María Benítez

María Woesha Benítez ( Díaz; April 14, 1942 – September 3, 2024) was an American dancer, choreographer, and director in Spanish dance and flamenco. Benítez is best known for the work of the company she and her husband Cecilio founded and directed, Teatro Flamenco. After initial ballet training in the U.S., Benítez traveled to Spain to study and perform.

Choreography for opera Benítez regularly performed in and choreographed for opera. The Met's Carmen was televised by PBS's Great Performances in the spring of 1997 and Benítez performed in this production in 1997 and 1998 in New York. Benitez has also performed at numerous dance festivals, such as the American Dance Festival and Jacob's Pillow.

Institute for Spanish Arts Maria Benítez was Director of the Institute for Spanish Arts which she founded in 1970 along with husband, Cecilio Benítez. The Institute, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a not-for-profit, educational and cultural organization established to present programs of the artistic heritage of Spain. The institute's mission is to preserve, strengthen and disseminate the rich and artistic Spanish heritage as expressed through music, dance, visual arts and other art forms.

Awards and recognitions New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Field of Dance The City of Santa Fe Mayor's Arts Award The Classical Spanish Dance Award from the Institute of Puerto Rico in New York City El Real Orden de Isabel la Católico, 2006, conferred on behalf of Spain's King Juan Carlos by Spanish Consulate General Julio Montesinos. The award, named for Queen Isabella of Castille, is Spain's highest artistic honor. Santa Fe Living Treasure, 2014. 2020 New Mexico Book Awards, Best Biography, Fringe: María Benítez's Flamenco Enchantment, by Jaima Chevalier, Atomic City Lights Publishers, 2019.