Every dance has a purpose and every dancer has a destiny.
The academy’s mission is to promote Flamenco as a living art form and a vital part of Hispanic heritage, to produce and perform unique works of dance, and to provide arts education programs that catalyze connections among our youth.
Creation and Performance.
The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society has brought in many renowned guest artists and rising stars, including 60 from Spain and 50 from the US, staging their premieres during annual events, school programs, and workshops.
Each year, the academy takes Flamenco into diverse communities through free events that bring performances to new audiences around the city. Other communities the academy serves include nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, and youth programs targeting underserved students, including many where the academy provides audiences with their first exposure to Flamenco.
Arts Education.
In 1993, the academy began presenting a large centrally located student concert, which has regularly reached hundreds of students. The academy also presents “Dances of Spain for Students,” first performed in 1992, and gives smaller performances at individual high schools.
The academy has also presented unique bilingual programs, such as ”Dances and Flavors of Spain for Students,” which explores the geography and history of Spain through music, sing-alongs, dance and performances. More than just a feast for the eyes, the audience also enjoys a culinary experience featuring the academy’s favorite “Tapas for Children.”
Every show is a unique and exciting display of one of the most elegant and integral parts of Spanish culture. Cultural dance projects include “Valentine’s Day a la Flamenca,” an annual event, and “Get to Know Spain,” a program designed for elementary and middle school students. Thousands of students have participated in these concerts, which are conducted by Hispanic professionals.
Special Projects.
The academy performs to an audience of thousands of people during the Festival of Nations. The festival is a free public multicultural event that is held yearly and organized by the International Institute of St. Louis, featuring booths with many ethnic cuisines, dance, music, arts, crafts and an international market.
It is a showcase of the thriving spirit of this diverse community. The 150 Angels Foundation is a program that offers students opportunities to forge a personal, hands-on relationship to Hispanic culture and unlock their own creative voice. The academy’s summer camps serve children ages 5-12 across St. Louis, with special initiatives for immigrant populations and dual language learners, as well as pioneering work with underserved students. “Flamenco for Mommy and Me” is a program that applies Flamenco music and dance concepts that connect Mommy or Daddy to a little one by experiencing this beautiful art form through storytelling, clapping, singing, and dancing.
Company Dancers.
Our company dancers are a diverse group of apprentices who devote long hours to both perfecting their skills and promoting our events.
Special thanks goes to Daniel de Cordoba, artistic director of the Bailes Espanoles Dance Company in Dallas, Texas. He has helped our artistic director build the company since its beginning. His choreographies have been a strong part of our program. Our outstanding guest roster from Spain and South America includes dancers Veronica Rivero, Irma Suarez, Rene Gonzalez and Jorge Perez, Daniel de Cordoba, and Israel Pavon; singers Maria Elena la Cordobesa, and Macarena Hera de Jurado; and guitarists David Villau and Hector Fernandez.