Member Spotlight: Wayne Ching
When I lived in Baltimore I saw my first flamenco performance by a master group, the Edwin Aparicio Flamenco Dance Company, from Washington, D.C. They performed close up to audience on a wood floor accompanied by guitars and singers. I was struck by the way the performers visibly communicated with each other during the performance. I loved the sweat, the energy, the music, the stomping, the music, the costumes, and tradition.
Q: How did you hear about the National Institute of Flamenco (NIF)?
A: On a Saturday in 2016 I was driving 3,200 miles across country from Baltimore, Maryland to Medford, Oregon and had to pass though Albuquerque. At the Welcome to New Mexico state-line rest stop I glanced at a tourist brochure mentioning the National Institute of Flamenco. I thought, "I've go to see this, maybe they can stir me up like Edwin Aparicio." So, I exited I-25S in ABQ, and when I figured I was lost in Old Town I made a U-turn and found 1620 Central Avenue.
Wayne Ching, Member since 2016
I parked my car a block away and started following the sound of flamenco guitars and clapping coming from what looked like a storefront. As I peered into the storefront I could see and hear a circle of parents surrounding 15-20 kids, some in costume, others not, being taught flamenco steps and attitudes by a confident lady the kids respected (later I learned she was Eva Encinias!).
I was invited inside to sit with the parents watching their children dance and was inspired not only with the dance instruction (with 2 live guitarists) but also how they were learning how to get along with each other!
Q: What made you want to become a member?
A: I want to support NIF for community building and future generations to experience and enjoy. Not only for Festival Flamenco Alburquerque every June, but I believe it's just as important for the charter school after school performance to flourish, the flamenco classes for kids (where they learn through dance how to express themselves, stay focused, socialize, all in a group with other kids). It takes all of the NIF staff to keep things growing in a unique Albuquerque/Regional/National way for all to join and engage.
Q: What has been your favorite NIF memory?
A:
The Saturday morning kid's dance class at the Central Ave location led by Eva Encinas and 2 guitars!
The opportunity to attend a demo and Q & A session with Irene "La Sentío," one of the visiting guest artists.
The Zorongo video by the young people from the After School program
Attending an Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company rehearsal.
The April 2020 event outside the charter school where all the students had a chance to perform in costume.
Q: Why do you think others should consider becoming a member?
A: Well, come to a performance, take a flamenco music or dance class, get close at the Tablao, meet NIF, ask to talk to the ladies who make the costumes. You don't need to be Spanish (or speak Spanish) to enjoy flamenco because it is a way of life. Flamenco expresses human experiences about life, death, passion, covid19 boredom, flowers, sheep, goats, love, lying, empty beds in the morning, faithfulness, bravery, yearning, hope and more. But last and not least, community building for now and the future.
Before I met NIF I did not know a flamenco community in this country. Now I know it is the NIF community. In the future when we build settlements/communities on Mars, we will need flamenco to build community!
Q: How has NIF or the art of flamenco impacted your life?
A: There are many things I can do well and things I cannot do well. Well, Flamenco is one of the things I cannot do that NIF does so well. So, while I cannot do flamenco, I enjoy every aspect of the performance and community building. NIF uplifts and inspires me. Thanks. ¡Ole!
