Carlos Menchaca, 23, said he always knew he wanted to dance. He started Folklorico and Spanish Classical in his aunt’s studio in San Antonio when he was 10. His aunt knew basic flamenco choreographies, but he said he grew frustrated no one could teach him at a more advanced level.

When Menchaca was 17, Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, gave a workshop at his studio. Menchaca said he was introduced to the complex rhythms of flamenco.

Menchaca said he was hooked, and three months after the workshop he moved to Albuquerque to train under the direction of Joaquin Encinias of Yjastros. Menchaca performed with Yjastros for the past five years. Recently, Menchaca performed in Yjastros’ production of El Museo, a collaboration with the UNM symphony.