Internationally acclaimed as a performer, choreographer and director, Maria Benitez is recognized as one of the finest exponents in her field - Spanish dance and all that it embraces. Ms. Benitez is best known for the work of the company she and her husband Cecilio founded and direct - Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco. With a long standing reputation for excellence, the company's history includes performances at festivals and major concert halls in all 50 states, Canada, Germany, Holland, Spain, Austria and 12- week summer seasons in Santa Fe, NM since the early 1970's. 
Maria receiving the King of Spain's highest honor award La Cruz de Isabel la Catolica August 26, 2006 From left to right; Cecilio Benitez, Spanish Consulate Julio Montesinos (who presented the award to Maria), Maria and Bert LeyvaDirectors In, President of the Institute for Spanish Arts Board of Directors
In August 2006 Maria was given Spain’s most prestigious honor- La Cruz de Isabel La Catolica Award – by the Spanish Consulate Julio MontesinosIn the summer 2006 Maria choreographed CARMEN for the Santa Fe Opera. Governor Bill Richardson recently nominated Maria for the Thirtieth Annual National Governors Association (NGA) Awards Program for Distinguished Service to State Government in the Arts Category for Artistic Production (as an artist).
From Land of Flamenco, Honor to Maria Benitez
“At the conclusion of her Saturday-evening retrospective show at the Lodge at Santa Fe for an audience of ilustres, a singular honor awaited Maria Menitea: La Gran Cruz de Isabel la Catolica.
“Isabel la Catolica is the name by which Spain’s legendary Queen Isabella of Castile is known. The grand cross bearing her name is the king of Spain’s highest artistic award. Consul-general Julio Montesinos traveled from Houston to present it to Benitez on behalf of King Juan Carlos.
“The grand cross was established back in 1815 for services to the Spanish crown.
“In official language, it recognizes “those who have distinguished themselves in their contributions toward relations of friendship and cooperation between Spain and the international community.”
“And who has done more than the Taos-born Benitez? For nearly four decades, she and her Teatro Flamenco have been a fixture of the Santa Fe summer; eloquent reminders of our community’s four-century-old Spanish heritage, and captivatingly entertaining performers of that deep dance form.
“She brings great passion and power to her performances; qualities which have gained her and her group national fame in cante jondo.
“The gran cruz is only the latest of many such awards she and her troupe have garnered while attracting audiences in this and many nations — including Spain.
“Maria Benitez is ours; her career has taken her far, but her return to Santa Fe, to her studio and to her summer show has been cause for celebration among her many local friends and devoted fans. We join them in a round of felicidades upon the past weekend’s well deserved recognition.”
– THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN, August 28, 2006
Recognition from the New Mexico State Legislature:
2006
1996