National Institute of Flamenco & Conservatory of Flamenco Arts

Marco Flores came to stage a choreography, “Las Horas Contadas,” on the students of the Flamenco Performance Ensemble in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

The Department of Theatre and Dance established a Visiting Professor Line in Flamenco. The visiting line brings the most current and established Flamenco artists and scholars to teach classes and engage in deep work with students and professional artists.

Eva Encinias was on the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance where she was developing a concentration in Flamenco for the dance degree program.

I also worked with Madison over the years in her pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Dance with a concentration in Flamenco from the University of New Mexico.

At Tierra Adentro, Madison studied guitar, Spanish dance, and visual arts along with her academic studies. Madison was a talented student from the get go.

Jesús Perona continues to work around the world as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He has performed solo roles in various companies and continues to expand his artistic career.

Carmen Coy is currently immersed in her own company, Mutable, together with the Co-Directors Jesús Perona and Iván Amaya, combining her work as a dancer and choreographer, with her work and vocation as a teacher in various dance centers in the APDE training, and in the degree in dance at the San Jerónimo de Murcia Catholic University (UCAM).

Jesús Perona, as Co-Director of Cía. Mutable with Iván Amaya and Carmen Coy, directed and choreographed the work “Mutable” for the UCAM Contemporary Dance Company, which premiered at the Teatro Circo de Murcia.

Carmen Coy and Jesús Perona will teach Dance Focus students at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico. These incredible artists will be in residence at the University of New Mexico, working with UNM students and choreographing on the UNM Ensemble and Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company.

Tickets for Yjastros’ Fall Season: “Xicano Power” are on sale now! In 2004, just five years after Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company’s inception internationally acclaimed Sevilla-based Flamenco artist Israel Galván choreographed “Xicano Power” on Yjastros. The concert now includes excerpts from the epic poem “I am Joaquin, Yo Soy Joaquin,” by Mexican-American civil rights and political activist Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez, (1928-2005). Like the poem “Yo Soy Joaquin,” “Xicano Power” explores issues of reclaiming ones identity, systematic inequality, and a legacy of historical greatness.

This evocative flamenco concert sets potent choreography, music, soundscapes and imagery to an exploration of identity, history and culture, including the Chicano Movement. Internally acclaimed Sevilla-based flamenco artist Israel Galván choreographed the piece “Xicano Power” on Yjastros in 2004. The concert features choreography and music that ranges from raw and explosive to joyful and triumphant.

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.

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.

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.

Working with Youth Cast 3 students as part of the preparations for the "La Estrella" performance.

Youth Cast 2 students working with Miss Eva Encinias on their special part of the "La Estrella" show.

The little dancers in Youth Cast 1 with Miss Gio Hinajosa practicing their “star search” for the "La Estrella" performance.

This dynamic flamenco dance and music production is a delightful blend of humor, drama, passion, and joy. The fantastic dancers of Yjastros: the American Flamenco Repertory Company are joined by a cast of over 100 student dancers and musicians.

Below is a look at Iván’s final class choreographing on TANM Students.

Iván Vargas (Granada) was in residence working with students in the flamenco concentration at the University of New Mexico and dance focus students at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico.

Flamenco is a UNESCO-protected artform presented by world-class artists Carlos Menchaca, Andrea Lozano and Madison Olguin with singers Eva Encinias and Vicente Griego and guitarist Eloy Gonzales.

An evening of dance, music and exploration during their Spring Concert at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM. 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.

Performed with UNM’s Flamenco Dance Ensemble at Jacob’s Pillow through the American College Dance Association National Conference.

Madison began her flamenco training at Tierra Adentro of New Mexico Charter School and the National Institute of Flamenco’s Conservatory of Flamenco Arts.

NIF offers diverse programs that provide flamenco music and dance education, alongside local performances for both children and adults. This is a key offering for the community.

An engaging introduction to flamenco singing for kids. Students learn basic vocal techniques, simple letras (lyrics), and palmas (handclapping) while exploring rhythm, melody, and expression.

Build strength, flexibility, and balance through a practice designed for dancers and movers of all backgrounds.

Learn the structure and flow of a live tablao performance. This class focuses on improvisational skills, palo recognition, rhythm patterns, and communication between dancer, singer, and guitarist. Students will deepen their understanding of cante, compás, and real-time interaction

Condition your body through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to improve technique, alignment, and injury prevention.

Learn the basics of Jota, a traditional Spanish folk dance.

More advanced bata de cola technique, longer combinations, and control. Must be able to manage the skirt with precision and grace.

Students learn the fundamentals of using the bata de cola (long flamenco skirt) while building flamenco technique, strength, and body control.

Introduction to Escuela Bolera, a traditional Spanish dance style that combines ballet technique, castanets, and folkloric elements. Focus on posture, musicality, and grace.

A fun intro to classical ballet that builds posture, coordination, and musicality. Supports flamenco training by improving body alignment, arm fluidity, and overall control.

Advanced-level class for experienced dancers. Complex choreography and technique, interpretation, and performance-level expression.

Intermediate class for students with a strong foundation. Emphasis on technique, faster footwork, expressive movement, and full choreography in a specific palo.

Beginner-level technique and choreography. Focuses on fundamental footwork, posture, compás, and building a solid flamenco foundation.

Perfect for beginners. Learn the basics of flamenco posture, arm and hand movements, footwork, and body form. Students begin working on an entry-level choreography while building rhythm and confidence.

A low-impact class focused on posture, rhythm, coordination, and expressive movement. Designed to support flexibility, balance, and joy through flamenco, with an inviting pace and no prior experience needed.

An intermediate class that builds on foundational technique with more complex footwork, arm and body coordination, and increased speed and precision. Designed to strengthen stamina, control, and stylistic expression for continuing flamenco students. Recommended for Youth and Beginner Training Program.

A foundational class focused on flamenco technique. Students will develop strength, coordination, and rhythm through drills in footwork, armwork, posture, and body alignment. Recommended for Intermediate and Advanced Training Program.

For teens and adults with prior experience. Students refine technique and form while learning intermediate choreography. Emphasis on posture, strength, and style.

Designed for young dancers with experience. Focuses on flamenco technique, form, musicality, and choreography. Students deepen their skills while building discipline and expression.

Niños are part of our Student Companies, a pre-professional flamenco program for young dancers. These members are invited by their teachers and are selected based on promise, dedication, and drive. Students train in a more rigorous and focused environment, learning choreography and performance skills. They perform both in the community and on major stages, preparing for the next level of artistic development.

Niños are part of our Student Companies, a pre-professional flamenco program for young dancers. These members are invited by their teachers and are selected based on promise, dedication, and drive. Students train in a more rigorous and focused environment, learning choreography and performance skills. They perform both in the community and on major stages, preparing for the next level of artistic development.

Continuation of Child 3. Students are introduced to danza estilizada española and more refined technique work. In the second half of the semester, they begin studying additional flamenco palos. A minimum of one year (two semesters) is required before advancing, pending teacher evaluation.

Continuation of Child 2. Students work toward performing choreography independently with accuracy and confidence. Focus on transitions, castanet introduction, and hand technique. A minimum of one year (two semesters) is required before advancing, pending teacher evaluation.

Continuation of Child 1. Students complete their previous choreography, develop more advanced footwork, and learn all four coplas of Sevillanas. Emphasis on confidence, musicality, and body awareness. A minimum of one year (two semesters) is required before advancing, pending teacher evaluation.

Students continue building on past skills through choreography in a specific palo. They learn their first llamada, more complex footwork, and begin refining class etiquette, energy management, and teamwork. A minimum of one year (two semesters) is required before advancing, pending teacher evaluation.

Continuation of Toddler Flamenco. Students begin working on choreography, footwork patterns, arm and body positions, and flamenco marking. A minimum of one year (two semesters) is required before advancing, pending teacher evaluation.

Students develop motor skills, coordination, rhythm, discipline, and body awareness. They’ll explore flamenco footwork (golpes), music, and basic spatial concepts like left vs. right. Students remain in this class until the teacher determines readiness for the next level.

This magical production features Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, invited guest dancers and musicians including singer Isa Jurado (Còrdoba, Spain) dancer Ricardo Moro (Madrid, Spain), and guitarist Angel Ruiz (Còrdoba, Spain), along with a cast of student performers from the Institute's school, the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. 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.

The University's Department of Theatre and Dance is home to the only accredited dance program in the United States in which flamenco is a concentration (BA, BAIA, MA, MFA).

Students can continue to deepen their studies and hone their skills through the children's curriculum and pre-professional training program at the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. If they so choose, students grades 6-12 may also deepen their study of flamenco in the dance focus track of Tierra Adentro of New Mexico, a public charter school and one of the Institute's educational partners.

The Conservatory of Flamenco Arts is where flamenco study begins as early as three years of age, where children are introduced to the dynamic and nuanced world of flamenco sensibility and discipline. Through the incorporation of games, the youngest of flamenco students gain self-esteem and begin building social skills, as their creative skills are nurtured.

young dancers are finding strength, focus, and community through flamenco. Their journeys are made possible by supporters like you. When you give, you help the next generation discover their voice, claim their space, and build a future filled with purpose.

Dancers participate in the Student Company rehearsals in addition to their Children’s Foundations or Training Program classes. Student dancers must also participate in community performances.

Dancers participate in the Student Company rehearsals in addition to their Children’s Foundations or Training Program classes. Student dancers must also participate in community performances.

Student Company I: Teeños | Student Company II: Niños. Student Company Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 4. The Conservatory of Flamenco Arts (CFA) Student Companies exemplify the school’s comprehensive and excellence-driven approach to instruction.

NIF’s Flamenco In Your Neighborhood (FIYN) program works to create equitable access to high-quality, culturally relevant arts education by offering free Flamenco programming through multiple initiatives conducted throughout New Mexico. Uplifting New Mexican youth through Flamenco, our teachers serve as positive role models in communities all over the state and reach students who might not otherwise have access to arts programming. FIYN also creates pathways for further dance education by offering scholarships and enrollment in the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. Students build confidence, discipline, and a sense of cultural pride as they engage deeply with Flamenco in a supportive, community-based setting.

A family-friendly holiday tradition. This magical production features Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, invited guest dancers and musicians including singer Isa Jurado (Còrdoba, Spain) dancer Ricardo Moro (Madrid, Spain), and guitarist Angel Ruiz (Còrdoba, Spain), along with a cast of student performers from the Institute's school, the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. 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.

Tiny tots of Albuquerque learn centuries-old dance, life skills.

The National Institute of Flamenco is holding classes to teach the historic form of dance.

El farol’s famous flamenco dinner show features musicians and dancers from the National Institute of flamenco. El Farol features traditional Spanish tapas, paella, steaks, and and a bar once referred to as "...one of the best bars on earth!" by The New York Times.

Through a unique partnership based on cultural preservation, Heritage Hotels and Resorts and the National Institute of Flamenco joined efforts to create Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque. Proceeds from the Tablao support the National Institute of Flamenco for the promotion and advancement of this powerful art form.

Partnering with CABQ Family and Community Services to program Flamenco in Your Neighborhood Community Engagement Programs. Our partnership enables the Institute to offer a variety of workshops and educational programming, and free-to-the-public performances and classes to the residents of Bernalillo County.

Students grades 6-12 may also deepen their study of flamenco in the dance focus track of Tierra Adentro of New Mexico, a public charter school and one of the Institute's educational partners.

Students can continue to deepen their studies and hone their skills through the children's curriculum and pre-professional training program at the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts.

Through the incorporation of games, the youngest of flamenco students gain self-esteem and begin building social skills, as their creative skills are nurtured. Most importantly, students begin to love learning.

Weekly shows at El Farol Dinner Show in Santa Fe. Performers present shows by reservation.

Weekly shows at Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque. Performers present shows by reservation.

The Institute proudly partners with the University of New Mexico (UNM), whose Department of Theatre and Dance is home to the only accredited dance program in the United States in which flamenco is a concentration (BA, BAIA, MA, MFA).

The National Institute of Flamenco , a 501(c)3 non profit, was established in 1982 by Eva Encinias. It is an internationally significant arts organization, unparalleled in its breadth and depth of flamenco programming.

The Institute provides arts experiences rooted in excellence, while creating international connections and investing in local and national artists. For four decades, the Institute has enriched the City of Albuquerque, the U.S. Southwest, the Americas, and beyond through the art of flamenco music and dance.

The mission of the National Institute of Flamenco is to preserve and promote flamenco’s artistry, history, and culture by presenting the finest flamenco in the world and by educating the American family in this art form while emphasizing the positive influence of art on family and community.

A family-friendly holiday tradition. This magical production features Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, invited guest dancers and musicians, along with a cast of student performers from the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. 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.

Tickets for Yjastros’ Fall Season: “Xicano Power” are on sale now! In Part 2 of our 8-week series exploring this new work, we will look at the power behind "Xicano Power", from Yjastros Artistic Director Joaquin Encinias, to civil rights leader Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales.

Annual international festival performances with invited artists and workshops, including youth programming (Kids Camp and Festival Juvenil).

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.

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.