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FLAMENCO NEWS
FLAMENCO NEWS
Something special happens when two artists like dancer Juan Fernández and singer Manuel Soto combine their creativity and talents––see it for yourself!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Juan Fernández of Cádiz began his flamenco studies at the young age of 10, later moving to Sevilla where he perfected his studies. Juan has performed at the Festival de Jerez, Jueves Flamencos de Cádiz, and Circuito Andaluz de Peñas, among others. He regularly dances at Spain’s best tablaos such as Casa Patas, El Arenal, Las Carboneras, Villarosa, Los Gallos, and El Cordobés. Throughout his career he has earned an extensive set of awards including 2nd Prize for Solo Choreographer at the 29th Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco.
Manuel Soto of Jerez de la Frontera was born into a family of flamenco artists, including famed relatives José Mercé, Manuel Soto “El Sordera de Jerez,” and Vicente Soto. Manuel has performed at the the Festival de Jerez, Feria Mundial de Flamenco (Sevilla), and Festival Internacional de Danza Ibérica Contemporánea (Mexico). Manuel has worked in the most prominent tablaos in Spain like Casa Patas, El Arenal, Corral de la Morería, Casa de la Memoria, and more. He has shared the bill with dancers like Farruquito, Pastora Galván, and Fuensanta “La Moneta,” among others.
Not enough to just see them on screen? Join us on International Flamenco Day for Encuentro Flamenco, an electric performance here in NYC featuring Juan, Manuel, and guitarist Jose Moreno. This is an NYC Flamenco Passholder event.
Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company returns to its home theater to perform “Xicano Power,” following a landmark debut earlier this year at Spain’s Festival de Jerez. The concert production draws from the Chicano Movement, exploring issues of identity, history, and culture through the idiom of flamenco.
María José Llergo, one of Spain’s emerging musical stars, spoke with the NYT about her recently released album. The Romani singer of rural Andalucía takes an experimental approach to flamenco, weaving R&B, rap, and more into the music she was raised with. María shared how she is inspired by the art form’s radical roots:
“Flamenco is like the blues…The lyrics tell stories of survival—it’s always been a way for the most oppressed to escape…”
answer: Carmen Amaya!
In celebration of flamenco trailblazer Carmen Amaya’s 110th birthday on November 2, artist Genie Espinosa created a Google Doodle of the Romani dancer for the world to see. Carmen, regarded almost undisputedly as one of history’s best flamenco dancers, began dancing at her father’s guitarist gigs at the age of 4, later going on to tour internationally and star in Hollywood films, becoming one of the first flamenco icons recognized globally.
Bonus fun fact: Did you know that Carmen spent much of her life in Latin America? She settled in Buenos Aires for a period and also moved to Mexico City later on!