[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 66 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S2553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO EVA ENCINIAS-SANDOVAL

 Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, today I want to recognize a great 
New Mexican and a great American. Eva Encinias-Sandoval is a pioneer 
and a cultural icon in the world of flamenco in New Mexico.
  New Mexico has a long and rich cultural history with flamenco as one 
of its dynamic traditions. Flamenco is a complex art form that 
originated in Spain and blends influences from different cultures. It 
mixes both discipline and spontaneity.
  With sweeping, expressive arm movements and rhythmic stomping often 
accompanied by singing or music, flamenco is more than a form of dance. 
It incorporates guitar, percussion, and song as integral parts of the 
art form.
  Eva Encinias-Sandoval's career in flamenco spans more than 40 years. 
Her professional expertise includes performance, teaching choreography, 
concert production, and direction.
  Eva began dancing and teaching flamenco at a young age. Her mother, 
Clarita, was also a dancer, and Eva started her training at the age of 
5.
  At age 14, Eva began teaching students in her mother's studio, and in 
1973, she formed her first flamenco dance company, Ritmo Flamenco. The 
following year, she enrolled in the University of New Mexico, though 
the dance department did not offer flamenco classes at the time.
  Eva began teaching flamenco as a single course offering at UNM in 
1976. Now, the program of study includes all levels of flamenco 
technique and specialized topics. As a result of Eva's dedication and 
passion, UNM is the only institution in the country that offers 
bachelor of arts and masters of fine arts degrees with a concentration 
in flamenco.
  Eva later went on to establish the National Institute of Flamenco in 
1982. NIF is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to the 
preservation and advancement of flamenco in the United States. With 
Eva's artistic vision and guidance, the organization has expanded to 
include several thriving programs, such as the Conservatory of Flamenco 
Arts, Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque, Alma Flamenca, 
and many others.
  Eva's work has also helped bring renowned international flamenco 
artists from Spain and other parts of the world to study and teach in 
our State, adding a depth of knowledge and expertise to her students' 
experiences. She hopes that her students will become the better artists 
by learning alongside the best artists.
  She was the first woman inducted into the Albuquerque Wall of Fame, 
has received three Bravo awards, and accolades from her colleagues and 
students.
  Despite the importance of these awards and honors, they are not what 
distinguishes Eva most. Instead, it is the example she sets in always 
doing her best, always giving back, and always striving for excellence.
  Eva has changed her community as a talented dancer and teacher who 
has inspired countless students. She is deeply committed to her 
community and pays equal attention to young, less experienced dancers 
as more advanced students.
  Although the origins of flamenco are cloudy, the Encinias family is a 
true ``flamenco family.'' Eva's children, Marisol and Joaquin, are both 
dancers. Her passion and legacy will live on through them, as well as 
her students who can be found at NIF, UNM, and, now, Tierra Adentro, a 
local charter school that incorporates flamenco into its curriculum.
  Our State is fortunate to have someone like Eva Encinias-Sandoval, 
who not only sees the beauty of art, but also the beauty of our 
culture. Flamenco will continue to grow in New Mexico thanks to her 
dedicated work and the love of dance she continues to share with the 
community.
  By educating mostly New Mexican students, Eva views flamenco as an 
opportunity to teach our State's youth programs relevant to whom they 
are as a people. Flamenco is an art form that is as unique as the 
artists who study it.
  Whether through an appreciation or dedication to the art form, Eva 
Encinias-Sandoval has brought flamenco into the lives of countless New 
Mexicans. Her love for the art has not gone unnoticed, and I commend 
her for all of her accomplishments and her service to our 
State.

                          ____________________