Today we’d like to introduce you to Twin Cities Flamenco Collective.
Hi Twin Cities, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Twin Cities Flamenco Collective (TCFC) was founded by McKnight Fellow Sachiko “La Chayí” Nishiuchi, a dancer, in 2015. Cante (flamenco singing) is an integral part of the flamenco art form, along with flamenco guitar, dance, and palmas (rhythmic clapping). In the past, many artists in the MN flamenco community would often perform without cante. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCFC members Sachiko, Ross “El Vecino” Fellrath, and Eva Makiko began to learn cante. Wanting to put their new cante skills to good use, they began to perform flamenco with cante for tips at local restaurants. These performances turned into a residency at Icehouse MPLS. TCFC performs regularly at Icehouse, Volstead’s Emporium Uptown, and Crooners Supper Club in the Twin Cities and performs periodically outside the cities in St. Croix Falls, Winona, and Monticello. Sachiko now in Japan, current core members are dancers Eva, Grace “La Gracia” Holthaus, and guitarist Ross “El Vecino” Fellrath. TCFC values artistic excellence and commit to learning, appreciating, celebrating, sharing, and embracing the roots of Flamenco.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a collaborative arts organization, it is a constant struggle trying to make sure the artistry and business aspects of the organization work together. Because TCFC is a small organization, the artists have to wear many hats outside of working on art–coordinating logistics and schedule, marketing, accounting, taxes, vendor relations, graphic design, grant writing, etc. It is amazing that the artists are able to help in these areas. TCFC tries to outsource some of these tasks if funds are available.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Not many people in MN have heard about flamenco. This rich and passionate art form comes from the Andalusia region in southern Spain. Unlike ballet that comes from Italian aristocracy, flamenco is a dance of the people. Those that were persecuted in Spain over the centuries would come together in the barrio to perform flamenco as a way of forgetting about problems of poverty, hunger, and social stigmas. Flamenco is a combination of passionate dance, intricate guitar, soulful singing (cante), and sophisticated rhythms that blend together like jazz. This art form is unique, intense, and unforgettable.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If you would like to see flamenco live, please check out our website and sign up for our newsletter for more information.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tcflamenco.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twincitiesflamenco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twincitiesflamenco
