Learn More About Flamenco’s Influence on New Mexican Art and Culture in Summer Honors Course

Flamenco has played a critical role in CNM Instructor Bridgit Lujan’s life and career, and she’s excited to share that passion in her summer class called “¡Ole! Flamenco in New Mexico," a new CNM Honors offering. 

“I've been practicing flamenco since I was 2-years-old, and it has helped me connect with my heritage throughout my life,” she says. “I’m really looking forward to sharing that connection with students and showing them how flamenco became such an integral art form in our state.”

In this honors-style course, students will learn how flamenco, Spain’s most famous style of dance, went from a transplant art form to a cultural cornerstone in New Mexico. They will also learn about key historical figures, how the University of New Mexico became the only university in the United States to offer a flamenco degree, and how New Mexico became the most respected artistic and economic hotspot for flamenco in the United States. 

While students will not be doing any dancing themselves during this course, they will have the opportunity to attend the 37th Festival Flamenco, the largest flamenco festival held outside of Spain. 

“The festival takes place during Summer Term, and I’m excited students will have the chance to experience the history and influence flamenco has had in New Mexico at the same time they're taking this course.”

Like other CNM honors courses, this course fulfills three core CNM Humanities credits and is easily transferable to UNM’s honors program. 

Ultimately, Bridgit hopes this course not only helps students understand the importance of flamenco to New Mexican culture, but also helps them explore their own heritage. 

“The great thing about honors classes is that it’s not about having the “right” answer, but about sharing your ideas, listening to others ideas, and understanding how it all connects to the bigger picture,” she says. “And my hope with this subject matter in particular is that students will leave with a deeper understanding of the unique role flamenco plays in what it means to be New Mexican.” 

Want to add ¡Ole! Flamenco in New Mexico to your Summer Term schedule? Sign-up today for HNRS 1120-101, which meets online and requires students to participate in either weekly live Zoom sessions or share their thoughts on the class discussion board.