GALA, a national center for Latino performing arts in Columbia Heights, opened its 12th Annual Flamenco Festival on Nov. 4 with “Salvador.” Edwin Aparicio, recipient of Spain’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, choreographed this autobiographical piece to explore his personal salvation through flamenco. He chronicles his story of survival and achievement from his childhood in war-torn El Salvador to his migration to the United States and his discovery of dance. Aleksey Kulikov co-directed. The company was joined by artists from Spain and Washington Ballet Principal Dancer Sona Kharatian. Opening night attendees continued on to a reception with the artists.