Close-up of hands clapping during a flamenco show, with people sitting in the background, in black and white.
Close-up of hands clapping during a flamenco show, with people sitting in the background, in black and white.

Our Story

What We Do

A group of performers on stage with a woman in a red dress sitting and five others seated or standing behind her, one with a guitar.

Diego Tabango Photography

Santa Cruz Flamenco is a production company dedicated to keeping flamenco alive and thriving on the Central Coast and throughout the SF Bay Area.

We produce professional flamenco performances that bring together:

  • World-class guest artists on the local stage

  • Advanced and semi-professional dancers who deserve their moment in the spotlight

  • Rotating musicians and singers from across the Bay Area flamenco community

Every show is a celebration — of the art, the artists, and the community that sustains them.

My Story

A black-and-white photo of a woman with curly short hair, wearing glasses, earrings, and a paisley patterned top, smiling at the camera.

Barbara Imhoff, founder

Flamenco found me at age eight and never let go.

From 1987 to 1993, I performed professionally with Patricia Nader's dance company here in Santa Cruz — gracing stages from intimate venues to full theatre productions throughout the SF Bay Area. Flamenco was alive here. It was electric.

When I returned to Santa Cruz in 2006 after years away, something was missing. The flamenco scene that had once thrived had quietly faded. The stages were silent.

I couldn't let that stand.

Flamenco dancers performing at the Flint Center, 1992.
Flamenco dancers performing at the Flint Center, 1992.

“Bailes de España” with the San Jose Symphony, Flint Center, Cupertino, CA, 1992.

Our Mission

Group of five women and one man smiling indoors, in a dressing room, with shelves, clothing, and boxes in the background.

To bring professional flamenco to Santa Cruz and beyond.

To create opportunities for artists at every level.

To rotate talent, support the community, and spread flamenco love — one performance at a time.