This Spring 2012 Semester, the Institute for Spanish Arts was able to expand its Spanish/Flamenco Dance program into the school systems of Santa Fe and surrounding Northern New Mexico areas.  One of the schools to receive Flamenco instruction was Velarde Elementary in Velarde, NM (just north of Española, New Mexico).  Forty-five boys and girls, in grades 5th and 6th, spent four months learning the choreography of a Tangos de Triana from ISA Instructor Emmy Grimm.  On Thursday, April 19th, students performed, lead by Emmy Grimm. The groups were accompanied by professional Flamenco musician Jaime Martinez, who both sang and played guitar for the recital.  The audience was astounded by the professional attire of the students; each student had their own Flamenco shoes, girls wore shawls, leotards and placed flowers in their hair.  Boys wore black pants and white shirts.  Instructor Emmy remarked: "The show was a lot of work for all students but it paid off during the performance, ending with their big shinning smiles during the last bow". 
Picture
ISA Instructor, Emmy Grimm, with 6th grade Velarde Students.
 
 
Picture
On April 19, 2012 family members, pueblo leaders, students and school staff gathered for this final Santa Fe Indian school student performance.  The performing high-school students prepared in full costume and impressed the audience with their choreographies that included: Fandangos with castanets and Tangos de Triana.  Instructor Emmy Grimm presented the group and choreographed the pieces while Guitarist Jaime Martinez accompanied the group.   
Audience: 75