New Mexico’s very own Flamenco artist, La Emi, is returning to the Benitez Cabaret stage, at the Lodge of Santa Fe, this summer. Collaborating with top choreographers, Gala Vivancos from Madrid, and Eloy Aguilar from Granada, the showcase will also feature special guest appearances by Vicente Griego and his Rumba Flamenca band, ReVóZo. The Flamenco summer showcase at the Benitez Cabaret will run July 5 – October 8, 2023.
A Spectacular Showcase
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).
“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.”
About La Emi
A prominent performer, teacher and organizer in the state, New Mexico native La Emi began studying the art of Flamenco with the Maria Benitez Institute for Spanish Arts (ISA) at the age of four. In 2014, La Emi founded her own dance company, EmiArteFlamenco, and in 2017, she founded both EmiArteFlamenco Academy, a school for students of all ages, and Flamenco Youth de Santa Fe, a children’s company that performs for communities all around New Mexico.
In addition to performing at venues across the country, La Emi has traveled to Spain since 2013 to study intensively with notable dancers like Gala Vivancos, Carmela Greco, Belén López, Mónica Fernández, Anabel Moreno, and La Popi, and performed in major venues and events in Madrid, Granada and Seville. La Emi has received recognition for her talent and work through the years, including Santa Fe Mayor’s Melissa Engestrom Youth Artist Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2012, and was selected as one of 12 young and emerging artists in Pasatiempo. In the summer of 2018, La Emi launched her professional career with Heritage Hotels, producing performances at the Benitez Cabaret at The Lodge at Santa Fe.
About Heritage Hotels & Resorts
Founded by Jim Long in 2005, Heritage Hotels & Resorts is a collection of culturally distinct hotels in New Mexico and is the largest independent hotel brand in New Mexico. Through their architecture, interior design, landscaping, cuisine, art, entertainment and music, Heritage Hotels & Resorts provide guests with a rich, authentic cultural experience. Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, Hotel Chaco and The Clyde Hotel are located in Albuquerque, NM; Hotel St. Francis, Eldorado Hotel & Spa, Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe and Inn and Spa at Loretto are located in Santa Fe, NM; Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is located in Las Cruces, NM; and El Monte Sagrado and Palacio de Marquesa are located in Taos, NM.
The La Emi Flamenco summer series will run Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m. A Sunday matinee will be presented at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:15 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased through HoldMyTicket. For more information about La Emi, visit her website. For more information on The Lodge at Santa Fe, visit their website.
This article was posted by David Salcido
