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They clap their hands, but not after a performance. They stamp their feet, but not because they are angry.

Maritza Tafur, Cynthia Sanchez and Bryn Naranjo clap and stamp to the seductive rhythm of flamenco, dancing in colorful dresses and high heels, wearing big flowers in their hair, contributing to the Hispanic heritage of Albuquerque with every move, every step.

The dance trio of 20-somethings has committed itself to Dance España since artistic director Pablo Rodarte left the Albuquerque flamenco company for Denver about a year ago.

Dance España's studio teaches quality flamenco to people of all ages and abilities and provides a space in which members of the community can share their passion for this Spanish music genre.

Flamenco not only refers to dance, but also to the musical form that was created during the late 18th century by gypsies and Spaniards in Andalucia, a region in southern Spain.

Flamenco also encompasses the guitar music and the vocals, known as cante. And it is probably one of the strongest Spanish artistic traditions New Mexico has retained.

The National Institute of Flamenco offers a full flamenco curriculum through New Mexico's National Conservatory of Flamenco Arts. Also, the University of New Mexico has an emphasis program on the genre.

And each year, the institute brings Festival Flamenco Internacional to UNM.

Flamenco artists from all over the world, including small communities in New Mexico, attend the festival to perform and teach techniques.

Because of events such as these provided by the institute, flamenco has become popular in Albuquerque.

Tafur was one of those lured here as a result of that flamenco prestige. She moved from Arizona to the Duke City to study flamenco with Rodarte, when he still was an adjunct professor at UNM.

The members of Dance España, however, consider themselves the grass roots for the flamenco business in Albuquerque.

"We are a dance trio, but we do business together as well," Sanchez said.

And this trio not only share a passion for the music and dance, but they are also best friends, Tafur said. They still use Rodarte's choreographies and travel twice a week to rehearse with their Santa Fe instructor, Juan Siddi, better known as Juanaire.

Today, the 2007 Flamenco Showcase will take place at the VSA North Fourth Art Center, and it will be the first time Tafur, Sanchez and Naranjo have joined forces to direct, produce and dance in a show. They will not be alone.

Singer Anika Huggins and guitarists Donnie Benavidez and Mario Febres will provide the song and music that accompanies the choreography. Guest artists Carolina Holguin and Benigna Sanchez will dance on stage with Tafur, Sanchez and Naranjo.

However, "it is also half a recital of students that have been with us," Sanchez said.

During their first year with the company, they have been teaching flamenco techniques to 25 people ranging in age from 4 to 40. Therefore, the showcase will not just present professional flamenco dancers. The group Buen Viaje, a "mixed-ability dance company," will dance a five-minute piece during the first half of the show.

Tafur, who works with adults with disabilities, says she is excited about promoting a different kind of talent in the community. Although these people have limitations in their movements they have developed other abilities to dance and choreograph songs. Company Dance España would like to continue working with disabled students.

"We definitely want to keep our studio growing to share flamenco with the community," Sanchez said.