NIF NEWS
Amy Schofield for Dance/USA Summer Archiving Fellowships 2024.
Amy
Discover the work of Amy Schofield, our archivist, as she participates in the Dance/USA Summer Archiving Fellowships 2024:
"The office of the National Institute of Flamenco (NIF) buzzed with excitement as I stepped in on my first day. The organization was immersed in final preparations for the 37th annual Festival Flamenco Alburquerque. Founded in 1982 by Eva Encinias, the National Institute of Flamenco stands as a cornerstone of the Albuquerque community. NIF offers diverse programs that provide flamenco music and dance education, alongside local performances for both children and adults.
Under the leadership of Eva's daughter, Marisol Encinias, who serves as NIF’s executive director, and her son Joaquín Encinias, artistic director of Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, NIF has grown into a dynamic institution. Yjastros, founded in 2002, presents two seasonal performances annually, featuring original works by Joaquín and acclaimed choreographers from Spain. Recognized as a 'living archive of choreographic masterworks,' Yjastros members also engage weekly at local tablaos, fostering a vibrant connection with the University of New Mexico’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
Notably, the annual Festival Flamenco Alburquerque has evolved into the largest and most prestigious flamenco festival outside of Spain, attracting thousands of professionals and enthusiasts each year. Join us as we delve deeper into Amy Schofield's impactful contributions and the rich cultural tapestry of NIF."
Madison Olguin Awarded Full-Year Scholarship in Sevilla, Spain
Madison Olguin, talented dancer, member of Yjastros, and friend and colleague of the National Institute of Flamenco, has received a full-year scholarship through the Concurso de Talentos of Fundación Cristina Heeren to study in Sevilla. Madison's dedication in her flamenco journey is evident. Originally from Albuquerque, she began her flamenco training at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico Charter School and the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. She achieved significant milestones, including winning Flamenco Vivo’s Certamen in New York in 2019. Madison continued her dance education at the University of New Mexico, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2023. During her time at UNM, Madison studied abroad in Madrid, received the Friends of Dance scholarship, and performed with UNM’s Flamenco Dance Ensemble at Jacob’s Pillow through the American College Dance Association National Conference. Her achievements were further recognized when she received the Princess Grace Award for dance performance in 2023. Now, in 2024, Madison is embarking on an adventure to Sevilla.
Eloy Gonzales Awarded Full-Year Scholarship in Sevilla, Spain
Eloy Gonzales, former Tierra Adentro and Conservatory of Flamenco Arts student, Yjastros member, and valued partner at Tablao, has achieved a significant milestone. Recently selected as a finalist of the Concurso de Talentos Fundaciónn Cristina Heeren, Eloy showcased his exceptional talent in Seville on July 10th and has been awarded a full-year scholarship to study in Sevilla, Spain.
We are incredibly proud of Eloy Gonzales. His journey exemplifies how perseverance and dedication to this art form can lead to community connections, opportunities, and a promising career path. Flamenco serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation and excellence.
Eloy's passion for flamenco began in 2010 with Tierra Adentro charter school, our esteemed partner. He soon earned a scholarship to the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts, where he immersed himself in the study of flamenco guitar while pursuing a degree in Liberal and Interdisciplinary Arts at The University of New Mexico. In February 2023, he was part of the first American flamenco company invited to perform at the prestigious Festival de Jerez in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Now, Eloy embarks on an enriching year-long journey in Sevilla. Congratulations, Eloy! Your achievements inspire us all.
Yjastros Spring Concert: Tickets On Sale!
April 26 & 27, 2024, Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company welcomes you to an evening of dance, music and exploration during their Spring Concert at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM.
Yjastros features 10 dancers and 4 musicians, and the production is made in collaboration with the company’s Artistic Director Joaquín Encinias, Choreographer Marisol Encinias, Theater Director Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez, Flamenco musicians Ángel Ruiz and Vicente Griego, and Son Jarocho musician Sinuhé Padilla.
Yjastros has grown from a deep flamenco tradition that has developed in New Mexico for nearly a century. The company’s flamenco practice is authentically flamenco and deeply rooted in the Americas. Performers and collaborators are majority BIPOC and Latinx artists who are from the U.S. Southwest, Mexico, and South America.
Our Spring Concert draws inspiration from archetypal figures such as La Malinche and her multifaceted portrayal as a mother, traitor, and symbol of mestizaje. This thread catalyzes an exploration of the profound similarities between two seemingly distinct but related art forms: Son Jarocho and Flamenco. The work delves into how these art forms encourage individual interpretation while remaining deeply communal and collaborative. This production celebrates the beauty of our complex cultures and conflicted histories through the powerful energy of Flamenco, music and dance.
Photos: Yjastros in Fall 2024 Concert: Xicano Power / Ungelbah Davila photography
El 26 y 27 de abril de 2024, Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company te da la bienvenida a una noche de baile, música y exploración durante su Concierto de Primavera en el Centro Cultural Hispano de Albuquerque, NM. Yjastros cuenta con 10 bailarines y 4 músicos, y la producción se realiza en colaboración con el Director Artístico de la compañía Joaquín Encinias, la Coreógrafa Marisol Encinias, el Director de Teatro Alejandro Tomás Rodríguez, los músicos de Flamenco Ángel Ruiz y Vicente Griego, y el músico de Son Jarocho Sinuhé Padilla. Yjastros ha crecido a partir de una profunda tradición flamenca que se ha desarrollado en Nuevo México durante casi un siglo. La práctica flamenca de la compañía es auténticamente flamenca y está profundamente arraigada en las Américas. Los intérpretes y colaboradores son en su mayoría artistas BIPOC y Latinx que provienen del suroeste de EE. UU., México y América del Sur. Nuestro Concierto de Primavera se inspira en figuras arquetípicas como La Malinche y su representación multifacética como madre, traidora y símbolo de mestizaje. Este hilo cataliza una exploración de las profundas similitudes entre dos formas de arte aparentemente distintas pero relacionadas: Son Jarocho y Flamenco. El trabajo profundiza en cómo estas formas de arte fomentan la interpretación individual mientras permanecen profundamente comunitarias y colaborativas. Esta producción celebra la belleza de nuestras culturas complejas e historias conflictivas a través de la poderosa energía del Flamenco, la música y el baile.
Marisol Encinias, 2024 Woman of Influence Awardee
Congratulations Marisol Encinias, NIF Executive Director, who was recognized last night by Albuquerque Business First as a 2024 Women of Influence. Thank you Albuquerque Business First!
"I am excited to be selected for this recognition among a cohort of strong women from New Mexico!" - Marisol Encinias
"To have influence is to have the power to effect change. For the past 20 years, Albuquerque Business First has recognized those positive change agents via its Women of Influence Awards. These individuals not only excel in their careers but also in uplifting their communities." - Albuquerque Business First
"Felicidades Marisol Encinias, Directora Ejecutiva de NIF, quien fue reconocida anoche por Albuquerque Business First como una Mujer de Influencia 2024. ¡Gracias Albuquerque Business First! '¡Estoy emocionada de ser seleccionada para este reconocimiento entre un grupo de mujeres fuertes de Nuevo México!' - Marisol Encinias 'Tener influencia es tener el poder de efectuar un cambio. Durante los últimos 20 años, Albuquerque Business First ha reconocido a aquellos agentes de cambio positivo a través de sus Premios Mujeres de Influencia. Estas personas no solo destacan en sus carreras, sino también en elevar a sus comunidades.' - Albuquerque Business First"
Marisol Encinias, 2024 Advocacy Leadership Institute Fellow
The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) has just announced our own Executive Director Marisol Encinias as a 2024 Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI) fellow!
“NALAC’s Advocacy Leadership Institute is a valuable learning experience for our fellows, and we are excited to return to D.C. with our new cohort this spring. The institute provides an opportunity and support for artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers to navigate political spaces and advocate for the necessary resources and policies that support their work in the arts and culture field,” said Alyssa Pineda, NALAC Leadership & Convenings Manager.
La Asociación Nacional de Artes y Culturas Latinas (NALAC) acaba de anunciar a nuestra propia Directora Ejecutiva Marisol Encinias como becaria del Instituto de Liderazgo en Defensa (ALI) 2024! "El Instituto de Liderazgo en Defensa de NALAC es una valiosa experiencia de aprendizaje para nuestros becarios, y estamos emocionados de regresar a D.C. con nuestra nueva cohorte esta primavera. El instituto brinda una oportunidad y apoyo para artistas, administradores de artes y trabajadores culturales para navegar los espacios políticos y abogar por los recursos y políticas necesarios que apoyen su trabajo en el campo de las artes y la cultura", dijo Alyssa Pineda, Gerente de Liderazgo y Convocatorias de NALAC.
Watch Albuquerque Mayor Keller in Conversation with Eva Encinias
Watch the National Institute of Flamenco's founding director, Eva Encinias, in conversation with Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
Festival Season is Around the Corner: Are You Prepared for Festival Flamenco Alburquerque 37?
We are thrilled to announce this year's Festival Flamenco Alburquerque (still with the extra r), now in its 37th year. FFABQ is the premier flamenco festival outside of Spain as the oldest and largest of its kind, and located here in Albuquerque, the US capitol of the flamenco art form.
Karime Amaya performs June 22 at Festival Flamenco Alburquerque
Every year hundreds of local, domestic and international guests join us for this 9-day event that includes performances by some of the world's most respected flamenco artists, including Karime Amaya (grand-niece to the legendary flamenca Carmen Amaya) and several Spanish National Dance Prize Winners, among a roster of other highly acclaimed artists.
FFABQ brings the genre's best traditional and avant-garde flamenco singers, dancers and musicians from Spain to the Albuquerque stage. In 2023, Albuquerque Business First reported that Festival Flamenco Alburquerque created a $12 million dollar economic impact, and we don't intend to stop there.
In addition to world-class performances that have never been seen in the United States, FFABQ provides youth programming through our Kids Camp and Festival Juvenil programs, offering scholarships to qualifying students. These programs allow youngsters to experience flamenco at a global-level and train with the stars of the show.
Festival ticket packages and workshop passes are now on sale. Whether you are an aficionado or just beginning to cultivate your infatuation with flamenco, a ticket package is the best way to experience all the magic that FFABQ has to offer. New Mexico residents will save 35% of performance ticket’s face value (like if you bought them from the venue box office), and out-of-state/country guests save 25%.
Estamos emocionados de anunciar el Festival Flamenco Alburquerque de este año, ahora en su 37º año. FFABQ es el festival de flamenco más importante fuera de España, el más antiguo y grande de su tipo, y ubicado aquí en Albuquerque, la capital estadounidense del arte flamenco. Cada año cientos de invitados locales, nacionales e internacionales se unen a nosotros para este evento de 9 días que incluye actuaciones de algunos de los artistas de flamenco más respetados del mundo, incluyendo a Karime Amaya (sobrina nieta de la legendaria flamenca Carmen Amaya) y varios ganadores del Premio Nacional de Danza de España, entre otros artistas altamente aclamados. FFABQ trae a los mejores cantantes, bailarines y músicos de flamenco tradicional y vanguardista de España al escenario de Albuquerque. En 2023, Albuquerque Business First informó que el Festival Flamenco Alburquerque creó un impacto económico de $12 millones de dólares, y no tenemos la intención de detenernos ahí. Además de las actuaciones de clase mundial que nunca se han visto en los Estados Unidos, FFABQ ofrece programación para jóvenes a través de nuestro Campamento para Niños y el Festival Juvenil, ofreciendo becas a estudiantes que califiquen. Estos programas permiten a los jóvenes experimentar el flamenco a nivel global y entrenar con las estrellas del espectáculo. Los paquetes de boletos para el festival y los pases para talleres ya están a la venta. Ya sea que seas un aficionado o estés comenzando a cultivar tu fascinación por el flamenco, un paquete de boletos es la mejor manera de experimentar toda la magia que FFABQ tiene para ofrecer. Los residentes de Nuevo México ahorrarán un 35% del valor nominal de los boletos de las actuaciones (como si los compraran en la taquilla del lugar), y los invitados de fuera del estado/país ahorrarán un 25%.
Flamenco On the Senate Floor
The New Mexico Legislature is in session, and members of Yjastros performed for the Senate and the public yesterday at the New Mexico Capitol for "Tourism Day," as seen in the Albuquerque Journal & Santa Fe New Mexican.
Dancers Carlos Menchaca, Andrea Lozano and Madison Olguin with singers Eva Encinias and Vicente Griego and guitarist Eloy Gonzales are all familiar faces at Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque.
These world class artists presented Flamenco, a UNESCO-protected artform, on the Senate floor and in the building's Rotunda.
Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company is the dance company in residence in the University of New Mexico's Department of Theatre and Dance, is a 2022 NDP Grant Awardee, and the dance company of the National Institute of Flamenco (NIF.)
Additionally, Eva Encinias was recognized by the Senate for her legacy and contributions.
NIF Goes to APAP
Marisol Encinias, NIF Executive Director, recently visited New York City with her brother and Yjastros Artistic Director Joaquin Encinias. The duo attended the the Association of Performing Arts Professionals annual conference, which is the world’s premier gathering of performing arts professionals.
The Encinias were selected to present Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company’s MESTIZX in the APAP UP NEXT! Artist Discovery Session. In this highly competitive pitch session they presented their newest show, MESTIZX, which creates space and offers a greater understanding of the complications that arise from the physical and incorporeal divisions implemented on cultures and identities.
This 5-day conference is the catalyst that energizes the industry’s year-round work of booking, touring, and presenting live performance for decades and that will propel us into the future. This collective space—APAP’s big tent that includes professionals, both emerging and seasoned, of all missions, functions, disciplines and genres—is where we recharge, reignite, and drive the performing arts forward.
"La Estrella" 2023 Recap 🎥 📸 Our Best Year Yet...
The 5th Annual “La Estrella” was a sold out show this year! We are so grateful to all of our performers, parents, staff, volunteers, supporters and friends that made 2023 our biggest and best ever.
You can re-live or share the magic of “La Estrella” from anywhere in the world with our digital download offering.
The digital download will be available on Friday, December 22nd through our Vimeo channel at the link you will receive in your receipt.
Below is a look at the show! Video production by Chris Roybal, Incredible Films.
Photos by Ungelbah Dávila.
In The News: "La Estrella" on KOB4 & KRQE
Diana Castillo from KOB 4 visited us this morning at the National Institute of Flamenco to talk to Eva Encinias about this year’s “La Estrella” production, happening December 15, 16 & 17 at the University of New Mexico. Madison Olguin was also on hand to give us a tiny sample of what is to come!
KRQE was also on site this week. They caught up with members of Yjastros in rehearsal for “La Estrella”.
Eva talks to KRQE about “La Estrella.”
"Xicano Power" Recap
Yjastros wrapped up an incredible fall season. See below to watch our recap video and see some photo highlights.
Iván Vargas Residency Recap
This October-November 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting Iván Vargas (Granada) through our partnership with tech University of New Mexico and the Theatre and Dance Departments’ Visiting Guest Line program.
Iván was in residence from October 23 - November 10, working with students in the flamenco concentration at the University of New Mexico and dance focus students at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico. Here’s a look at some of the work he did with students while he was here.
Here is a recap of Iván’s artist talk at UNM.
Below is a look at Iván’s final class choreographing on TANM Students.
New Mexico's Iconic Holiday Show is Back!
The Holiday Season is upon us and with it returns "La Estrella" for it’s 5th year! Running from December 15-17 at the University of New Mexico, “La Estrella” is New Mexico’s iconic holiday show! To tell you more about is Marisol Encinias, Executive Director of the National Institute of Flamenco.
‘La Estrella’is one of my favorite performances that we present each year.
In crafting this narrative performance, I drew inspiration from my studies of early Spanish literature. The storyline is rooted in the ‘Auto de los Reyes Magos’, also known as ‘Representación de los Reyes Magos’ (‘Representation of the Three Kings’). This literary work is the oldest surviving dramatic text in medieval Castilian dialect, serving as a liturgical drama that unfolds the Epiphany story.
The show delves into the mythical origins of the three kings, exploring the diverse lands from which they come— the Middle East, Africa, and the Occidental. It looks at the symbolism behind the gifts the kings present to the newborn in Bethlehem beneath the guiding star, delving into the significance of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.
‘La Estrella’ concludes with a New Mexico Flamenco version of ‘las posadas,’ recounting the story of Mary and Joseph seeking a place to rest for the night, ‘pidiendo posada.’ The production culminates in a festive celebration in Bethlehem.
"Featuring flamenco music and Spanish and flamenco Christmas carols, ‘villancicos,’ the show features a powerful ensemble of professional musicians, including the beloved Vicente Griego. Guest musicians Ángel Ruíz and Isabel Jurado, guitarist and singer from Córdoba, Spain, contribute their music to this production. For this show, the fantastic dancers of Yjastros: the American Flamenco Repertory Company are joined by a cast of over 100 student dancers and musicians.
"This dynamic flamenco dance and music production is a delightful blend of humor, drama, passion, and joy. I believe that it is an incredible holiday spectacle suitable for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Every year, tears well up as I watch this production. Perhaps it's partly due to the sense of catharsis I feel as we conclude the year, but I genuinely believe that this work is truly special!
I hope you will join us for this extraordinary experience! It's a show that is not to be missed!
"La Estrella" Preparations Are Underway!
In case you haven’t had a chance to see the official trailer for this year’s “La Estrella”, here is a look below.
This week our student performers began rehearsing at the University of New Mexico in preparation for this year’s show on December 15, 16, and 17.
Please grab your tickets and invite all your friends and family!
Below is a look at the little dancers in Youth Cast 1 with Miss Gio Hinajosa practicing their “star search.”
Miss Eva Encinias spent the morning working with Youth Cast 2 students on their special part of the show.
Below is a look at Miss Kayla Lyall working with Youth Cast 3.
Truth through flamenco: Yjastros to present new version of 'Xicano Power' at the National Hispanic Cultural Center
“In collaboration with Theatre Director Alejandro Tomás Rodríguez, Yjastros embodies each choreographer’s unique vision and realizes a radical and beautiful thematic work, one that speaks to the complexities of our shared history and the joy and healing that is born out of struggle…”
It's "La Estrella" Season!
It's that magical time of year!
The National Institute of Flamenco presents La Estrella: A Flamenco Story of the Kings' Quest, a family-friendly holiday tradition. This magical production features Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, invited guest musicians, and a cast of student performers from the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts and Tierra Adentro Charter School. La Estrella weaves flamenco dance and music, villancicos (Christmas carols), Spanish regional dances, Escuela Bolera, African Dance, and Las Posadas into an unforgettable holiday story.
Yjastros in Rehearsal: "Xicano Power"
Under the eye of Joaquin Encinias, artistic director, Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company has been hard at work here at NIF perfecting their fall season concert: "Xicano Power," coming to the National Hispanic Cultural Center this Nov. 10 & 11. Grab your tickets to this two-day only show!
"Xicano Power" Official Press Release
For immediate release
FLAMENCO CONCERT “XICANO POWER” AT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
NOVEMBER 10 & 11, 2023
Enjoy a special pre-show conversation Nov. 10 & 11 before Yjastros' performance of "Xicano Power." The conversation is free and will take place in the National Hispanic Cultural Center Visual Arts Museum.
TAP PHOTOS TO DOWNLOAD - Photos of Yjastros performing “Xicano Power” courtesy of Farruk & Rafael Manjavacas
ALBUQUERQUE, NM: The National Institute of Flamenco invites you to experience Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company's fall concert “Xicano Power” at the National Hispanic Cultural Center this November 10-11.
This evocative flamenco concert sets potent choreography, music, soundscapes and imagery to an exploration of identity, history and culture, including the Chicano Movement.
Internationally acclaimed Sevilla-based flamenco artist Israel Galván choreographed the piece “Xicano Power” on Yjastros in 2004, just five years after the company’s inception. That title was then chosen for the concert when it debuted in February 2023 at the internationally acclaimed Festival de Jerez, in Spain. This was a landmark performance for the company in that Yjastros made history as the first US-based company to ever be invited to a Spanish flamenco festival. The concert evolved into its presentation during this year’s edition of Festival Flamenco Alburquerque, and now comes to Yjastros’ home theater, the Journal Theatre, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
The concert features choreography and music that ranges from raw and explosive to joyful and triumphant. Emblematic of the company’s evolution, “Xicano Power” draws on diverse works of movement and music. The work of young contemporary choreographers such as Carmen Coy and Jesús Perona, who recently finished a residency working with Yjastros and UNM flamenco students, appears alongside the works of Marco Flores and the visionary Israel Galván. In collaboration with Theatre Director Alejandro Tomás Rodríguez, Yjastros embodies each choreographer’s unique vision and realizes a radical and beautiful thematic work, one that speaks to the complexities of our shared history and the joy and healing that is born out of struggle.
“‘Xicano Power’ is an iconic piece in our repertory, and I think it demonstrates what the repertory process was for Yjastros early on,” says Joaquín Encinias, Yjastros Artistic Director. “You really can't speak about the Chicano Movement and where the word ‘Chicano’ comes from in that time without speaking about the poem ‘Yo Soy Joaquín.’”
Like the epic poem "Yo So Joaquín," written in 1967 by Denver-based civil rights activist Rodolofo “Corky” Gonzales, the “Xicano Power” concert explores issues of reclaiming one's identity and a legacy of historical greatness. The concert utilizes pieces of this poem in its soundscape, as well as pieces of audio from Tejano filmmaker Hector Galán's award-winning 1996 PBS documentary “Chicano! History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement.”
“The audio represents what was being fought for or against in the Chicano Movement — educational opportunities, fair employment, workers’ rights, civil rights,” says Marisol Encinias, NIF Executive Director. “The audio selected from Mr. Galán’s film captures voices of people involved in the Chicano Movement or the voices of people who the Chicano Movement was moving against.”
Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/XicanoPower2023, or through the National Hispanic Cultural Center for this poignant work, created here in Albuquerque, NM, the flamenco capital of the United States.
Yjastros is the flamenco dance company in residence at the University of New Mexico Department of Theatre and Dance.
For questions or press inquiries:
Ungelbah Dávila
ungelbah@nifnm.org
505-242-7600 (office)