The National Institute of Flamenco (NIF)

The Institute, through its programming and collaborations, has turned Albuquerque into the center for flamenco in North America. The flagship program, Festival Flamenco Alburquerque is now in its 38th year, and provides unparalleled artistic and educational programming for youth, families, students, and professional artists from New Mexico and around the world. The Institutes professional company, Yjastros, celebrated its 25th anniversary, and is the flamenco dance company in residence at the University of New Mexico Department of Theatre and Dance. Yjastros provides employment and professional development to its flamenco dancers and musicians, and the company members also teach and provide mentorship for students and younger apprentice artists. The Institutes education programs include Flamenco in Your Neighborhood statewide and local outreach classes and performances and the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts as well as the classes and workshops in Festival Flamenco Alburquerque, Festival Juvenil, and Flamenco Kids Camp. In 2016, the Institute partnered with Heritage Hotels and Resorts to create and open Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque, an intimate, traditional venue where improvised flamenco performances occur 3 evenings a week year-round.