Jason Martinez, a flamenco dancer and cajón player, brings a unique style to the flamenco community. A native of Albuquerque, NM, Jason found flamenco through the dance program at the University of New Mexico, with instructors Eva Encinias-Sandoval and Pablo Rodarte. Recognizing flamenco’s movement potential and musical ingenuity, Jason traveled to Sevilla, Spain to study the art form. Upon his return he started classes at the National Institute of Flamenco under Joaquin Encinias and Omayra Amaya and became an instructor for the Institute of both dance technique and cajón. Indeed, study with these accomplished instructors has made Jason a talented instructor himself. Jason became an original member of Yjastros, The American Flamenco Repertory Company in January 2001 under the direction of Joaquin Encinias. He performed with the company in nine concert seasons including tours of the Southwestern United States. He became a soloist for the company in Fall 2005. Jason now resides and teaches in Tucson, AZ and has toured nationally as a soloist, most recently with flamenco companies throughout Florida, and Los Angeles. One review states: "Pieces like Farruca, with principal dancer, Jason Martinez, carry the dance to a transcedental level – Martinez shuffles his feet to the point that he almost hovers just above the surface of the stage." - El Valle Hispanic News

Melani “Mele” Martinez grew up in Tucson, Arizona where she began studying dance at three years of age with Leticia Durazo. She became involved in flamenco under the instruction of Olivia Rojo and soon joined Rojo’s company, Flamenco Y Mas. In 1996 she began performing throughout Arizona as a soloist and gained recognition as a gifted mover and choreographer. Mele traveled to Sevilla, Spain to attend workshops with world-renowned artists Juana Amaya and Matilde Coral. Mele started attending Festival Flamenco Internacional workshops in 1993 and was tremendously inspired by the effort of the National Institute of Flamenco in its dedication to the art form. She went on to join, as an original member, Yjastros, The American Flamenco Repertory Company under the direction of Joaquin Encinias in 2001. In addition to her role as company member, she has been featured as a soloist for Yjastros. Mele now lives and teaches flamenco in Tucson, AZ and has become a national touring artist with recent appearances at the famous Alegria tablao and Fountain Theater in Los Angeles, CA.

Both Mele and Jason Martinez are grateful to the National Institute of Flamenco and the Encinias Family for their dedication to the art form as well as their thoughful guidence as teachers and mentors of flamenco.  As former members of Yjastros:  The American Flamenco Repertory Company, both appreciate the mission and work of the company directed by their friend and teacher, Joaquin Encinias.  For information regarding this company, their touring schedule and more, visit http://yjastros.nationalinstituteofflamenco.org/

Below is a short clip of Yjastros...