On March 6, 2026, the 25th Flamenco Festival, presented in partnership with New York City Center (@nycitycenter), continued its celebration of Spanish music and dance in New York City. The festival brings internationally recognized flamenco artists to the city each year while introducing audiences to the traditions and evolving artistry of flamenco.
Before the evening’s main performance, visitors gathered in the theater lobby for a pre-show flamenco dance lesson that invited attendees to experience the rhythms of flamenco firsthand.
📸 Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
The interactive lesson was led by flamenco dancer and instructor Xianix Barrera (@xianixbarreraflamenco), who guided participants through expressive hand movements, arm positions, and rhythmic clapping that form the foundation of flamenco dance.
As the lesson unfolded, spectators quickly transformed into participants, raising their arms and following the instructor’s cues as the lobby filled with movement and energy.
The pre-show event offered audiences a chance to engage directly with flamenco culture before the evening’s performance of Vuela, choreographed and performed by internationally acclaimed flamenco dancer Sara Baras (@sarabaras).
The production pays tribute to legendary flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía, whose music helped bring flamenco to global audiences.
The performance was part of the Flamenco Festival, an international cultural program that presents artists across New York each year.
Throughout the lobby, visitors could also explore flamenco-inspired accessories and handcrafted items from the Spanish brand Cachela (@bycachela).
Traditional hair combs, fans, flowers, and jewelry—visual elements closely associated with flamenco performance—provided a glimpse into the aesthetic traditions that accompany the dance.
For 25 years, the Flamenco Festival (@flamencofestival) has served as a cultural bridge between Spain and New York, presenting both legendary performers and emerging artists while introducing new audiences to the power and emotion of flamenco.
The pre-show dance lesson reflected that mission by inviting visitors not only to watch flamenco, but to feel its rhythm themselves.
As the lesson concluded and audiences made their way toward the theater for the evening performance, the atmosphere in the lobby remained lively and celebratory.
For a brief moment before the lights dimmed, the spirit of flamenco extended beyond the stage—bringing dancers, spectators, and newcomers together in a shared experience of movement, music, and tradition.
Photo Credit
Photography by Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
Instagram: @a_fixed_moment
Website: https://www.afixedmoment.com
Organizations
New York City Center
https://www.nycitycenter.org
Instagram: @nycitycenter
Flamenco Festival
https://flamencofestival.org
Instagram: @flamencofestival
Sara Baras
https://sarabarasvuela.com
Instagram: @sarabaras
Xianix Barrera Flamenco
https://xianix.com
Instagram: @xianixbarreraflamenco
Cachela
Instagram: @bycachela
