The 5th Annual Flamenco Arts Festival, on the weekend of September 25th, was a meeting of great Spanish performers on the stage of the Lobero, as well as classes and lectures over the course of the weekend. The Teen Press was on hand at the opening performance to witness a new blend of instrumentality and virtuosity (and humor!) on the stage, and talk with the performers afterwards. The conversations were challenged by language differences, but overcome by smiles and the passion to communicate.

Once she recovers, Ryder talks with Joaquîn about how he got into dancing, what it feels like to perform, and what his take on the outrageously great encore the group performed that evening. More on Grilo here...