Flamenco Pittsburgh presents Duende: A Student’s Journey, on Sunday, May 31, 2026at 5:30 PM at The Original Pittsburgh Winery. Doors for the performance open at 5:00 PM. General admission tickets are $15. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food to the venue – only wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available for sale in-house.
As Flamenco Pittsburgh explores duende, the enigmatic spirit, or essence of flamenco during its second season as a 501(c)(3), the organization returns to The Original Pittsburgh Winery with its corps of adult students sharing their own expression of this mystical force through dance.
Each year, Flamenco Pittsburgh organizes a recital for its dedicated adult learners to demonstrate the technique and personal interpretation they have learned and explored in their flamenco dance classes during the past year, including favorite choreographies from the group’s repertory. The performance will feature 20+ student dancers, and various flamenco palos (styles) from the diverse catalog of flamenco music and dance.
Set to beautifully recorded music, students will take the stage for two 45-minute sets with an intermission. Duende: A Student’s Journey will also feature Flamenco Pittsburgh instructors Valentina Beltrán, Flor Isava-Machi, Carolina Loyola-Garcia, and Flamenco Pittsburgh Ensemble dancers.
"Teaching flamenco in Pittsburgh has been a journey of shared discovery. Beyond the technique needed for the intricate footwork and the snap of fingers and sound of palmas, there is a profound sense of liberation that comes when we find our collective rhythm,” said Flamenco Pittsburgh Artistic Director, Carolina Loyola-Garcia. “To witness students, each with their own unique story, transform their emotions into art is the ultimate reward. Flamenco isn’t just a dance; it’s a practice of presence, resilience, and empowerment. As we step onto the stage for our annual recital, we celebrate the strength, vulnerability, and joy we’ve cultivated together. It is a true honor to guide this community’s heartbeat."