ARTIST RESIDENCY: DANCE

Carlota Santana Spanish Dance Company
Flamenco, Spanish Dance, Choreography

154 Christopher Street, Suite 3D
New York, NY 10014
212/229-9754

The Carlota Santana Spanish Dance Company has been known since its inception in 1983 as a dramatic performing arts company and a creative, supportive teaching company. Their mission is to use their art form to break down cultural barriers. They bring to their educational programs the essence of the many different cultures that influenced Flamenco and are present in the Americas today. Their programs engage the students in the full spectrum of emotions embodied by Spanish dance.

Residencies teach Spanish history, culture, and language by using Flamenco dance as the focal point. Students learn the body carriage, the use of palmas (rhythmic handclaps), taconeo (footwork) and braceo (armwork) and are taught a dance which incorporates all these elements. Accompanying curriculum materials emphasize aspects of the history, geography and culture of Spain.

A residency culminates in a performance by company artists and the students and integrates the technique of the dance with a demonstration of various aspects of the culture. Longer residencies can teach more intricate technique and delve deeper into the cultural context from which Flamenco emerges. The dance is taught as a cultural, emotional experience, encouraging students to enjoy a new art form and discover a new means of expression.

Suitable for grades 4-12

Education/Experience: The company tours nationally, performs in NYC at venues such as The New Victory Theater and The Joyce Theater, and conducts extensive Arts-in-Education programs in schools and with the Lincoln Center Institute. In addition to its many school performances and workshops, the company conducts numerous residency programs of varying lengths in local schools. Many of these programs are conducted every year.

Special Training: Bilingual dance instruction.

Availability: All year, depending on scheduling

Return to Teaching Artist Directory