Flamenco star taps into young talent to help ensure future of the art
Flamenco star taps into young talent to help ensure future of the art
Emmy Grimm is becoming a staple in flamenco in New Mexico. And she will be performing a holiday show tonight at Skylight in Santa Fe. “I am extremely excited for this show,” she says. “For me, it is truly a blessing to be able to do what I love, with the people I love, where I was born and raised.”
Dancing with Grimm, who owns EmiArte Flamenco, will be Kayla Lyall and Carlos Menchaca.
Joaquin Gallegos will perform on flamenco guitar, and Meagan Chandler will be on cante.
Grimm is planning a special treat at the beginning of the show. This will be the first time that the EmiArteFlamenco Academy students will perform for her show. The children range from 8 to 19 years old.
Grimm says this is her first show since returning from Spain, where she spent the better part of 2016.
“This trip to Spain was such a blessing, and I learned very much about dance as well as life from my maestra, Carmela Greco,” she says. “She choreographed the number in which I will be dancing at the Skylight. Every show is a true learning experience; I have such a deep gratitude for our community, as none of this would be possible without their support.”
Grimm says one of the biggest obstacles in putting together her shows is finding the time to do everything.
“It’s important to rehearse,” she says. “These shows require long workdays. Carmela taught me very much, and there is so much more to learn from her.”
Grimm envisions her performances as community gatherings.
She’s also excited about the beginning of her own dance studio, EmiArteFlamenco Academy.
The studio will offer classes for ages ranging from toddlers to adults. Her first session of classes begin on Jan. 9.
“This is the latest step in my career,” she says. “I’ve been dancing since I was little, and this is my way of giving back and making sure that flamenco is taught to another generation.”