Raices de Arte Espanol Studio

10/12/2026

Some journeys bring us home. ❤️💃

Raíces de Arte Español welcomes Leticia Jimenez and Merlot Perez back to San Antonio! We are honored to have both artists teaching at Raíces and invite you to celebrate their return with a special tablao performance.

“Some journeys bring us full circle, back to the places and the people who first ignited our passion.❤️💃 I’m absolutely elated to be back in my hometown of San Antonio, teaching and dancing at the studio of my beloved flamenco maestra, Chiqui, who has been my teacher since I was just 14 years old. To return to where my flamenco journey began, now sharing that same passion with a new generation, is truly a dream come full circle. Flamenco is not just a dance; it is my heart, my heritage of the soul, and a lifelong love. ❤️🔥 ¡Olé!”, Leticia Jimenez Leticia Jimenez

“I’m incredibly grateful to be back home and teaching at Raíces de Arte Espanol. This community of dancers holds such a special place in my heart. ♥️ Being part of it brings me a genuine sense of joy, belonging, and fulfillment. I’m so thankful to be home, sharing in the art and community that mean so much to me.” 💃♥️💃Merlot Perez Merlot Perez

Joining them are guest artists Luisma Ramos, Guitarrista flamenco (Seville, Spain) and Joselito de Jerez, Authentic Flamenco direct from Spain, along with Raíces studio dancers Alexa Gauna and Ady Linares.

📅 Saturday, November 7th
🕖 Performance at 7 PM • Doors open at 6:30 PM
📍 Raíces de Arte Español
1722 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, TX 78201

🎟️ Limited seats available! Purchase your tickets at the link: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/raicesdearteespanol/noche-de-tablao

Join us in welcoming them home and supporting the art of flamenco. ¡Nos vemos en el tablao!

**VIP Front Row Reserved Seating & General Admission Seating** Raíces de Arte Español proudly welcomes Leticia Jimenez and Merlot Perez back to San Antonio with a special tablao performance celebrating their return and their roles as instructors at Raíces. We are privileged to have these exce

09/24/2026

Leading one generation while carrying the next. ❤️

Our advanced instructor, Merlot, shares her love of flamenco with her students and her son.

We admire her as both an artist and a mother—the love, dedication, and heart she brings to each role inspire us. She reminds us that motherhood and our passions can grow together, and that anything is possible. 💃✨

08/13/2026

Fuerza y Coraje was more than a performance. It was the result of months of dedication, rehearsals, growth, sacrifice, laughter, challenges, and above all, a shared love for the beautiful art of flamenco.

To everyone who joined us that evening. Thank you for filling the room with your energy, your applause, and your support. And to those who weren’t able to be there, we hope this one minute glimpse allows you to feel the magic we experienced together.

The women you see on this stage are not simply dancers. They are women with careers, responsibilities, families, and dreams. They come from different walks of life, and yet they make the time to come together, to learn, to challenge themselves, and to create something beautiful through this art.

That is the beauty of Raíces de Arte Español.

It is a place where women can grow from within. A place where they can discover strength they may not have known they had, express their talent, build confidence, support one another, and allow a part of themselves to come alive through flamenco.

Until we meet again on the stage… ❤️

🎥: San Antonio Video Productions, LLC

08/11/2026

It’s not too late to join the Raíces family! Classes begin August 17th and there’s still time to register.

Send us a message to register, ask questions, or learn more about our classes.

¡Te esperamos! 💃🏻🌹

08/04/2026

✨Meet Our Master Flamenco Guitarist, Jose "El Patriarca" Linares✨

Born in Madrid, Spain, into a family of Flamenco artists. His father, José Cepero, was a famous cantaor, his mother, Mariguilla, a singer, and his sister, Rita Ortega, a dancer. Under the guidance of his family, José began his musical journey at an early age.

By the age of twelve, he was already performing professionally as a Flamenco guitarist and would go on to tour internationally. Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed for notable figures including President John F. Kennedy, Princess Grace of Monaco, Francisco Franco, and on The Ed Sullivan Show.

José has devoted much of his life to supporting Raíces de Arte Español. We are honored to have him share his artistry and continue to be a cherished part of the Raíces family.

08/01/2026

✨Meet Our Instructor, Leticia ‘La Canela’ Jimenez✨

Internationally recognized Flamenco artist and master teacher Leticia ‘La Canela’ Jimenez started her studies in ballet, classical Spanish dance, and flamenco in La Academia Arte Espanol, Texas at the young age 4. She continued her studies under the direction of “La Chiqui” Linares at the age of 14 with San Antonio Parks and Recreation.

It didn’t take her long to find her true calling as a skilled choreographer, producer and director of the Flamenco arts.

She continued her studies in Spain with world renowned artists such as Ciro, Paco Romero, Cristobal Reyes, Eva “La Yerbabuena”, La China, Domingo Ortega, Manolo Marin, Farruquito to name just a few.

She has taught workshops, classes, choreographed and has been invited as a featured artist for various companies throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, England, Canada, Scotland, Mexico and Spain.

She has also toured with various theatrical companies such as “Flamenco Confusion” in Montreal, Vancouver (as the choreographer and lead) and others such as Antonio Santaella’s “Lamento por Federico Garcia Lorca” and “Julia de Burgos en Flamenco” in Bellas Artes in Puerto Rico.

In Madrid, Spain, Leticia performed at the noted Corral de la Pacheca with Miguel Sandoval and at numerous Tablaos (Spanish Restaurants) throughout Europe. She has starred in various festivals and theatres across the country and around the world working as a performer and chorographer. As a guest artist she has performed at the Epcot Center in Walt Disney World for their food and w**e festival and at Sea World of Orlando, for “Viva la Musica”. Most recently she was invited to be the lead guest artists for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise.

07/30/2026

✨Meet Our Instructor, Vittoria Merlot Perez✨

Vittoria is a passionate dancer, performer, and instructor based in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in a family of artists, she developed a love for dance at an early age. In 2002, she began her training at Baile Artístico Dance Studio, founded by her grandmother, Cresensiana Gutierrez, and her aunt, Adriana Gutierrez. There, she trained in a variety of dance styles and performed extensively throughout the San Antonio community.

In 2012, Vittoria relocated to pursue advanced flamenco studies at the University of New Mexico. She had the privilege of training under esteemed instructors Eva and Marisol Encinas, as well as internationally recognized guest artists including Daniel Doña, Jesús Carmona, and Valeriano Paños. These experiences enriched her artistry, refined her technique, and deepened her appreciation for flamenco.

Today, Vittoria is a satellite collaborative member of the Spanish Broom Dance Collective in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and continues to teach, perform, and share her passion for dance throughout San Antonio.

As an instructor, Vittoria is committed to creating a positive, welcoming environment where dancers of all ages feel encouraged to grow in both skill and confidence. She believes that dance is about building discipline, creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong love of movement. Whether a student is taking their very first class or continuing their training, Vittoria strives to inspire each dancer to reach their full potential while fostering a genuine joy for the art of dance.

07/28/2026

✨Meet Our Instructor, Jessica Ann Ahr (Bauer)✨

Born and raised in San Antonio, and began her formal Flamenco dance education with Teresa Champion. She later studied with BeatrÍz Aguilar Lizama and joined Ballet de Casa España and Grupo Flamenco España Viva. Jessica traveled to Spain to study percussion under Juan Flores and Sergio Ramos (of Ojos de Brujo). She attended workshops and seminars given by Paquito Gonzáles, El Pàjaro, Jose Carrasco, Alex Tobias, and Massud. She has attended courses and received certificates in Bata de Cola with Inmaculada Aguilar, Técnica y Coreografía from Javier Latorre, and Técnica de Buleria from Antonio “El Pipa”. She attended “Veranos Flamencos” at the Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española AMOR DE DIOS in Madrid where she completed 40 hours of dance instruction under the direction of María Juncal and Alfonso Loza. While there she also studied with Jose Maya, Rafael Estévez, and workshopped with Merche Esmeralda. Jessica has also workshopped with many other great Flamenco artists and musicians: Vicky, Sabás Santos, Eva Yerbabuena, Antonio Vargas, Chua Alba, Vanesa Coloma, Miguel Vargas, El Farru, and La Lupi. She has taught dance for JumpStART, Arts Teach, TCDA and San Antonio Dance Academy.

Jessica has toured nationally with Gala Of The Royal Horses in the role of “La Flamenca” and performed consistently at España Bar de Tapas, Casa Lopez (Laredo, TX), Carmens de la Calle and Toro Kitchen & Bar.

Classes begin the week of August 17, 2026
Fall 2026 in-person registration:
• Tuesday, August 4 • 5:00–8:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 5 • 5:00–8:00 PM
• Saturday, August 8 • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

07/27/2026

Classes begin August 17, 2026

✨Meet Our Studio Director, Carmen “La Chiqui” Linares ✨

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Chiqui was introduced to the world of dance as an infant by her aunt, Luisa Navas. Under her aunt’s early guidance, Chiqui began training in ballet and classical Spanish dance. She continued her training in Spain, where she further refined her technique and artistry.

Her distinguished career has earned her numerous accolades, including Puerto Rico's prestigious Agüeybaná Award—considered the island's equivalent of an Oscar—which she received for four consecutive years. She was also honored with the esteemed Castañuelas de Oro, recognizing her exceptional artistry and mastery of the castanets.

At Raíces de Arte Español, we are proud to have an outstanding team of dedicated instructors. Even with such talented faculty, Chiqui personally teaches the introductory flamenco classes. She believes the beginning of a student's journey is the most important stage of their training. By learning directly from the studio director, students are rooted in her teaching philosophy from day one and develop the strong technical foundation needed to progress confidently through her program.

From the very first class, Chiqui emphasizes proper technique, musicality, posture, rhythm, and an authentic understanding of flamenco. Her goal is to help every student build a solid foundation that will support them throughout their dance journey.

Chiqui also shares her lifelong passion for Spanish dance through her castanet program. Whether students are picking up castanets for the first time or advancing to intricate choreography, they learn the precision, musicality, elegance, and tradition that make this art form so unique.

Every flamenco journey begins with a strong foundation. At Raíces de Arte Español, students have the rare opportunity to learn from an internationally recognized artist whose experience, passion, and dedication continue to inspire every generation of dancers. 💃💃

Fall 2026 in-person registration:
•Tuesday, August 4 • 5:00–8:00 PM
•Wednesday, August 5 • 5:00–8:00 PM
•Saturday, August 8 • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

07/26/2026

✨Meet Our Instructor, Crystal Caballero✨

Crystal brings 13 years of invaluable experience to Raices, where she is the dance instructor for Children’s Flamenco.

Crystal’s performing arts background includes being a former flamenco dancer from the age of ten and a Tejano Singer. Her academic achievements have enhanced her diverse skill set. She holds a degree in Psychology and is a former Director of the Head Start Program in San Antonio.

In addition to her career in dance, Crystal is a devoted wife and mother who brings the same warmth, patience, and dedication to her students as she does to her family.


Classes begin the week of August 17, 2026
Fall 2026 in-person registration:
• Tuesday, August 4 • 5:00–8:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 5 • 5:00–8:00 PM
• Saturday, August 8 • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM