Redmond’s Semilla Flamenca students open the show for Flamenco star Karen Lugo

Karen Lugo is an internationally awarded dancer and choreographer

By Stephanie Quiroz • March 13, 2019 8:30 am
Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for the famous Karen Lugo on Feb. 22 at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.
Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for the famous Karen Lugo on Feb. 22 at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

Students from Semilla Flamenca in Redmond opened the stage for flamenco star Karen Lugo at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center on Feb. 22.

The event seated about 400 spectators who watched Lugo dance along with three Seattle-based jazz musicians. The opening act was performed by nine Semilla flamenco girls who’ve been studying there for the last four years.

“The [students] felt like rock stars,” flamenco teacher Paulina Chalita said.

Lugo of Mexico is an internationally awarded dancer and choreographer and is considered to be one of Madrid’s “best of the best,” according to Chalita. The flamenco dancer left her native Guadalajara, Mexico more than 17 years ago. She has danced in the Opera of Sydney, Vienna Konzerthaus, Finlandia Opera House in Helsinki and more.

Lugo also hosted workshops for the Semilla Flamenca students. The workshops took place at South Bellevue Community Center. Around 70 students attended.

“I think it’s great to expose the kids to something different, even if they’re not Hispanic,” Chalita said about flamenco. “I think it’s culturally enriching.”

The show was sponsored and supported by 4Culture, the Mexican Consulate, the Honorary Consul of Spain, Seashell Music Together, and TOT.

To learn more about Semilla Flamenca, visit www.semillaflamenca.com.

Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that Karen Lugo hosted workshops at the Semilla Flamenca studio in Redmond at Chalita’s home studio and more than 30 students attended.

Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for the famous Karen Lugo on Feb. 22 at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz. Nine Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for Flamenco star, Karen Lugo at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center on Feb 22. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for the famous Karen Lugo on Feb. 22 at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz. Nine Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for Flamenco star, Karen Lugo at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center on Feb 22. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

Flamenco star, Karen Lugo performed at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center on Feb. 22. Lugo is an internationally awarded dancer and choreographer. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

Flamenco star, Karen Lugo performed at the Bellevue Performing Arts Center on Feb. 22. Lugo is an internationally awarded dancer and choreographer. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

Nine Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for internationally awarded Flamenco dancer Karen Lugo on Feb. 22. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

Nine Semilla Flamenco students opened the show for internationally awarded Flamenco dancer Karen Lugo on Feb. 22. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

During her visit to the Eastside, Karen Lugo also held workshops at Semilla Flamenco and taught 70 students. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.

During her visit to the Eastside, Karen Lugo also held workshops at Semilla Flamenco and taught 70 students. Photo courtesy of Bibiana Ruiz.