanto
Las Cruces
Old Martinez hall
taos - 9/5/2026
Amor, Quejío y Vuelo
An emotional journey told through the universal language of feeling, this performance uses the raw passion of song, dance, and guitar to follow a woman’s profound transformation: falling deeply in love, enduring the shattering grief of heartbreak, and ultimately discovering her own fierce inner strength. This production is called: Amor, Quejío y Vuelo (love, lament, flight)
The stage comes alive with powerful contrasts—searching glances, the heavy silence of absence, the warmth of shared memories, and a hope that refuses to die. It is an intense, moving experience that invites the audience to see their own reflections in every emotion, swept away by the truth and beauty of Flamenco. This vibrant spectacle is a deeply moving celebration of love, resilience, and the triumph of the human soul.
This performance will have a two-week summer and fall season at The Inn and Spa at Loretto, a performance at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces as well as Martinez Hall in Taos and we will close the year with a week of performances at The Eldorado Hotel and Spa.
LA Emi
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. At age 12, she started teaching within the Northern New Mexico public school system. She continued her love of teaching as an instructor at Moving Arts Española in 2005 and ISA in 2006.
La Emi has danced with Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe, Compañía Chuscales y Mina Fajardo, and EntreFlamenco, the company of Antonio Granjero and Estefania Ramirez. She also danced with the National Institute of Flamenco in their Summer Season at the Lodge at Santa Fe. She annually tours with The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Nutcracker since 2015.
La Emi studied intensively in Spain with Gala Vivancos, Carmela Greco, Belén López, Mónica Fernández, La Choni, Anabel Moreno, and La Popi. 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 Sacromonte of Granada and the Teatro Alameda Festival Flamenco in Sevilla. She is also is the founder and executive director at EmiArteFlamenco Academy whose mission is to empower children and adults through the art form of Flamenco.
Meet this year's Featured Artists
LA Emi
Meet this year's Featured Artists
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. At age 12, she started teaching within the Northern New Mexico public school system. She continued her love of teaching as an instructor at Moving Arts Española in 2005 and ISA in 2006.
La Emi has danced with Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe, Compañía Chuscales y Mina Fajardo, and EntreFlamenco, the company of Antonio Granjero and Estefania Ramirez. She also danced with the National Institute of Flamenco in their Summer Season at the Lodge at Santa Fe. She annually tours with The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Nutcracker since 2015.
La Emi studied intensively in Spain with Gala Vivancos, Carmela Greco, Belén López, Mónica Fernández, La Choni, Anabel Moreno, and La Popi. 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 Sacromonte of Granada and the Teatro Alameda Festival Flamenco in Sevilla. She is also is the founder and executive director at EmiArteFlamenco Academy whose mission is to empower children and adults through the art form of Flamenco.
VICENTE GRIEGO
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Vicente Griego “El Cartucho” From Dixon/Embudo, NM, Vicente has devoted his life to the study of Cante Flamenco. In 1999, he toured internationally with Jośe Greco II and was mentored by Alfonso Gabarri, “El Veneno.” Griego is a pupil of guitarist Jośe Valle and singer Jośe Fernández. Griego performs with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, and EmiArteFlamenco. He is lead singer in the rumba Flamenca band ReVóZo. Griego is also a faculty member at the University of New Mexico’s Theater and Dance Department.
“EL CARTUCHO”
Musical Director/Singer
Click here to Read Bio
Singer / Co-director
“EL CARTUCHO”
VICENTE GRIEGO
Meet this year's Featured Artists
VICENTE GRIEGO
Vicente Griego “El Cartucho” From Dixon/Embudo, NM, Vicente has devoted his life to the study of Cante Flamenco. In 1999, he toured internationally with Jośe Greco II and was mentored by Alfonso Gabarri, “El Veneno.” Griego is a pupil of guitarist Jośe Valle and singer Jośe Fernández. Griego performs with Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, and EmiArteFlamenco. He is lead singer in the rumba Flamenca band ReVóZo. Griego is also a faculty member at the University of New Mexico’s Theater and Dance Department.
JOSÉ JUNCO
Meet this year's Featured Artists
José Junco was born in Madrid, Spain, and began his dance training at The age of 15 at escuela Esther Escudero. His first work was with Paco Romero touring throughout Europe and Raphael Aguilar, Carmen Cortés, Tomás de Madrid, José Granero touring throughout Africa, and the Far East. He performed at the prestigious tablao Café de Chinitas in Madrid. He also performed in the production of Maja de Goya directed by Vicente Escrivá.
In the U.S. he has danced with the company of María Benítez at the Joyce Theater in 2000, José Greco, Carlota Santana, Flamenco Vivo, and appeared as a guest artist in La Traviata, La Vida Breve, El Amor Brujo, and Carmen with the company Rosita Segovia for The Greater Miami Opera. He also performed with The Baltimore Opera playing the role of Toreador in La Traviata. He appeared at The Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami in the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical Song and Dance as one of the leading male roles. he works with The Company Ole-Ole and RCCL as choreographer and Guest Artist, with Andrea del Conte for 3 years dancing and choreographing in New York and with siempre Flamenco company.
Choreographer/Soloist
José Junco was born in Madrid, Spain, and began his dance training at The age of 15 at escuela Esther Escudero. His first work was with Paco Romero touring throughout Europe and Raphael Aguilar, Carmen Cortes, Thomas De Madrid, José Granero touring throughout Africa, and the Far East. He performed at the prestigious tablao Cafe de Chinitas in Madrid. During this time as well as dancing at the production of Maja de Goya directed by Vicente Escriba.
In the U.S. he was dancing with the company of Maria Benitez Joyce Theater 2000 and Santa Fe New Mexico season 2000). José Greco (In San Francisco, Austin Texas and Johannesburg in South Africa), Carlota Santana Flamenco Vivo, and appeared as Guest Artist in La Traviata, La Vida Breve, El Amor Brujo, and Carmen with the company Rosita Segovia for The Greater Miami Opera. He also performed with The Baltimore Opera playing the role of Toreador in La Traviata. He appeared at The Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami in the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical Song and Dance as one of the leading male roles. he works with The Company Ole-Ole and RCCL as choreographer and Guest Artist, with Andrea del Conte for 3 years dancing and choreographing in New York and with siempre Flamenco company.
JOSÉ JUNCO
Eddie Garcia
Santa Fe native Eddie Garcia received his first drum kit at around the age of 3 and has had a passion for music ever since. At first a self-taught drummer, it was his love of music that built the foundation of his playing. His versatility and strong work ethic are what have gained him several opportunities in the music industry. Over the years, his experiences range from touring the Globe and working as a session drummer. Artists include Bill Champlin, Pointer Sisters, David Cassidy, Lou Rawls and the list is infinite.
Percussion
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Santa Fe native Eddie Garcia received his first drum kit at around the age of 3 and has had a passion for music ever since. At first a self-taught drummer, it was his love of music that built the foundation of his playing. His versatility and strong work ethic are what have gained him several opportunities in the music industry. Over the years, his experiences range from touring the Globe and working as a session drummer. Artists include Bill Champlin, Pointer Sisters, David Cassidy, Lou Rawls and the list is infinite.
DANIEL Azcarate
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Daniel Azcarate is an American-born Flamenco singer, who is currently based in Seattle. He is known for his soulful voice and captivating stage presence. Azcarate studied Cante at the famed school Fundación Cristina Heeren in Sevilla, Spain. He has toured with various Flamenco companies in Japan, Canada and the U.S. Azcarate continues to perform and teach domestically and internationally. He is currently recording a new album inspired by his journey in Flamenco.
Click here to Read Bio
SINGER
Daniel Azcarate is an American-born Flamenco singer, who is currently based in Seattle. He is known for his soulful voice and captivating stage presence. Azcarate studied Cante at the famed school Fundación Cristina Heeren in Sevilla, Spain. He has toured with various Flamenco companies in Japan, Canada and the U.S. Azcarate continues to perform and teach domestically and internationally. He is currently recording a new album inspired by his journey in Flamenco.
Misael Barraza-Díaz
Misael Barraza-Diaz began playing Flamenco guitar as a self-taught musician at an early age. His hunger and devotion towards the andalucian art form led him to study in Spain several times. In 2010, Misael was awarded first prize at the Concurso Nacional de Flamenco in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the prestigious Festival Flamenco Alburquerque. Since then, the artist has developed a career both as a soloist and as an accompanist. Misael is currently involved in the recording and production of multiple albums, but is extremely pleased to be able to present his latest CD “El Camino Forjado” (2023).
Guitarist
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Misael Barraza-Diaz began playing Flamenco guitar as a self-taught musician at an early age. His hunger and devotion towards the andalucian art form led him to study in Spain several times. In 2010, Misael was awarded first prize at the Concurso Nacional de Flamenco in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the prestigious Festival Flamenco Alburquerque. Since then, the artist has developed a career both as a soloist and as an accompanist. Misael is currently involved in the recording and production of multiple albums, but is extremely pleased to be able to present his latest CD “El Camino Forjado” (2023).
Olivia
Rojas
Singer
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Olivia Rojas is the Director of Flamenco Por La Vida and 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 Festival Flamenco Alburquerque, and with EmiArteFlamenco in Santa Fe, NM. 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. Flamenco Por La Vida performs regularly at Crescent Ballroom and offers Lecture Demonstrations throughout the Phoenix area.
Olivia Rojas is the Director of Flamenco Por La Vida and 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 Festival Flamenco Alburquerque, and with EmiArteFlamenco in Santa Fe, NM. 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. Flamenco Por La Vida performs regularly at Crescent Ballroom and offers Lecture Demonstrations throughout the Phoenix area.
JANIRA CORDOVA
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Janira started dancing at the age of five with Baile Español, a Folklórico group in Santa Fe. Soon thereafter, she discovered Flamenco and began studying under María Benítez at the Institute for 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, José Junco, Antonio Granjero, Ileana Gómez and many others. Janira has taught at EmiArteFlamenco Academy and continues to cultivate her passion and study Flamenco.
Core dancer
Janira started dancing at the age of five with Baile Español, a Folklórico group in Santa Fe. Soon thereafter, she discovered Flamenco and began studying under María Benítez at the Institute for 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, José Junco, Antonio Granjero, Ileana Gómez and many others. Janira has taught at EmiArteFlamenco Academy and continues to cultivate her passion and study Flamenco.
Aislin Robertson
Aislin Garcia Robertson began her Flamenco training at the age of 8 with Maria Benitez, where she met her longtime teacher and mentor,
La Emi. She later continued her studies at EmiArteFlamenco Academy and has been training with La Emi for the past 13 years. At age 16, Aislin joined La Emi's professional company as an apprentice, and in December 2023, she became a core member of EmiArteFlamenco. She performs regularly throughout New Mexico and is committed to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of flamenco within her community.
Aislin also teaches at EmiArteFlamenco Academy. She continues to share her passion for flamenco with her community and the next generation of artists.
Core Dancer
Meet this year's Featured Artists
Aislin Garcia Robertson began her Flamenco training at the age of 8 with Maria Benitez, where she met her longtime teacher and mentor, La Emi.
She later continued her studies at EmiArteFlamenco Academy and has been training with La Emi for the past 13 years. At age 16, Aislin joined La Emi's professional company as an apprentice, and in December 2023, she became a core member of EmiArteFlamenco. She performs regularly throughout New Mexico and is committed to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of flamenco within her community.
Aislin also teaches at EmiArteFlamenco Academy. She continues to share her passion for flamenco with her community and the next generation of artists.
