Joaquín Encinias

Born into one of America’s few flamenco families, Joaquín Encinias was immersed in flamenco as a way of life. Taught by his grandmother, Clarita, and mother, Eva Encinias, Joaquín began performing at age five. By 12, he became a soloist in his mother’s company, Ritmo Flamenco. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with world-renowned flamenco artists, including Antonio Canales, Eva La Yerbabuena, Los Farrucos, Manolete, Carmen La Talegona, and Mercedes Amaya.

In 1999, he worked with director Debbie Allen on Soul Possessed, which premiered at the Kennedy Center. Joaquín has also been featured as a soloist in Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque. That same year, Joaquín co-founded the National Conservatory of Flamenco Arts alongside Eva and Marisol Encinias. He developed the first codified flamenco teaching methodology in the United States, establishing himself as a pioneer in flamenco education.

As Artistic Director of Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, Joaquín has curated over 60 original flamenco choreographies by some of the world’s most influential artists. His vision integrates traditional flamenco with a distinctive American aesthetic, redefining choreography through innovative use of space and deep musical fluency.

In 2010, Joaquín played a pivotal role in founding Tierra Adentro: The New Mexico School of Academics, Art, and Artesanía. Serving grades 6–12, the charter school emphasizes New Mexican cultural heritage through academics, art, and artesanía. Joaquín’s dedication to flamenco and education has established him as one of the nation’s most sought-after flamenco artists and instructors, blending tradition, innovation, and cultural preservation in his work.