A guitarist strums a Spanish melody as the vocalist sings with intense passion. Suddenly, a percussive sound fills the room. A female dancer appears on the stage, dressed in a flowing, red ruffled gown, gracefully raises her arms above her head and begins to snap her fingers. The staccato drumming of her feet quickens to a frenzied pace as she stamps across the wooden floor in a series of turns and flowing arm movements. This is just one example of the many types of rhythmic footwork and dance routines you can expect to see when watching flamenco, the fiery, expressive dance of Spain.
Tourism Santa Fe
El Flamenco Cabaret
Luckily, Spain is not the only destination where you can see flamenco performances that reflect the culture of their Andalusian origins. In the United States, the famous dance form is deeply rooted in New Mexico, recognized as the flamenco heart of the country with Albuquerque and Santa Fe showcasing some of the best flamenco performances and artists in the world.
Spanish heritage has been passed on from generation to generation ever since explorers commissioned by the king of Spain traveled north from Mexico in the late 16th century to establish settlements within the territory of New Mexico. They brought with them parts of their culture to include music and dance. Spain declared Santa Fe the capital of the region in 1610. To this day it remains the capital of New Mexico and is the oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the United States.
Tourism Santa Fe
El Flamenco Cabaret
Estefania Ramirez, co-director and principal dancer along with Antonio Granjero, artistic director and celebrated dancer, manage EntreFlamenco, the longest running non-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of the art of flamenco in the Santa Fe community. In addition to producing up to 200 flamenco shows a year featuring world-class artists at El Flamenco Cabaret located on the historic plaza, they provide outreach flamenco dance classes and cultural activities for the local community.
When explaining Santa Fe’s connection with its Spanish heritage, Ramirez says,
“Santa Fe was founded by seven Spanish families, so there has always been an embrace of Spanish culture.”
She mentions since the late 1960s, the capital city was the first community in the Southwest that featured continuous flamenco dance performance as a cultural destination or attraction. Ramirez credits the pioneering efforts of the late Maria and Cecilio Benitez, legendary international flamenco artists, who were instrumental in bringing the artistry of flamenco to the attention of American audiences as well as making Santa Fe the home base for their acclaimed flamenco production and dance studio, the Maria Benitez Institute for Spanish Arts (ISA).
Daniel Quat Photography
La Emi
When she was four years old, local Santa Fe flamenco star, La Emi (aka Emi Grimm) of Emi Arte Flamenco, began flamenco instruction with Maria Benitez at ISA. At 10 years old she was invited to join the Youth Company, Flamenco’s Next Generation. She remembers Maria Benitez urging youth members to give it their all and to dance with their heart. “She always told youth members before performances, 'fire and passion!'"
Flash forward to the present, now the accomplished flamenco artist is the founder and executive director of Emi Arte Flamenco Academy, who like others before her carries on the educational enrichment of flamenco started by Maria and Cecilio Benitez. Her mission? To promote the history and culture of flamenco in Santa Fe. Exciting, choreographed flamenco performances presented by La Emi’s company feature local and international flamenco artists throughout the year at El Dorado Hotel & Spa.
As interest in the Spanish art form grew, so did the emergence of flamenco dance in other New Mexico communities such as Albuquerque.
Not only does the state produce some of the finest flamenco artists in the country but it is a huge draw to acclaimed international flamenco artists. Each June, Albuquerque hosts the largest flamenco festival outside of Spain. This year's Festival Flamenco Alburquerque (yes, the spelling is correct) will be June 19-27, 2026. Also, The University of New Mexico’s Department of Theater and Dance is the only dance program in the world with a flamenco concentration in a degree program. Plus, The National Institute of Flamenco makes its home in Albuquerque. The art form is a beautiful example of the enduring Spanish culture in New Mexico that's easily accessible to visitors.
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Emi Arte Flamenco Academy
La Emi with young dancers
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New Mexico True
Flamenco Festival NHCC
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New Mexico Tourism Department
Tablao
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Visit Albuquerque
Casa Flamenca
Whether you are a first-timer or a long-time flamenco enthusiast the performances will keep you riveted to every movement. La Emi recommends keeping your eye on the improvisational elements between the performers. She says, “the three elements in flamenco are singing, guitar and dance. During performances you can see the artists communicating (through their playing, singing and dancing), and depending on what they do decides what comes next!”
Flamenco can be enjoyed in a variety of ways from attending festivals, public exhibitions, dinner shows and dance concerts, dance lessons and music lessons.
Where to see flamenco in New Mexico
Albuquerque
Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque: Friday and Saturday night dinner shows, Sunday matinees
Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company: In residence at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Theatre and Dance with flamenco performances throughout the year
Casa Flamenca Albuquerque: Year-round tablao flamenco performances with artists in residence from Spain; offers special flamenco dance and music workshops
Flamenco Works Inc. : Flamenco performances offered on occasion
Festival Flamenco Alburquerque: June 19-27, 2026; multiple venues showcase performances, workshops and world premiere shows; tickets and special packages available; presented annually by the National Institute of Flamenco, the University of New Mexico, PNC Bank and the National Hispanic Cultural Center
Santa Fe
El Flamenco Spanish Cabaret: Seasonal flamenco dinner shows; seating is also available without dinner
Emi Arte Flamenco: Artistic flamenco shows with world-class artists; seasonal performances at the El Dorado Hotel & Spa and other venues