Guest Author
By Maitri Acharya
I was eight years old when my family and I moved from the vibrant streets of India to a quiet city in North Carolina. But even as we adjusted to our new home, I carried with me something deeply rooted in my identity—Indian classical dance. I trained in Bharatanatyam throughout my childhood and into my teens, and later, as an adult, I earned a diploma in Kathak.
But my dance journey took an unexpected and beautiful turn years later during a study abroad program in Sevilla, Spain. It was there that I saw Flamenco performances for the first time. I was instantly captivated. The immense power, the raw intensity, the emotional expression, it all struck a chord deep within me.
I didn’t know then how profoundly it would shape my artistic path.
At the time, living in a small city in North Carolina meant Flamenco wasn’t easily accessible. There were no nearby teachers, no regular classes. Pursuing this new passion would require years of patience and determination—and a lot of travel to bigger cities to receive proper training. But I was driven. The discipline I had built through years of Indian classical dance helped me stay committed even when it wasn’t easy.
As I delved deeper into Flamenco, I noticed something fascinating: echoes of Indian dance within it. Flamenco has historical roots that trace back to India, and I could feel that connection. The complex footwork, the coordinated use of upper and lower body, the depth of emotional storytelling, so many of these elements felt familiar, yet entirely new.
That curiosity led me to create FlamenKatha, a collaborative dance piece with Kathak artists that explored the parallels between Kathak and Flamenco. We performed it at the NC Dance Festival in Greensboro last November, and the experience was nothing short of magical. It was a true meeting of cultures, traditions, and histories—all through movement.
Today, I’m proud to share that my Flamenco journey has reached an exciting milestone: I’ve been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Certamen, a highly competitive Flamenco competition taking place in New York City on October 18, 2025. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly, and it’s a testament to the years of learning, exploring, and staying true to my passion.
As someone rooted in Indian heritage and deeply engaged with Flamenco, I feel incredibly fortunate to experience both cultures through dance. In many ways, this journey has come full circle, and my exploration of Flamenco has taken me right back to the rhythms and spirit of Indian classical dance.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing as a Flamenco dancer and to share this powerful art form with my community here in North Carolina. I want to make Flamenco more visible, more accessible, and more appreciated, because I believe its passion and storytelling can resonate with everyone.
Dance has always been my way of connecting across cultures, histories, and emotions. And as I keep moving forward, I hope to keep building those bridges—one step, one rhythm, one story at a time.
Maitri Acharya is a dancer trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Western and Latin styles. She is an artistic and managing member of Flamenco Carolina, a Durham-based group focused on performance, education, and outreach. Drawing from her background, she creates collaborative works that explore rhythm and expression. Instagram: flamencocarolina.ole, Facebook: FlamencoCarolina, email: flamencocarolina@gmail.com
