Five talented local artists, including a University of New Mexico instructor, collaborated to present a flamenco performance at a Santa Fe restaurant on Saturday.
Alisa Alba, a UNM dance instructor, was among three flamenco dancers to perform with a flamenco guitarist and vocalist at the El Mesón Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Santa Fe. However, performing intense baile with partners that use castanets and fans while adorned in colorful outfits wasn’t always part of her future.
Alba said she first came to UNM to study architecture, and eventually decided to take flamenco as an elective just for fun. She said that decision and course resulted in her changing majors, and going on to study, perform and eventually teach dance.
“It changed my life, that’s for sure,” she said. “It takes every ounce of your dedication.”
Alba now teaches the very class that made her fall in love with flamenco. She said she enjoys sharing that experience with the students so they share the journey the dance style has taken her on.
She said that UNM’s flamenco program is incredible, and is one of several options for those that are interested in learning more about it. Another is the National Institute of Flamenco, an organization that services the local Albuquerque community.
The other dancers from Saturday’s performance are also involved in an instructing capacity. UNM alumna Carlos Menchaca teaches at the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts in Albuquerque, while often assisting Alba at UNM.
Menchaca said the conservatory, which collaborates regularly with UNM, is dedicated to teaching and preserving the art of flamenco.
The third dancer, Emmy Grimm, began studying the dance at the age of four, according to her website, and now instructs at the Institute for Spanish Arts. In addition, she works closely with Gallegos to coordinate the performances in Santa Fe area that include other local artists.
The dancers joined Joaquin Gallegos, an accomplished flamenco guitarist, who helped unite the collection of talent. Ricardo Anglada, another guitarist who only recently began singing, rounded out the ensemble.
Gallegos said the music featured many original compositions he has written and released on albums, as well as original choreography. He said he has worked with the talented members of the quintet individually, but never before as a group.
“It’s all about the connection with flamenco,” he said. “Energy is key because you’re always on the edge of your seat.”
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He said the art of flamenco has a large presence in New Mexico, and the artists are passionate about being ambassadors for it. Gallegos often performs in Santa Fe and, on occasion, in Albuquerque.
There are no immediate plans for the ensemble to reunite, but Gallegos said there is typically a musical performance on the first Saturday of each month at El Mesón. He is scheduled to perform at the venue two more times in March. Information can be found on the restaurant’s online event schedule.
Alba and Menchaca said their next scheduled performance is Yjastros: 30th season at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Alba said the event will feature choreography set on the company by the UNM flamenco visiting guest line. The performances will take place April 14-16 and tickets start at $15.
Robert Maler is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers cross country, tennis, and track and field. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @robert_maler.
