For 18 years the Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque has not settled for anything but the best.
This year is no exception.
The National Institute of Flamenco has booked nearly 40 artists from all over the world to perform, teach and judge competitions for 10 days starting Friday at Rodey Theater.
"I try to get a good balance of stylistic variation," said Eva Encinias-Sandoval, founder of the institute and a UNM professor of dance. "I try to bring in the finest, most renowned performers of flamenco."
Encinias-Sandoval said this performance is regarded as the third most significant flamenco festival in the world, only outdone by those in Spain.
"Artists know of its reputation," she said. "We have a very strong reputation for the quality of performances."
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This year's festival opens with Manuela Carrasco. Known as the goddess of flamenco dance, her dancing is considered the most moving ever performed.
"She is a purist and has a tremendous presence and command of the art form," Encinias-Sandoval said. "I am thrilled we have her here. It's an honor to have artists of her caliber here."
Encinias-Sandoval saw Carrasco perform in Spain 15 years ago and has tried to get her to come to Albuquerque ever since.
"I travel to Spain regularly," she said. "The flamenco community is such that we make it our business to know who the strongest performers are."
On Sunday Yjastros, the American Flamenco Repertory Company, will perform five new works. These dancers reside locally, but are from all over the country. Encinias-Sandoval said they will present new works by some of the most important choreographers in flamenco today.
Flamenco Expo, a competition guest artists from Spain will judge, begins Monday. The winner will take home a round-trip ticket to Spain.
Israel and Pastora Galv†n take the stage Tuesday and Wednesday. These siblings come from a noted family in the flamenco world, and Encinias-Sandoval said Pastora is becoming one of the most important artists in the flamenco scene.
To round out the festival, June 17, 18 and 19 will be dedicated to Fiesta Flamenca, a chance for audiences to see many different performers and styles.
"This is a big celebration by many strong flamenco artists," Encinias-Sandoval said.
Every day of the festival, 30 different workshops will be offered in flamenco history, appreciation and in beginning and advanced dance. Encinias-Sandoval feels very strongly about the teaching of this art.
She was raised in a family where the art of flamenco was paramount, which she said has helped her stay focused on her goals.
"Flamenco teaches discipline, character and more importantly, how to be expressive," Encinias-Sandoval said. "Flamenco is a format to express anything going on in life and helps people deal with stress in a positive way."
For information on performance times, dates and workshops visit
www.feelflamenco.com.
