Dancer La Emi returns to the stage
Hotel Eldorado to host flamenco show
Emmy Grimm was ready to get back to the stage after six months of not performing. Like others, the pandemic crippled her career as a flamenco dancer because performances became nonexistent.
There was a lifeline as she teaches flamenco via Zoom as part of her EmiArteFlamenco programming.
The 28-year-old Santa Fe-based dancer, known as La Emi, is back on stage at the Agave Restaurant & Lounge at Hotel Eldorado on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Grimm will bring her fiery performance — though on a much smaller scale.
“It’s literally two dancers and two performers,” she says. “The show is more intimate because we are practicing all COVID-19 precautions.”
This means Grimm and fellow dancer Carlos Menchaca wear masks — with the exception of when they are performing.
“When I’m actually dancing, the audience is far away from us,” Grimm says. “Because it’s a dinner show, all guidelines are in place. When we’re off stage or sitting and clapping, the masks are on. We want to ensure
everyone’s safety.”
Grimm says that, instead of the dancers performing duets, she and Menchaca are doing a traditional Sevillana.
“Carlos is using castanets and I’m using the manton (shawl),” she says.
Vicente Griego joins the group on vocals and Mario Febres on guitar.
“Vicente sings behind a Plexiglass barrier,” she says. “Mario keeps his mask on.”
Grimm studied under Maria Benitez while growing up.
In addition to performing in venues across the country, Grimm has traveled to Spain to study intensively with such notable dancers as Carmela Greco and La Popi, and performed in major venues and events in Madrid, Granada and Seville.
The performance is just under an hour, Grimm says.
“We just want guests to know that we’re happy to be performing again,” Grimm says. “People are hungry for arts and entertainment, and we feel blessed to be able to do what we love.”
Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, including tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes.
Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at holdmyticket.com.