A day at Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque. June 10, 2006
In case you've been living under a rock and never heard of this festival until now, here's the ten-second version of the press release:
This year, The National Institute of Flamenco is proud to celebrate two decades of quality flamenco presentations and education! Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque - the oldest flamenco festival in the Western Hemisphere - will present ten world-class performances with over 50 artists. 32 workshops will be offered in dance, guitar, percussion, cante, and history. The Festival will also present V Concurso Nacional de Flamenco - the National Flamenco competition. All flamenco dancers, guitarists, and singers are invited to compete in this exciting gala! 1st prize is a cash award of $700.
Having said that, I still can't say that I've attended this festival yet. Oh well. But thanks to my fellow DC flamencos such as Cynthia Jacobs, we can take a little peek into what it's like on a typical day. Enjoy!
Cynthia Jacobs in front of the Carlisle Gym where all the action happens. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Aida. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Aida strikes a pose. :-) June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
At the flamenco shop. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Special thanks to Eva Encinias-Sandoval for permission to publish these photos from the workshops.
At the braceo workshop instructed by Marisol Encinias. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Waiting in-between workshops. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Checking the class schedule. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Bulerias/Tango workshop with Joaquin Encinias. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Workshop accompanist Ricardo Anglada on guitar. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Mariya practicing in the North Arena. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Mariya practicing in the North Arena. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Waiting for the Antonio Canales performance at the Rodey Theater. Unfortunately, Mr. Canales was unable to perform because he was stuck in Spain (immigration/visa issue). However, his company put on a spectacular show.
Keith and Mariya in the theater lobby. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Cynthia in front of the theater. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Future flamenco dancer spotted in the lobby. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Her name is Olivia. June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
June 10, 2006 (photo courtesy of Cynthia Jacobs)
Here's an article that underscores the hard work and dedication the organizers put into this world-class flamenco festival.
For more information, visit the Festival Flamenco website.
P.S. As someone who writes pretty much everyday, I'm always curious about language and especially about etymology. Anyway, I read up the origins of the word Albuquerque and one theory is that it comes from the latin roots albu meaning 'white' and quercus meaning 'cork.' There happens to be a city in Spain with a similar spelling (an additional 'r'): Alburquerque.
How about that? You just learned something new today. Aren't you glad my blog's educational too? :-)
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