How does it feel to see the Festival Flamenco of Alburquerque returning to its proper dimension with a full program of live shows, classes and parallel activities? <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marisol:<\/p>\n It feels incredible! We\u2019re not yet free of the pandemic, and there\u2019s a war taking place. Things are still complicated, more so than they were a few years ago, but we feel great about moving forward with a full-fledged event. And we feel incredible about being able to present our 35th<\/sup> festival.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eva:<\/p>\n Considering the history of the efforts in developing this festival, I find it nothing short of a miracle that we\u2019re still standing. And not simply standing but continuing to celebrate this incredible art in the most authentic and vital way possible. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have these two years of adaptation to difficult circumstances inspired any lasting changes? Are things back to normal, or is there still work to be done?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marisol:<\/p>\n There was definitely a huge learning curve involved with needing to program in the period of shut-down and strict restrictions. The accessibility that comes with online is wonderful in some ways. That being said, while online allows one to be easily in contact with people from around the world, it\u2019s not the ideal format through which to engage with art, particularly flamenco. We will continue to offer limited options for online viewing in this year\u2019s festival, so people can experience some of the festival regardless of where they are in the world, and their ability to make it to Alburquerque. But, we feel strongly that the festival is something that is best experienced in person. In order to make it more accessible, we offer options to make the festival affordable such as scholarships and work\/trade options. The pandemic did give us an opportunity to reach out to people more via the internet. And we are trying to continue that as much as possible. This year, a limited number of performances will be available for online viewing, and the lecture series will be made available online.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eva:<\/p>\n It has certainly proven to be a tremendous resource for a larger community that perhaps cannot spend the money or time to travel to New Mexico. I hope that it will simply develop an appetite for people to find a way to eventually make the trip to experience the event live.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have you received economic support or encouragement from outside institutions, public or private? <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marisol:<\/p>\n The festival has received financial support from various entities, public and private. It received a grant from the National Endowment of the Arts for this year\u2019s festival as well as financial support from the Spanish government, and other businesses, foundations, and individuals. The process of seeking support for the festival is never-ending and vital for the sustainability of this large and longstanding event.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Is the American flamenco audience more inclined to traditional flamenco, or do they prefer contemporary or experimental shows? <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marisol:<\/p>\n We at the institute are doing our best to offer varied programming that continues to inform American audiences about the various voices and interpretations of the art form. We strive to present work that is excellent, in various manifestations of what it means to be excellent. Each person is going to be drawn to what they like, whatever pulls at them. We present flamenco that is different, but really high-quality. I believe that our American audiences are becoming more familiar with different interpretations and are able to appreciate them for what they offer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eva:<\/p>\n I\u2019ve always believed that our job to educate our community in flamenco is a challenge we will continue to focus on. Thus, in every festival we try to present a variety of styles that will teach audiences that flamenco is much bigger than they may have imagined. In the early years it was very difficult to get audiences to attend any of the more experimental shows, but now that has changed dramatically. However, our work is far from done.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There\u2019s a very exciting line-up for this year\u2019s Festival, tell us about it\u2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marisol:<\/p>\n Wow! Lots of incredible artists! Some of them have been to the festival several times and are part of the history of this event, artists such as Eva Yerbabuena, Paco Jarana, Jos\u00e9 Maya, Pastora Galv\u00e1n, Concha Jare\u00f1o, Alfonso Losa. Many of the musicians such as Juan Campallo, Manuel Ta\u00f1\u00e9, Ismael de La Rosa, Francisco Vinuesa, just to name a few, have also come for many years with many different companies. We\u2019re always thrilled to present these artists who have a relationship with our festival in Alburquerque. This year we are also very happy to be receiving artists like Rafael Est\u00e9vez, Valeriano Pa\u00f1os, Mercedes de C\u00f3rdoba, Paloma Fantova and Sara Cano, performing in the festival for the first time. It\u2019s always special to be able to present someone for the first time though we have been fans of their work for a very long time. Additionally, we\u2019ll be presenting our home company, Yjastros, directed by my brother Joaquin Encinias and a strong dancer from the Bronx, Nelida Tirado who will be presenting her concert, Dime Qui\u00e9n Soy<\/em>, a work that celebrates Nelida\u2019s culture and identity as a Latina (Boricua).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eva:<\/p>\n We are certainly bringing some artists that have been leading figures in our festival several times. Eva, Alfonso, Pastora, Concha and Jos\u00e9 have all shared their incredible artistry throughout its development. It\u00b4s very meaningful to have them with us to celebrate 35 years. Along with these artists will be new ones to the festival bringing their own very personal voices into the mix which again will leave our community in a more aware place regarding flamenco and its possibilities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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