Jason Martinez, a flamenco dancer and cajón player, found flamenco through the dance program at the University of New Mexico, with instructors Eva Encinias-Sandoval and Pablo Rodarte. Having developed a genuine love for and dedication to flamenco, Jason traveled to Sevilla, Spain to study the art form. He has since studied extensively 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 Bay Area flamenco artists Yaelisa, Jason McGuire, Jose Cortes and Fanny Ara.
Jason is an example of an artist cultivated through the New Mexican flamenco movement. He is joined in this group by other accomplished flamencos such as Gabriel Osuna, Vicente Griego, and Ricardo Anglada. 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
