Theatre Flamenco Will Mark 60th Year in October

The San Francisco company celebrates six decades of performance with a special show at the Herbst Theatre.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Dance

Theatre Flamenco Will Mark 60th Year in October

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Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco will host an anniversary production titled 'De Ayer a Hoy/From Yesterday to Today' at the Herbst Theatre on October 17, 2026. As the oldest flamenco company in the United States, the troupe marks its 60th year following a period of transition.

Why it matters

The performance serves to honor the company's long-standing legacy in San Francisco while showcasing new artistic directions. It also provides a moment of reflection as the community navigates the loss of key figures like festival founder Nina Menendez.

Founded in 1966, the company currently maintains a studio at 670 South Van Ness Avenue and has operated under the leadership of Carola Zertuche for 20 years. The anniversary program features three newly commissioned works and six reimagined pieces.

The players

Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco

Established in 1966, this institution is the oldest flamenco company in the United States.

Carola Zertuche

She has served as the artistic director of the company for the past 20 years.

Miguel Santos

He was a long-time artistic director for the company who passed away in 2024 at age 99.

Nina Menendez

She was the founder of the company's local flamenco festival who died in 2025.

The details

The anniversary show incorporates video monitors displaying archival footage dating back to the early 1970s to connect the group's history with its current era. This production follows the 2024 death of artistic director Miguel Santos and the 2025 passing of festival founder Nina Menendez.

The company was founded in 1966.
Company video archives span from the early 1970s to the present.
Artistic director Miguel Santos died in 2024.
Festival founder Nina Menendez died in 2025.
The 60th anniversary performance occurs on October 17, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This anniversary production highlights the endurance of long-standing dance institutions in an evolving artistic landscape. It marks a significant milestone that honors the company's historical legacy while bridging the gap to a new generation of performers.

The anniversary performance will take place at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. Audience members can experience both new commissions and historical archival footage during this one-night event.

The takeaway

The event highlights the importance of preserving historical archives to inform contemporary artistic creations. Attendees can expect a blend of legacy performance styles and modern interpretations that honor the company's six-decade influence on the local flamenco scene.