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Learn more about 'Plata: 25 Years of Yjastros'
In 1999, the Encinias family — known for its footprint in flamenco — began a journey with a simple word — yjastros.
Translating to “stepchild,” the company name was chosen because it reflected a sense of being related yet distinct.
Joaquín Encinias, National Institute of Flamenco artistic director, said while some questioned the name, suggesting it might denote inferiority, Yjastros has embraced it as a symbol of difference and autonomy.
“Over the years, this name has come to represent the company’s unique position in the world of dance and its commitment to self-expression,” Encinias said.
Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company is marking a milestone with its show, “Plata: 25 Years of Yjastros,” at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Albuquerque Journal Theatre at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
The company will be joined by Ricardo Moro, bailaor from Madrid, Spain; María del Mar Fernández, cantaora from Cádiz, Spain; and Ángel Ruíz, guitarist from Córdoba, Spain.
Encinias recalls only having a few guests and less than a handful of performers during its first show 25 years ago.
“It’s been a wonderful experience, in that, when you come to 25 years of a company, there’s a lot of history,” he said. “We’ve had a whole semester to begin unfolding this show.”
Yjastros is the flamenco dance company in residence at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
The company boasts a repertory of over 60 pieces, featuring original choreographies by Encinias, Estévez/Paños, Mercedes Amaya “La Winy,” Marco Flores and other esteemed flamenco artists.
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With a vibrant ensemble of 14 dancers and four musicians, Yjastros continues to push the boundaries of flamenco.
The celebration at the NHCC will feature the company’s first full performance of “ENVÉS,” choreographed by Carmen Coy and Jesús Perona.
The season will also feature a guest appearance by the acclaimed dancer Ricardo Moro, further underscoring Yjastros’ dedication to showcasing exceptional flamenco artistry.
Encinias said Moro’s piece is called “A Mariana” and is new.
“Ricardo set and danced his own piece,” he said. “We’ve had other people set their pieces for the company. Ricardo will be actually dancing it as well.”
Encinias said Yjastros company member Carlos Menchaca will choreograph a piece in the show.
“It’s an emerging artist project and we wanted to give someone in Yjastros an opportunity,” he said. “We’re a high-level company, and young choreographers don’t get an opportunity to set something with a mature company like us. It’s really about bringing brand-new ideas that bring a fresh feeling.”
When planning for “Plata,” Encinias didn’t want to do a retrospective.
“We’re constantly moving forward within the flamenco world,” he said. “That’s what it’s always been about with Yjastros. We’re not afraid to blend the traditional with contemporary flamenco.”
Encinias said 25 years have passed in an instant, yet he acknowledges the hard work of each company member.
He said Yjastros has come a long way from its opening night in Santa Fe, where a small crowd witnessed the beginning of the company.
“We’ve always wanted to be artistically driven,” he said. “I feel like we never really sold out and we’ve stuck to our guns. We’ve built a company that continues to shape the community. We need the more senior people in the company to help the trajectory in the right direction. On the other side of it, you can’t move this incredibly heavy vehicle without fresh energy. All of these elements working together helps maintain and build this community.”
