Julia Chacón Flamenco Theatre (formerly, Inspiración Flamenca) presents American-based and international, professional flamenco artists delivering a dynamic show featuring the intricate footwork, virtuosic guitar, powerful vocals, and beautiful costumes emblematic of traditional flamenco.
The company was founded in 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico by dancer/choreographer Julia Chacón, a touring dancer with Carlota Santana’s Flamenco Vivo and former soloist with Maria Benitez’ Teatro Flamenco. When not touring, Julia created new works and performed in tablaos, restaurants, and theaters, which led to arts-education workshops and studio classes. The troupe gained momentum and received bookings in Georgia and Mexico, growing as Julia continued her work performing with other flamenco companies.
In 2012, Julia became a member of José Galván’s Cuadro in Seville, performing in as a soloist, partnering with José, and performing corps repertory. Upon her return to the USA, she relocated and the troupe moved to the Phoenix Valley desert, creating fresh work for a new audience. In, 2014, she began working with Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. She advocated for local artists and grew a wide network of artists, administrators, and patrons. She worked with local companies on collaborative works, broadening the reach of flamenco in Arizona.
Since 2014, the company has completed 29 full-length concerts across the Valley; collaborated with Peoria Center for the Arts, Scorpius Dance Theater, Indo-American Arts Connect, the Celebration of Fine Art, Movement Source, the Scottsdale School of Ballet, and others.
Julia was named a finalist for the 2019 Governor’s Arts Award, the 2019 Mayor’s Arts Award, and twice Artist in Residence at the MIM (a Smithsonian Affiliate). Her company is the first locally-based company to be included in Scottsdale’s season programing in over a decade; selling out concerts and establishing itself as a premiere dance company in the Phoenix Valley. 2021 marks their fourth year on the season programing at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Artists who have performed with Flamenco Theatre include José Mendez, Javier Heredia, Myriam Vaquero, Chuscales, Kristofer Hill, Jesus Munoz, Lydia Torea, Joaquin Gaellgos, Meagan Chandler and current company members.
“Flamenco has inspired me to travel, to reach far beyond my comfort zone, and to sweat, cry, and connect with the world in a way I could not otherwise imagine. It has inspired me from the beginning to reach further, to love deeper, to express more fully, and it continues to be an inexhaustible resource in my life. It is my hope that our performances spark inspiration in others, as flamenco has inspired me.”
(updated August, 2019)
Through flamenco we transcend boundaries and connect. The mission of Julia Chacon Flamenco Theatre is to share this connection; to celebrate the community nature of flamenco and to promote cultural understanding through this rich and complex art.
Inspiracion Flamenca 