Flamenco’s Flourishing Foothold: New Mexico’s Global Hub
ALBUQUERQUE – May 23,2024 – Flamenco’s global prominence has found a unique home in New mexico,where the art form has taken root. Originating in Spain, the passionate blend of dance, music, and song has found a distinctive voice in the state. With deep historical ties and dedicated institutions, New Mexico’s vibrant flamenco presence continues to evolve.To learn more, read on.
Flamenco’s Flourishing Foothold: How new Mexico Became a Global Hub
New Mexico, known for its green chiles, hot air balloon festival, and its role in atomic history, boasts another distinction: it’s a global epicenter for flamenco.This art form, encompassing dance, song, and music, originates from the Roma people of southern Spain.
Albuquerque: The Heart of New Mexico’s Flamenco Scene
Albuquerque,New Mexico’s largest city,serves as the heart of this vibrant scene. The city hosts a world-renowned flamenco festival.The University of New Mexico stands out as the only American university offering dance degrees with a flamenco emphasis. Furthermore, the National Institute of Flamenco houses a world-class repertory company and a conservatory, nurturing aspiring dancers from the age of three through young adulthood.
A Deeply rooted History
While flamenco’s popularity has surged worldwide, with performances in cities from Tokyo to toronto, New Mexico’s flamenco scene possesses a unique quality: it’s deeply rooted in the state’s history. With a Hispanic identity tracing back over 400 years to Spanish settlers, New Mexico’s connection to flamenco feels organic and authentic.
A Distinct Sound
According to Vicente Griego, a celebrated flamenco singer from northern New Mexico, the state’s flamenco has a distinct sound. He emphasizes that while some strive for exact replication of the Spanish style, New Mexico’s flamenco is special as it reflects the state’s unique history.
New mexico’s flamenco is special as it reflects the state’s unique history, resistance, celebrations, and liberation.Vicente Griego, Flamenco Singer
Cultural DNA
Marisol Encinias, executive director of the National Institute of Flamenco, believes that a deep connection to flamenco’s origins is embedded in the state’s cultural DNA.
A deep connection to flamenco’s origins is embedded in the state’s cultural DNA.Marisol Encinias, Executive Director, National Institute of Flamenco
The rise of Tablaos
The establishment of Tablaos (flamenco venues) in Santa Fe by renowned dancers Maria Benitez and vicente Romero in the 1960s, coupled with the rise of the Encinias family in Albuquerque, solidified New Mexico’s place in the flamenco world. While both cities host regular performances, albuquerque has emerged as the undisputed flamenco capital.
The Legacy of Albuquerque’s Flamenco Pioneers
Eva Encinias,Marisol’s mother,learned dance from her mother,Clarita,and is considered a key figure in Albuquerque’s flamenco history.
