Laura Sanchez’s Welcome to Holland!?, a theatrical journey of Flamenco, poetry and humor exploring unspoken realities of motherhood and caregiving, is coming to Arts at the Armory’s Spotlight Series on June 28 and 29, 2025. The performances mark the first time that dance graces Arts at the Armory’s Spotlight Series.

Sanchez’s transformative 75-minute journey beautifully intertwines flamenco, poetry, humor, and film, celebrating the incredible strength of caregivers. The story at Holland’s center is one of an immigrant mother who navigates her unique “Holland!?”—a landscape reshaped by trauma. Everyday objects transform into powerful symbols of hope, guiding her through challenges and illuminating the path to belonging. Welcome to Holland?! challenges stereotypes about motherhood and disability, shedding light on the diverse experiences of caregivers and non-traditional families.

“I saw the premiere of Welcome to Holland!? at The Dance Complex (Cambridge, MA) in March 2024,” says Co-Director/CEO Stephanie Scherpf. “I became very interested in presenting it at Arts at the Armory. The themes of motherhood, trauma, disability, and being an artist who mothers that the production brings into play… the way in which Laura has pushed the boundaries of flamenco to create this multidisciplinary work… the possibilities for community workshops and engagement, and Laura’s own compelling, honest, and masterful artistry all combine to make me want to present this work to our community.”

“Laura has pushed us to think about how caregivers and families with young children, and audiences members with disabilities will engage with this performance in our historic community venue,” says Scherpf. “Inclusion is central to our mission at Arts at the Armory and Laura has helped us welcome a broader spectrum of the community through our doors with her advocacy.” 

Audiences are saying: “I cried, smiled, laughed, and realized… the important things in life.” “This is a MUST-see show. The world [has] to see this.”

Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early to experience a multisensory playspace, developed in collaboration with the Perkins School for the Deaf and Blind, that promotes creative learning about disabilities and inclusive communication.

Laura Sanchez is an award-winning flamenco artist, creator, choreographer, and educator originally from Cadiz, Spain. Welcome to Holland!? is part of the evolving AFTER DARK series, a living autobiographical work that Sanchez began in 2020 as a dance film about motherhood and mental health. She developed the film into a live performance with support from the Boston Center for the Arts and Boston Dance Alliance in 2022 residency at Mills Gallery.

For the June 29 performance, there will be children-centered programming available that is happening simultaneously with the performance. Those interested should complete this form. Lap children are free; children under 12 are $15 for the June 29 show only.   

Co-curated by Arts at the Armory Co-Directors Jess White and Stephanie Scherpf, and produced and promoted by Arts at the Armory, the Spotlight Series celebrates the diversity and culture of our community by bringing world-renowned performers, always paired with a local opening act, into a historic and intimate setting. The series spotlights local, national and international artists from diverse communities, and provides platforms that amplify these voices.

The Center for Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. To learn more please visit, artsatthearmory.org,  Facebook page, and follow them on Instagram at @ArtsattheArmory. Join their  mailing list here.

LAURA SANCHEZ’S WELCOME TO HOLLAND!?
Saturday, June 28, 2025 7pm
& Sunday, June 29, 2025 12:30pm

Tickets: https://the-center-for-arts-at-the-armory.ticketleap.com/welcome-to-holland-by-laura-sanchez/