The National Institute of Flamenco

Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque 2011

The National Institute of Flamenco [NIF] proudly announces the 24^th Annual Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque [FFI] as it returns to the Land of Enchantment June 8-12, 2011. Each year, this destination event offers a distinct, exotic yet accessible experience for participants of all age groups and experience levels.  This five-day event will feature 23 workshops covering an expansive range of flamenco components taught by master artists, the majority of which are coming from as far as Spain, as well as five nights of riveting performances at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the University of New Mexico’s Rodey Theatre. 

FFI offers classes to novices through professionals and embodies the fusion of traditional and contemporary styles in order to create an exhilarating and accessible experience for out of town as well as local attendees. Participants can take workshops in dance technique and repertory, guitar, cajón, cante, castanets and bata de cola during these five days from some of the best teachers in the world during the day and watch these world renowned artists perform at night creating a full immersion experience in Spanish flamenco culture for festival attendees and the Albuquerque community. 

For those new to flamenco and interested in a completely captivating experience, an extensive beginner’s workshop is offered and runs the duration of the festival with weekend workshops as well making it easier for local and working attendees. For the professional dancer, advanced, intensive courses are offered, and private study may be available by request. As part of the festival every year we offer a Flamenco Kids Camp offering a cultural exploration for kids ages 6-12 from May 31^st – June 10, 2011 full of music, dance, literacy classes as well as field trips. 

Unparalleled in its level of performative, instructive, educational and cultural components, FFI is recognized as one of the most important flamenco events outside of Spain. Through its comprehensive experience of incorporating all aspects of the art form, from the alluring physical articulation to the art of cante (singing) to Flamenco Kids Camp, Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque is unique and the only one if its kind in the world.

“Developing a vibrant flamenco community in Albuquerque has been a lifetime commitment for me personally,” says Eva Encinias Sandoval, Founder and Executive Director of NIF, “Since 1976, when I started the flamenco program at the University of New Mexico Theatre & Dance Department, I have felt that it was crucial for me, as a guardian of this art form, to be fully committed to bringing the best of flamenco to Albuquerque, which gave birth to what has now been 24 years of hosting Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque. In my opinion, the only way to truly realize this endeavor, there must be a complete experience for our community that ranges from the grassroots element of classes and public performance to the highest end of artistry in the word.”

For more information on the Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque 2011, contact the National Institute of Flamenco at (505) 242-7600 or visit our website at www.ffinm.org