Vilanova del Camí's Escola Artístic is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades as a leading local institution for performing arts training. The school, located in the Anoia region of Central Catalonia, has organised a week of activities culminating in a major public celebration on 30 April.
The project began in 2006, founded by Rosalba Sánchez, to address a local need. "For flamenco, urban dances, singing... in Vilanova you had to travel. We wanted all that to be possible here," Sánchez, the director, recalled. At the time, the region lacked facilities for urban dance or flamenco, forcing interested individuals to travel to Barcelona.
From its inception, the school adopted a broad and inclusive model, offering disciplines such as flamenco, Spanish dance, urban dances, singing, belly dance, ballroom dancing and theatre. Initially, classes were held in Sánchez's home warehouse. The school officially opened its doors on 29 April, coinciding with International Dance Day. In its early days, the urban dance class attracted around 15 students, with rehearsals often taking place in the street, drawing curious neighbours who were seeing the style for the first time.
Two Decades of Growth and Dedication
Twenty years later, Escola Artístic boasts a strong teaching team, many of whom trained at the school itself. Two figures, Sheila Grados, a singing and vocal technique teacher, and Ermy González, a choreographer and urban dance teacher, have been with Rosalba Sánchez since the beginning. Sánchez considers their long-standing collaboration one of her greatest achievements. "The fact that I am accompanied by Ermy and Sheila, who have been by my side for twenty years, is already one of the greatest prizes. Better than any recognition," she stated.
The school's leaders agree that performing arts offer more than just technical skills; they provide personal tools. Sheila Grados highlighted the journey of self-discovery students experience. "You start thinking you have one type of voice, but through knowing everything that can happen, you discover all the possibilities. And that also transforms you as a person. Many times they say: 'If I can do it with my voice, I can also do it with my life'," Grados explained. Ermy González described dance as a way to tell stories, emphasising that the school's participation in competitions with five groups is more about building community than winning prizes.
Both Rosalba Sánchez and Sheila Grados stressed the importance of these disciplines for personal development. They believe performing arts "help you express yourself, share, have awareness, discipline and work capacity. They should be in schools from a young age, just like sport."
Anniversary Programme
To mark its 20th anniversary, Escola Artístic has organised a week of activities from 25 to 30 April, open to all and designed to combine training, celebration and community. On Saturday 25 April, the workshop "Del cos a la veu" (From Body to Voice), a six-hour session co-directed by Sheila Grados and physiotherapist Anna Díaz, quickly sold out.
On Sunday 26 April, the school will organise a trip to Catalonia's April Fair at Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona, departing from Vilanova del Camí at 11:30am. This event connects to the director's Andalusian roots and the school's flamenco offerings. Monday 27 April will see the Centre d’Innovació host a dance and singing workshop with various specialists, including Eddy Díaz for reparto cubano, Ruth Prim for hip hop, Paula Romero for commercial dance, and Sheila Grados for Estill Voice Training, an international vocal work model.
Tuesday 28 April features a contemporary dance workshop with Emanuel and a choir workshop led by Sheila Grados. This choir session is split into two groups, children aged 6 to 10 and those over 12, focusing on body awareness, vocalisation and interpretation to prepare a joint piece. Activities continue on Wednesday 29 April with flamenco 'por bulerías' sessions for levels I and II, taught by Inés Rubio, a bailaora from Tarragona now living in Seville.
Grand Finale in Plaça Joan Vich
The celebrations will culminate on Thursday 30 April in Plaça Joan Vich i Adzet in Vilanova del Camí. Starting at 17:30, there will be snacks and artistic workshops for young children. At 18:30, Janik Ramis will host a musical bingo. The official 20th-anniversary commemorative event, presented by Maria Berenguer, will begin at 19:30, involving families, former students and past teachers.
The day will end with a Karaoke Star featuring live musicians. This free, open-to-all party aims to recognise two decades of hard work, passion and community built around performing arts in Vilanova del Camí.
