Dance is an art form that is cherished across the world. Dance forms have evolved and they have different styles, movements and even their clothing is distinct. Flamenco is one such dance form and flamenco dancers are famous around the world, especially among dance lovers. In this article, you will learn more about some famous flamenco dancers and what do flamenco dancers wear when they perform.
What is Flamenco Dancing?
It is a Spanish dance form that is highly expressive. It is performed solo and it involves hand-clapping which is its main characteristic. Intricate hand movements and footwork along with other body movements are the special features of this art form. (Also read What Does Gangnam Style Mean?)
What are the Elements of Flamenco Dancing?
Among the famous flamenco dancers, the females are known as Bailaora, and the male dancers are known as Bailaor. This dance form is composed of the following elements:
- Cante (song)
- Toque (music)
- Baile (dance)
- Jaleo or Palmas (hell-raising or hand clapping). (Also read The Art of Teaching Art)
What do Flamenco Dancers Wear?
- The outfit worn by the female flamenco dancers is similar to the shape of a guitar and it enhances their figure. This special flamenco dress is known as Traje de Flamenca.
- Another essential part of their outfit is the heels which are 4 cm to 7 cm high. Some dancers wear heels that have nails in the sole to produce a special sound while dancing.
- Male flamenco dancers wear a shirt under a short black jacket along with black tight-fitted trousers and a scarf or hat. (See Plague Doctor Suit Meaning)
Who are the Famous Flamenco Dancers?
After learning about the dance form, let us know more about the people who made it famous across the globe in this list of famous flamenco dancers. Must read the examples of kiss me under the mistletoe quotes.
1. Antonio Gómez de los Reyes
Antonio Canales was a flamenco dancer and choreographer who studied at the Spanish National Ballet. He was the solo dancer at the Spanish National Ballet held in Madrid in 1981. He also appeared in seven films from 1989 to 2015 and received various awards. (See 20 Best Singers of All Time)
2. Antonio el Pipa
Antonio Ruiz Fernandez was born into a renowned flamenco family. He is the grandson of Tia Juana la del Pipa and the son of Antonio el Pipa. He is one of the most inspiring dancers from the Jerez School of Flamenco and produces shows to pay tribute to the flamenco tablaos.
3. Antonio Gades
Antonio Esteve Ródenas was an amazing dancer and choreographer. Some of the most remarkable works of his career were the dance adaptations of Carmen (Prosper Merimee), Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca, and El amor brujo by Manuel de Falla. He worked in 9 films and received many honors including Creu de Sant Jordi, the highest civil distinction award of Spain, and Orden José Martí, the state honor award of Cuba. (See 25 Best Male Country Singers of all Time)
4. Carmen Amaya
She was a Roman Spanish dancer and is considered the greatest flamenco dancer ever. She became the first women dancer among the famous flamenco dancers to master the footwork of male dancers. For her power-packed performances and films, she received titles like The Medalla del Mérito Turístico de Barcelona, The title of Hija Adoptiva de Bagur and Lazo de Isabel la Católica.
5. Cecilia Gomez
She is known for her elegant dancing and kind nature. She started learning classical Spanish dance from a young age at Conservatorio Superior de Danza de Malaga. She is famous for her performance titled Cayetana which she performed to honor Duquesa de Alba and his life. (See 21 Most Famous Rapper In The World Right Now)
6. Cristina Hoyos
Cristina Hoyos Panadero, started dancing at the age of 12 and performed in Galas Juveniles, which is a kid’s show. She began her professional career in 1969 and traveled worldwide for two decades. She acted in various TV shows and movies between 1967 and 2011 and received numerous awards and honors.
7. José Losada Sanchez
Professionally known as El Carrete, he is the most extravagant flamenco dancer in Malaga. He started dancing on the streets at the tender age of 6 to collect money to support his poor family. He has danced with some of the most prominent artists of all time. His tap dance is known as the machine gun dance.
8. Antonio Montoya Flores
Popularly known as El Farruco, he had the most emotional performances. His early life tragedies are the reason behind the immense sadness in his performances. He opened a dance school in Seville, from where many top-level contemporary dancers had studied. In 1992, he received the prestigious Compas del Cante award. (See 15 Most Famous Singer In The World Right Now)
9. Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya
He is considered the most renowned dancer of the century. Son of El Moreno, a flamenco singer, and La Farruca, a dancer he performed for the first time at the age of 5. Throughout his career, he performed with many famous flamenco dancers in his movies and shows. Trained by his legendary grandfather El Farruco, he resembles his style and grace. (See 20 Best Hispanic & Latina Actresses)
10. Joaquín Pedraja Reyes
Joaquín Cortés was interested in flamenco from a young age. After starting his professional training, he was accepted into the prestigious national ballet company in 1984. He is famous for his athleticism and exceptional stamina.
11. La Paula
She was a gypsy dancer on the streets but always performed at August feria in her town of Malaga when she could. Her dance was graceful and traditional. As a young girl, she was an amazing singer and her singing was inspired by fiestero styles. Unfortunately, in 1973, she was hospitalized because of senile dementia. Five years after that, she passed away due to a heart attack.
12. Manuela Carrasco
She was born into a family of famous flamenco dancers who were gypsies and her love for dancing developed from childhood. At the age of 13, she went on a European tour for two years. She received various awards for her style of gypsy dancing which was the center of her dance routines. She was presented with The Pastora Imperio National Dance Award in 1974.
13. Matilde Coral
Matilda Corrales Gonzalez began her professional dance career at the age of 16. She was a notable performer between 1960 and 1970. She dedicated her life to teaching flamenco for which she received a certificate from the Conservatorio de Cordoba and along with several other awards. (See 7 Interesting Mark Wahlberg Life Facts)
14. Sara Pereyra Baras
She started her dance studies at Concha Baras School and participated in her first competition at the age of 24 in Gente Joven, a Spanish television contest. She is one of the earlier female representatives of flamenco dance in Spain. In 2010, she was recognized by Asociacion de Profesores de Danza Española (APDE), for her teaching and contribution to spreading the dance form to many places. (See 15 Funniest Black Comedians of all Time)
15. Sergio Aranda
Sergio Aranda Santos is an aspiring dancer with his style connected to the buleria seguidilla and the bambera. He started dancing at the age of 5 and his professional career began at the age of 15. He has learned his craft under Luci Montes and performed at various places. (See Famous People With Vitiligo)
16. Vicente Escudero
His dancing career started on the streets where he gained popularity with his train dance. His lack of knowledge about hand clapping (palmas) got him rejected as he was not traditionally skilled at flamenco dancing, but his dance was considered graceful. He wrote Mi Baile, an account of his life as a bailaor in 1947, and wrote another book titled Pintura que Baile in 1950. To know more about this dancing, read the article on what is flamenco dancing.
You now know all about the flamenco dance form and some famous flamenco dancers. You also learned what do flamenco dancers wear and how their attire helps them. (Also read Why Did Dean Martin And Jerry Lewis Break Up?)
