(artículo) Mexico.FANCY FOOTWORK

They come from all over the world to stomp and swirl with the best

John Bowersmith/Tribune

A dance student practices her steps during Joaquin Encinias' dance class on tango and bulerias, a Spanish gypsy dance. The class is part of the nine-day annual Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque. The event, sponsored by Albuquerque's National Institute of Flamenco and the University of New Mexico, features dance workshops, a kids camp and evening performances by international flamenco stars.

By Jennifer W. Sanchez
Tribune Reporter

"Un poquito mas rapido," says Karime Amaya, a flamenco dance teacher from Mexico City.

"Una, dos, y. . ."

About 25 students follow her and tilt their bodies slightly to the right and stomp. Sweat runs down their faces, soaking their hair, tank tops and practice dresses. A man sits in the corner of the University of New Mexico dance studio playing flamenco music.

Amaya and her class repeat the steps over and over, while some students stop to gulp water. With her hair slicked back into a bun and dressed all in black, Amaya commands the class, her shirt hanging slightly off her shoulder. She exudes enthusiasm during her classes at the annual Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque.

(leer +) [vía Alburquerque Tribune Online]