Mariposa del Aire (Butterfly of the Air) Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe 2025
Inspired by Federico García Lorca’s children’s poem and today’s crisis of disappearing butterflies.
Chuscales at Taberna La Boca santa fe
Flamenco Guitar
Every Thursday 6:30pm~8:30pm
72 W. Marcy Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501 | View on Google Maps
http://www.labocasantafe.com/
505-988-3433
About
CHUSCALES
"Chuscales"
This was the name given to Jose Valle Fajardo by his Grandfather. Since then, the name Chusco has come to describe a guitarist of consummate skill and a profound understanding of the Flamenco traditions.
A native of Antequera, Spain, Chuscales grew up in a traditional gypsy family known for its professional musicians and dancers. His grandmother was among those who lived in the caves of Sacromonte, one of the legendary cradles of flamenco. Chuscales recalls, "there were shows with Gypsies from Granada who grew up in families that lived there. I wish you could see it, the families in the caves and the singing and dancing. There might be seven, eight, maybe nine caves, all with singing and dancing, and there would be more singing and dancing on the streets every day. It was unbelievable. It was a very formative time in my life. It was like a dream. This is where I learned everything — the rhythm, the beat, the guitar. I am still learning from those thousands of nights performing with my family, my father, my Grandfather, and my friends.
Chusco began guitar lessons at age six under the instruction of his uncle Joaquín Fajardo and Maestro Agustinillo, two prominent masters in the region where such greats as Segovia have studied. As a teenager, Chuscales found himself in the company of Paco de Lucía, who often performed in the area and would take time to play with the talented youngster and answer his questions. Meanwhile, he began his performing career as a dancer — an experience that gave him a detailed understanding of flamenco's rhythmic nuances. Chusco elaborates as the accompanying guitarist, "I can understand and follow dancers. I can see where they are going before they take their next step. I know what the dancer is looking for, how much tension is in the music, the right rhythm when to play strong or soft, so if a dancer asks me for something, I know what they ask." Chuscales' affinity for dance is delightfully apparent in his artistry; blending music and movement as he does is no accident. "It's something we learn through life," he says. "Many people don't have my luck to grow up in the caves, learning flamenco in a Gypsy family where the music comes from tradition to tradition, from legend to legend. I thank God I have been around such great musicians all my life.
Whether versed in flamenco traditions or not, audiences find Chuscales' music touching and exotic; his presence is engaging, and his skill as a guitarist is simply astounding. A Chuscales concert is an experience that audiences take with them.
Chuscales performed in many productions including “Memories of Granada” (2024), “Doce Mujeres – 12 Women – The Power of Women “ (2024), “Guitar and Tree” (2024), "Flamenco Passion" (2023), "Chuscales at Tulsa" (2023), "Four Seasons" (2023), "Chuscales & Friends" (Santa Fe, NM 2022), "Festival Flamenco 2021" (Albuquerque, NM 2021), "Lemon & Orange" (Santa Fe, NM 2021)("Tree of Life" (Santa Fe, NM 2020), "Gypsy Moon & Stars" (Santa Fe, 2019), "Tulsa Jazz Festival" (Tulsa, OK 2019), "Monet's Moon" (Santa Fe, NM 2019) "Feria de Abril in Santa Fe" (Santa Fe, NM 2019), "Monet's Moon" (Santa Fe, NM 2018), "Holiday Dream" (2018), "Carmen La Golondrina" (Santa Fe, NM 2018), "The Little Match Girl" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Dance with Spirit" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Illusions in Arts "Calligraphy & Choreography" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Romance de la Luna "(Santa Fe, NM, 2016), "Una Nota de Lorca" (Santa Fe, NM 2021 & 2016), "Gypsy Book" (Santa Fe, NM 2015), "Flamenco Masters at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre" (Denver, CO 2015), "Houston Spanish & Flamenco Festival 2015" (Houston, TX 2015), "Flamenco X3" (Santa Fe, NM 2015), "Gypsy Passion" (Santa Fe, NM 2014), "Flamenco Fiesta!" (Santa Fe, NM 2014 & 2013), "Forever in My Heart" (Santa Fe, NM 2013 ), "My Gypsy Soul" (Santa Fe, NM 2012), "Chuscales at Old Main, Boulder" (Boulder, CO 2011), "Chuscales y Mina Fajardo con Las Tres Mujeres" (Las Vegas. NM, 2010), "Chuscales Live at MIT" (Boston, MA 2009), Telluride Jazz Festival (Telluride, CO 2008), "Chuscales at Tubac" (Tubac, AZ 2007), "Soul del Arte Tradiciones e Innovaciones" (San Francisco, CA 2005), "Ainadamar, Landscapes and Impression" Santa Fe Opera (Santa Fe, NM 2005), "A Night of Flamenco Magic" Lakewood Cultural Center (Denver, CO 2005), "Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival" (Santa Fe, NM 2004 & 2001), The John E. Morlow Guitar Series "Flamenco Night" (Chevy Chase, MD 2004), SJC Multicultural Arts Series "Flamenco" (San Juan Capistrano, CA 2003).
He played the guitar for the prince and Prince of Spain at Santa Fe in 2009. He appeared in films "Camelamos Nauerar" (1976), "The Flamenco Guitar of Jose Valle" (1985), "Gypsy Heart" (1998), "Flamenco Passion & Soul" (1999), "Viaje Al Duende" (2009), "The Spanish Table" (2010) and "El Payo" (2010), "Españoles en el Mundo - Nuevo Mexico" (2013), "CNN Hero – Roger Montoya" (2019).
He received the Dora More Award for outstanding sound design/composition (2010, 2009 & 2007) Isadora Duncan Awards for composition, arrangement, and direction (2011 & 1997).CDs: "Al Alba" (1988), "Formas e Imagenes" (1991), "Forever in My Heart" (1996), "Soul Encounters" (1999), "Midnight in Madrid" (2001), "Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar" (2003), "El Payo" (2010), "Azafrán" (2018), "A Time of Silence" (2020), "Natural Meditation (2020), "O Holy Night" (2021).
Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe 2025 Fall - Mariposa del Aire (Butterfly of the Air)
Photo by Gene Peach Photography
Santa Fe’s acclaimed flamenco ensemble, Compañía Chuscales & Mina Fajardo, presents Mariposa del Aire – Butterfly in the Air, a poetic and urgent flamenco production inspired by Federico García Lorca’s children’s poem and today’s crisis of disappearing butterflies. The work premieres November 7–9, 2025, at Teatro Paraguas, Santa Fe’s bilingual multicultural theater.
A Poetic & Ecological Vision
In Lorca’s Mariposa del Aire, the butterfly is a symbol of joy, fragility, and fleeting beauty. Today, its meaning deepens as scientists warn of the alarming decline of butterfly populations worldwide due to climate change, habitat loss, and the use of pesticides.
During the performance, sisters Jazmine and Alexis Padilla will recite Lorca’s poem in Spanish and English, creating a bridge between cultures and generations. Artistic Director Mina Fajardo describes this piece as her dream project: “Through flamenco, I want to help save the butterflies of the world and remind us that beauty must be protected.”
Mina Fajardo – Artistic Director
Mina Fajardo is a choreographer, dancer, singer, percussionist, and teacher, as well as an award-winning photographer known for her luminous portraits of Morning Glory flowers. Her artistic mission unites flamenco with nature, honoring the natural world while preserving the Spanish tradition.
Her past works include Return to the River, Return to Lorca (2025), Four Seasons (2023), Lemon & Orange (2021), and Tree of Life (2020). With Mariposa del Aire, she continues weaving ecology, poetry, and dance into a call for awareness and celebration of life.
Featured Artists
The production highlights world-class flamenco artistry:
- Chuscales – Music Director, award-winning guitarist & composer, recipient of the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame and the Isadora Duncan Dance Award. A master of flamenco guitar, he has toured internationally, including for the Prince and Princess of Spain.
- Mina Fajardo – Artistic Director, dancer, choreographer, singer, percussionist.
- Guillermo González – Guest singer from Sevilla, Spain, bringing the soul of cante jondo to Santa Fe.
Company Dancers:
Monze Díaz · Giovanna Chávez · Dani Mouw · Allison Hoyman · Allana Pratt · Angelique Cordova · Alandra López · Jazmine Padilla · Alexis Padilla · Zayra Gonzalez
Lighting Designer: Jeff Tarnoff
Program Highlights
Audiences will experience a rich journey of flamenco forms, including:
- Guajira (with bata de cola, fan, mantón, and castanets)
- Leyenda (Asturias) – classical guitar reimagined
- Rondeña – lyrical and expressive
- Caña con Bata y Mantón – dramatic and powerful
- Alegrías con Bata y Mantón – festive and radiant
- Tangos – fiery and rhythmic
- Sevillanas – joyful folk dances of Seville
- Guest Solos by Guillermo González
Venue & Tickets
Teatro Paraguas – 3205 Calle Marie, Santa Fe, NM (near Meow Wolf)
Showtimes
🗓 Dates & Times:
- Friday, November 7 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 8 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
- Sunday, November 9 – 2:00 PM
🎟 Tickets:
- General Admission: $30
- Seniors / Students: $25
Reservations: 505-424-1601
Holiday Flamenco 2025 - Winter Flamenco in Santa Fe
Teatro Paraguas and Compañia Chuscales & Mina Fajardo present
Holiday Flamenco
"Holiday in Santa Fe"
December 19 at 7 pm
December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm
December 21 at 2 pm
December 27 at 2 pm & 7 pm
December 28 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Santa Fe’s acclaimed flamenco company, Compañía Chuscales & Mina Fajardo, brings holiday spirit to the stage with Holiday Flamenco 2025: Holiday in Santa Fe. This joyful concert blends the fire of flamenco with the warmth of holiday traditions, featuring timeless carols, vibrant dance, and the artistry of Santa Fe’s flamenco community.
Audiences will experience beloved classics reimagined through flamenco, including Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, and selections from Chuscales and Mina Fajardo’s most recent Holiday CDs. The program highlights both the beauty of flamenco’s tradition and the joy of the holiday season, uniting community, culture, and family in one heartfelt performance.
Featured Artists:
Chuscales – Guitarist, Music Director (NM Music Hall of Fame, Isadora Duncan Award recipient)
Mina Fajardo – Artistic Director, dancer, singer, percussionist
Company Dancers:
Monze Díaz · Dani Mouw · Giovanna Chávez · Allison Hoyman · Alandra López · Angelique Cordova · Allana Pratt · Jodi McGinnis · Jazmine Padilla · Alexis Padilla · Zayra Gonzalez
A highlight of the evening will be performances by Mina Fajardo’s flamenco students, each presenting solo and group numbers, showcasing the next generation of flamenco talent in Santa Fe.
Holiday Flamenco 2025: Holiday in Santa Fe promises an unforgettable evening where flamenco passion meets holiday magic — a celebration for families, friends, and the entire community.
Join us this December for a flamenco holiday celebration — Holiday in Santa Fe.
Venue: Teatro Paraguas @ 3205 Calle Marie, Santa Fe, NM
Tickets:
General Admission: $30
Seniors/Students: $25
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/teatro-paraguas-nm/holiday-flamenco-2025-holiday-in-santa-fe
Website: https://teatroparaguasnm.org
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/teatro.paraguas
For More Information, Contact: teatroparaguas@gmail.com
505-424-1601
Gloria Bendita by Chuscales
In Caló, the language of the Spanish Gypsies, Chusco means the crunchy end of a loaf of bread. Chuscales, or Chusco for short, refers to a person who is a "guitar-cruncher." José Luis Valle Fajardo, better known as Chuscales, is a guitarist with consummate skill and deep understanding.
Photo Gallery
