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.
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Ella Daniel/ @ella_daniel7 | December 3Luminarias stand on display at Hanging of the Greens in front of the Student Union Building on Dec. 1, 2023.
Grad Union
John Scott / Daily Lobo / @JohnSnott | December 2A sign reads "OUR UNION IS HERE TO STAY" at a rally held in support of the United Graduate Workers of the University of New Mexico in September 2021.