Lightning Boy Foundation

EmiArteFlamenco Academy students have been invited to attend an intensive cross-cultural and Master Flamenco Dance workshop in Cádiz, Spain under the mentorship of legendary flamenco dancer and choreographer Carmela Greco from July 27 to August 11, 2018. Carmela hails from a renowned family of Spanish dancers and musicians and is the daughter of the world renowned Jose Greco , integral in introducing flamenco to the US in the 1950s. She recently traveled to New Mexico and contributed to the “Flamenco-From Spain to New Mexico” exhibition at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, NM.  Dancers will attend the fourth annual seminar--Carmela Greco's: IV Seminario de Flamenco y Danza Española .


7  EmiArteFlamenco Academy students have expressed the desire to attend. They have adeadline to raise $11,550 to cover the cost of Carmela Greco's Seminar on Spanish Flamenco and Dance.  We hope to raise this amount to ensure each student a place in this seminar.  In total, they need to raise at least $22,800  to cover the seminar and travel expenses.  In addition to this GoFundMe campaign, we have raised $6,000 through fundraisers in our community: dancing at local businesses and churches, doing bake sales and selling frito pies. We are planning more performances this spring and summer!  Our next event is April 29th at The Lodge at Santa Fe. Tickets are $25 each, children under 12, $10.  You can purchase your tickets online:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3414130


EmiArteFlamenco Academy is dedicated to teaching the passion and art form of Flamenco to students of all ages and levels in Northern New Mexico. Launched by Emmy Grimm, known as “La Emi” in 2014, the academy has rapidly grown to serve an increasing number of students. EmiArte Flamenco Academy is instrumental in the continuation and development of Spanish arts in the region.  

Las Flamencas de Santa Fe: The passionate academy students are seeking your sponsorship and support to allow them to take part in this 17-day life-changing experience. Your donation will help cover the cost of the workshop, lodging, costume and travel expenses. This group of young artists will bring home a refined skill set and knowledge of the history and culture of flamenco that will further enhance the arts community in Santa Fe New Mexico and the United States.



Our Fiscal Agent: In order to help these dancers attain their goal of traveling to Spain, the Lightning Boy Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 organization, offered to serve as fiscal agent for this trip.  Established in 2016 after the passing of Valentino Tzigiwhaeno Rivera, the Lightning Boy Foundation became an organization for those in the community who have an interest and passion for tradition, performance and visual arts. Through Valentino's wishes, words and actions as guidance and in observation of his true passions in life, the mission of the Foundation has been established. His life and work with family, community and dancing is how he wished to be remembered by those who knew him and those who will come to hear his inspirational story. Through the Foundation's initiatives, boys and girls, of all ages, are given opportunities to learn various art forms. The Foundation has helped youth in other artistic endeavors, by granting youth the funds to receive instruction and practice visual arts and other forms of performance arts. It is the goal of the Foundation to create additional performance arts opportunities for the youth of the community. The Lightning Boy Foundation is happy to assist these young dancers in reaching their goals.




Passion and Dedication: These young students are very driven to make this goal a reality, they understand the value of this experience and what it would mean to their art. These girls have expressed the desire to be involved every step of the way to raise funds by various means, including bake sales, performances and events throughout the community.  Students and their parents are committed to raising the funds needed to make these New Mexican Flamenco dancers' dream of studying in Spain come true.



This cross cultural exchange will enhance the lives of these young people who have been offered an opportunity of a lifetime. This is an amazing opportunity for them to experience Spanish culture and origin of their art form.  These students will bring back knowledge and the skill set of what they gain in Spain to share and contribute to the culture of communities throughout New Mexico and American culture overall. 

How We Enhance Northern NM: To share Flamenco culture, EmiArteFlamenco students have danced at public and private performances including many schools throughout Northern New Mexico, the Grandstand on the Santa Fe Plaza, the Governor's Mansion, the Santa Fe Convention Center, La Fonda, El Meson and the Bell Tower to name a few. They have traveled with La Emi to other communities including: Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Velarde, Espanola, Taos and Dixon to help celebrate and keep Northern New Mexican Culture alive.

These inspired and inspiring young people have been offered an opportunity of a lifetime, one which they would not otherwise be able to afford.

Please consider donating to their Dream of experiencing  and learning Flamenco at it's heart, in Spain.

"For most of us at EmiArteFlamenco Academy one of our biggest dreams is to dance in Spain and around the world.  The chance to take this seminar is an amazing opportunity and first step in making our dreams come true.  Without our fundraising we might not ever get this opportunity again, and anything will help us reach our goal. Thank you for your support, you are helping to shape the artists of the future." 

--The Dancers at EmiArteFlamenco