JoaquÍn Encinias

Artistic Director, Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company

Joaquín Encinias was born into one of the few flamenco families in America. Encinias learned flamenco as a way of life from his grandmother, Clarita, and mother, Eva Encinias.  He began his first lessons in flamenco from his grandmother, and joined her performance company at age five. At age twelve, he went on to become a soloist in his mother’s company. Encinias recognized the advantages of a well-rounded dance training on went on to explore various techniques. Ultimately, He remained true to his roots and returned to flamenco. Encinias has worked closely with world-renowned artists including Antonio Canales, Eva La Yerbabuena, Los Farrucos and Manolete. In 1999, he worked with director Debbie Allen in the production Soul Possessed, which premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He has also been a featured soloist in Festival Flamenco Alburquerque.  

His greatest contributions to flamenco can be seen by looking at both his school and his company. In 1999 The Conservatory of Flamenco Arts opened under the direction of Encinias and his mother Eva. Since that time Encinias has gone on to copy write his unique methodology, the only codified and copy-written flamenco teaching methodology in the United States.  Encinias’ company, Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company is the only professional flamenco repertory company in the United States. As Artistic Director, Encinias has amassed a repertory of over fifty-five pieces of original flamenco choreography from some of the most influential flamenco artists in the world including Juana Amaya, Israel Galván, La Tati, and Alejandro Granados.  Encinias’ vision for Yjastros is to preserve the beauty of traditional flamenco while imbuing it with a uniquely American aesthetic and energy.  

As Artistic Director of Yjastros, Encinias has been a prolific choreographer. He has been able to redefine flamenco choreography by truly understanding flamenco movement, having an innovative and visionary use of space, and demonstrating profound fluency in flamenco musical composition.Encinias’ choreographic range is immense as his portfolio includes works influenced by Esculea Bolera, Spanish Classical, and modern dance.

In 2010, Encinias founded Tierra Adentro: The New Mexico School of Academics, Art and Artesanía, a public charter school.  Through Tierra Adentro, Encinias’ artistic and educational vision impacts students in grades 6 - 12.

Encinias has begun a new generation of artistry though his innovation and dedication to the art form. Today, he is one of the most highly sought–after flamenco artists and instructors in the nation because of his unique exposition of technique and craft. His musical talent and deep understanding of the language of flamenco make him an exceptional and valuable instructor and choreographer.