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I recently caught up with Laura Sanchez, who will be performing her flamenco piece “Welcome to Holland!?” It deals with motherhood, and caregiving through expressive dancing, poetry, and ample doses of humor.

Doug Holder: How has Somerville been for you as a creative?

Laura Sanchez: Somerville has become my home, not only where my son went to school, but also where I found my community and my artistic voice. For over ten years, I’ve been bringing flamenco to Somerville through various community events, and now, for the first time, I’ll be presenting my own full-length show here. I’ve been fortunate to receive support from the Somerville Arts Council to share Welcome to Holland!?, and I’m deeply grateful to present this work in the very community that has supported and inspired me.

DH: Flamenco is an art form from southern Spain that combines singing, dancing, and guitar playing. Do you incorporate all these elements in your work?

LS: Welcome to Holland!? is a thought-provoking performance that brings traditional flamenco into a contemporary, multidisciplinary space. Flamenco music and dance are woven together with poetry, spoken word, metaphor, and film, creating a rich tapestry of expressive arts that speaks to the complexity of caregiving, identity, and resilience.

DH: Why do you focus on mothers and caregivers? This is not something that I would associate with the Flamenco.

LS: My work is deeply inspired by my journey as a flamenco artist, but also a mother of two, one of whom has multiple disabilities. This performance is an invitation to explore the often-invisible realities of motherhood and the unexpected journeys that shape us. Beyond raising awareness, Welcome to Holland!? also provides practical support through PlaySpace, a free, inclusive, multisensory experience for children of all abilities. While children play and engage, caregivers can fully experience the show. This piece isn’t just about caregivers, it’s for them.

DH: You incorporate poetry into your performance. What poetry have you used in this project? What poets speak to you?

LS: Welcome to Holland!? was born from a series of personal poems I wrote when I metaphorically “landed” in a reality I never expected. Writing became my lifeline, a daily practice to navigate grief, process trauma, and reclaim my joy. Those poems eventually transformed into performance, through movement, voice, and story.

DH: Why should we view your event?

LS: Audiences say Welcome to Holland!? is a must-see show. It’s a one-of-a-kind performance that uplifts the stories of caregivers while inviting everyone into a more inclusive world. Through flamenco, film, spoken word, and theatrical dance, it invites viewers to feel, reflect, and connect. This piece doesn’t just entertain, it opens hearts and builds empathy.

Link to event: https://artsatthearmory.org/arts-at-the-armory-spotlight-series-presents-welcome-to-holland-by-laura-sanchez/