by Krista Pino
Daily Lobo
A downpour of rhythm will flood Carlisle Gym during Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company's performances this week.
"Flamenco is an expression that's from the human heart, and it's the purest kind of expression of life, love, the first kiss or a mother's death," said Alexa Miton, an apprentice with the company for two years and one of the 15 company members. "It's an incredible way to express oneself through movement, music and song."
Jaquin Encinias, director of Yjastros, said the quality of company dancers is improving and every show rises to a greater level of excellence. Its collection of work is growing, which is helping the company.
"Hopefully what becomes the issue eventually is how well they dance as a company," Encinias said. "That's really what the idea of a repertory company is."
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Spectators can anticipate a unique experience because Yjastros is a large American Flamenco company. Encinias said the audience could expect to get a lot of great music and a lot of great dancing.
Yjastros is officially in its fourth season from the time the company started performing its repertory. Most of the dancers started training two years before that, Encinias said. He anticipates that in another year, people will see Yjastros beginning to perform to its fullest potential.
"We just got to the point where I have a full group of men and a full group of women," he said. "All the pieces are essentially getting their final staging."
At least a third of the repertory is traditional flamenco. Encinias said he uses the works from at least five choreographers from Spain including Alejandro Granados, Yolanda Heredia, Israel Galvan, Juana Amaya and Omayra Amaya.
Yjastros will start working on its first thematic production that will be performed next June. Encinias said the company already uses themes on a smaller level within each piece.
There are approximately 13 pieces in the collection that the company works on. Encinias said there are many levels in the production process including the first staging of a piece, then learning and re-staging the piece and the final running and cleaning up of the choreography.
"There has never been a better system to teach dance," Encinias said.
There will be new pieces performed during the run of Yjastros' performances. Encinias said audiences can expect to see new costumes and different musicians, even if they have seen the same repertoire.
The company members rehearse for hours a day, five days a week. Encinias said the company could not happen without its commitment to the process.
"I'm really proud of all our dancers and musicians," Encinias said. " I really admire their commitment to the project."
What: Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Where: Carlisle Gym Performance Space
Price: $15
