If you wandered into Perry Harrison or Silk Hope schools between October 20 and 22, you might have heard it first—a rhythmic tap, a guitar string hum, a voice lifting in song, and then… the magic of Flamenco.
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana brought a swirl of sound, color, and culture to fifth- and seventh-grade students as part of the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools Initiative.
The week began with a performance that transported students straight to Spain, complete with swirling shawls (mantones), snapping fans (abanicos), a Spanish guitar, a singer, and that signature drum called a cajón—yes, the one the artist actually sits on while playing. The dancers’ stomping feet echoed through the room, each step sharp and musical on the wooden floor they brought especially for the occasion.
Between dances, the artists shared stories of how Flamenco grew from many cultures—Spanish, Indian, Arabic, and Greek—each one adding a new rhythm, a new heartbeat.
At Silk Hope, a seventh grader whispered to her friend, eyes wide: “This is so beautiful. I love the gorgeous dresses!”
And then, the students got to join in. The artists taught them a new word—“¡Olé!”—the universal Flamenco cheer for something truly spectacular. It didn’t take long before the room was echoing with ¡Olés! from every corner.
The students had questions, too.
What made you want to dance? The dancers explained they started as kids—thanks to parents who signed them up for classes early. When a student asked guitarist Nico how long he had played, his answer—“since I was three.” “That’s like forever!” shouted a student from the back.
How often do you practice? Every day, they said, sometimes with brand-new people. “We actually just met yesterday!” the artists revealed. “As professionals, we have to learn quickly and connect instantly.” Cue a collective Whoa! from the audience.
Throughout the week, students practiced their own Flamenco steps—some with surprising enthusiasm. A Silk Hope teacher said, “I can’t believe how engaged the seventh-grade boys have been. They’re really doing a super job!”
Each morning began with warm-ups that felt part fitness class, part fiesta. “This is kinda fun but also like a workout,” one student admitted between spins. The artist grinned and told them, “Dance is a workout! Many professional athletes take dance to build agility and strength.”
Silk Hope principal Dr. Linker, who has a dance background, got in on the action, joining the students in dance and cheering them on. The artists learned a few things, too—including Silk Hope’s signature AVID “waterfall cheer” for gaining attention. “I’m stealing this!” one dancer laughed. “It really works!”
By the end of the week, the energy in both schools was electric. Students who had never seen Flamenco before were clapping rhythms, calling out “¡Olé!” with confidence, and moving with newfound flair. The residency became more than just a dance lesson — it was a journey through history, language, and culture. Students learned how art connects people across time and place, and how movement can tell stories words cannot. The week closed not only with applause, but with a deeper appreciation for the beauty of expression and the power of learning through the arts.
“¡Olé!”
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana’s work at Perry Harrison Elementary was sponsored by the Lily McCoy Voller Stargazer Fund. Their work at Silk Hope School was sponsored by Women of Fearrington. Both events are part of the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools Initiative.
Arts for Resilient Kids programming is made possible by partnerships with Chatham County Schools, Chatham County, the North Carolina Arts Council, and many individual, foundation, and business donors. If you feel inspired to help us educate kids through the arts, click here to donate.
Photo at top of page: Flamenco Vivo Carlota Satana dancer at Perry Harrison Elementary. Photo Credit: Gina Harrison.
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