The National Institute of Flamenco, located in downtown Albuquerque, is dedicated to preserving the art, culture, and history of flamenco. NIF proudly hosts exceptional performances by world famous flamenco artists throughout the year. They are offering one pair of tickets for Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company in concert at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Under the artistic direction of renowned choreographer Joaquin Encinias, Yjastros is the first professional American touring company presenting flamenco in true repertory format.

Flamenco is the ancient form of artistic expression in the Spanish Gypsy culture. As an enduring oral tradition, the art and spirit of flamenco is passed from generation to generation. We are fortunate to have in Albuquerque the Encinias family. NIF founder Eva Encinias-Sandoval learned flamenco as a child from her grandmother and continues her family legacy with pride. Her son, Joaquin began dancing as he began walking. He's a fourth generation flamenco dancer and musician who received his earliest flamenco lessons listening to his grandmother, Clarita Garcia de Aranda sing in her garden. He is the founder and director of the American Flamenco Repertory Company, Yjastros and is widely acclaimed as the premiere male flamenco dancer in the United States.

Marisol Encinias, sister of Joaquin, is also a fourth generation flamenco dancer who began studying at age 5 with her grandmother and is one of the few American flamenco dancers raised in a flamenco family. She has studied in Spain and in the U.S. with some of the finest flamenco artists in the world and performs as a soloist with Yjastros.