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Yjastros currently has fifteen choreographies set for performance and is continuously attaining new work. These repertories are a living archive representing some of the best flamenco artists who have ever lived.
Xicano Power Choreographer: Israel Galvan
This piece is a testament to the innovation of modern flamenco by artist Israel Galvan. Both stoic and stunning, the movement of the choreography is extremely unique in its approach to the style of siguirillas – a dance of heartfelt determination. The title, inspired by Galvan's newfound association with Yjastros as a repertory company of the southwestern United States, lends itself to the philosophy of flamenco, that of empowerment, of cultural awareness, and self-identification.
Dime Que Te Pasa Choreographer: Joaquin Encinias
As a group, Yjastros has come to emulate and revere the rhythmic challenges of director Joaquin Encinias. In this piece, rhythmic expression and complexion go hand in hand with the savory spirit of flamenco style tangos. Tangos itself is a force of confident movement, of strut, and the group entwines itself in that sentiment.
Bulerias de Alejandro Choreographer: Alejandro Granados
Sevilla born artist Alejandro Granados was the first Spanish Flamenco dancer in residence to mount choreography for the company in 2001. This Bulerias is a witness to his undying flavor for joy and a wide-eyed, mesmerized look at the beauty of the art form. Though flamenco is well known for its hard-core intensity, Granados' choreography reminds us that gypsy life – and life in general - is also about playful expression and fulfillment.
Chocolate Choreographer: Yolanda Heredia
A luscious and feminine touch to the full repertory, Chocolate embraces a different kind of flamenco energy, one of rounded decadence. Heredia, well known for her skillful ability to manipulate the traditional "bata de cola," brings to the choreography a sense of effervescent tug intermixed with coquettish sweetening. As performed, the bata de cola is both a symbol of extreme adornment, and all that women carry with them.
Bulerias de la Calle Choreographers: Joaquin Encinias and Omayra Amaya
Two choreographers – one gypsy, and one American – come together to create a product of flamenco artistry seldom witnessed with such integrity. The level of craftsmanship in this work exemplifies Encinias' and Amaya's understanding of flamenco song – in essence, in attitude, and in style. It also brings together the entire company to highlight the power of interpretation for each individual artist. As the name describes, the rawness of this piece captures the nature of flamenco born in the streets.
Nuestro Aire Choreographer: Joaquin Encinias
Although a repertory company featuring some works by artists from Spain, Yjastros would not be a full company without its own manifestation of flamenco. Nuestro Aire is just that. Again, Encinias creates an articulation of Flamenco from where it has been to what it means to us now. In this high-energy piece, we see what it means to be fully engaged in strength, direction, and purpose. To that end, the purpose of Nuestro Aire is to share in a piece of the art form of flamenco as it is archived through Yjastros.
Solea por Buleria Choreographer: Juana Amaya
Juana Amaya is one of the most well-respected and admired female artists in Flamenco to date. Encapsulated in this all-female piece is her turbulent spirit seized and then released – like no other Flamenca releases. Purely Flamenco, and purely Juana, the agility and coarse movement by which this number is noted have become a favorite for audience members, just as Juana is favored by aficionados the world over.
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