About the Institute for Spanish Arts
|
The Institute for Spanish Arts is a not-for-profit, educational and cultural organization, established by Founders/ Directors Cecilio and Maria Benitez, to present programs of the highest quality of the rich artistic heritage of Spain as expressed through music, dance, visual arts and other art forms.
The organization creates opportunities for youth to acquire skills, proficiency and appreciation of Spanish arts through educational and cultural programs. Currently the Institute provides instruction and professional development in Spanish dance and Flamenco guitar for children and youth year round. ISA believes every child should have the opportunity to study Spanish arts no matter their economic situation, and upholds its principle that no student will be turned away. Benefits of the programs include improved self-esteem through a shared cultural relevance, enriched learning experiences where discipline, skills in music, rhythm and coordination enhance overall learning. As part of its mission, the Institute also focuses on new and young generations of performers, providing them with a venue and a chance to grow and find sustainability in the arts they love. Mission To preserve, strengthen and disseminate our rich and diverse artistic Spanish heritage as expressed through music, dance, visual arts and other art forms as they relate to the New World. Programs Children's Youth Spanish Dance & Music Programs: ISA provides scholarshipped classes for children and youth year round. Most recently this program has expanded into the Santa Fe Public Schools and Northern New Mexico classrooms. Students from Nava Elementary, Ramirez Thomas, Santa Fe Indian School, Velarde Elementary and Espanola Elementary participate in Flamenco classes taught by ISA instructors. ISA provides flamenco shoes to the schools so that students can receive the utmost benefit from the program. In 2011, ISA awarded scholarships in a total amount of $25,082 to its Flamenco and guitar youth year-round students and youth Summer Workshop participants. Spanish Dance and Music Summer Workshops In collaboration with other organizations, the Institute for Spanish Arts produces a yearly two-week summer arts workshop offering a program that includes 5 of the following classes: Poetry, Photography, Flamenco Dance, Spanish Guitar, Percussion and/or Painting. The program offers generous scholarships and is directed toward underprivileged youth, who, for financial or social reasons may have limited access to an extra-curricular arts education. (Current and Upcoming Adult Flamenco Workshops) Flamenco's Next Generation: (FNG) is ISA’s dynamic youth company of local dancers and guitarists. Formed in 2002 by focused, disciplined, and committed young students, FNG is now into their 10th year as a youth Flamenco company. This Santa Fe youth flamenco group strives not only to perform at the highest possible level but also to give back to their community with the same passion. Working closely with Maria Benitez to further their skills in flamenco dance, the group has performed for local communities to bring the passion of Spanish Dance to New Mexico’s Capitol. FNG boasts a very impressive resume including performances for former Governor Bill Richardson, the New Mexico in session Senate, Santa Fe Fiestas, Spanish Market, O'Keeffe Day, fundraisers, schools, and numerous other private events. The group is establishing a name for itself with inventive and fresh community involvement paired with its equally brilliant performances. A popular draw, the group has and continues to perform in summer season Sunday Matinees at the Lodge at Santa Fe since 2004. The group serves approximately 8,000 New Mexico residents and visitors comprised of culturally diverse audiences, performing year-round. (more about FNG) Producer Mentoring Program Recently ISA has begun to co-produce for up and coming dance professionals in Santa Fe. In the fall of 2011, ISA co-produced Antonio Granjero's professional Flamenco group with the goal of providing support for new producers and rising artists. Studio and Office LocationMaria Benitez Institute for Spanish Arts
Located at Academy at Larragoite 1604 Agua FriaSanta Fe New, Mexico Phone: (505) 467-3773 Mailing Address: P.O Box 8418 Santa Fe, NM 87504-8418 Flamenco Instruction, Flamenco Classes for kids and Adults in Santa Fe, Flamenco Performances in Santa Fe, Flamenco's Next Generation |
From left, Alex Martinez, Miguela Sanchez-Wiegel, Emmy Grimm, and Janira Cordova, perform during the Santa Fe Sister Cities Celebration Sunday at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Photo byJane Phillips/The Santa Fe New Mexican 2010
"Benefits of the programs include improved self-esteem through a shared cultural relevance, enriched learning experiences where discipline, skills in music, rhythm and coordination enhance overall learning."
Maria Benitez Photo by Ruven Afanador
Simone Jaramillo and Janira Cordova 2011 members of Flamenco's Next Generation. Photo by Morgan Smith
|
