The Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía: A 30-Year History
Discover the history of the company from the Regional Government of Andalusia. For over 30 years, it has been a representative of Andalusian culture, contributing to the development of flamenco dance
Photograph of "De lo flamenco" (1994) by Mario MayaOriginal Source: Centro de Investigación y Recursos de las Artes Escénicas de Andalucía (CIRAE)
The Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía is a project of the Andalusian Flamenco Institute (Regional Government of Andalusia) that was established in 1994 to help develop this art form, following the recommendations of UNESCO.
Originally named the Andalusian Dance Company, its journey has included creating forty shows, adapting works by composers such as Manuel de Falla and Albéniz and writers like Lorca, and paying tribute to Turina, Picasso, and Antonio Ruiz Soler.
Photograph of "La vida breve" (1997) by José Antonio RuizOriginal Source: Centro de Investigación y Recursos de las Artes Escénicas de Andalucía (CIRAE)
One of the characteristics of the Ballet is that it represents the full scope of Andalusian culture: its musical, literary, and dance creations have been and continue to be a source of inspiration for the company's works.
Photograph of "Vals patético" (1998) by José Antonio RuizOriginal Source: Centro de Investigación y Recursos de las Artes Escénicas de Andalucía (CIRAE)
The Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía is a standard-bearer for Andalusian culture, for the art of cante jondo, and for the values and feelings of a people that will continue to weave its most representative art wherever the dance steps may lead.
"Un ramito de locura" and "Encuentros" premiered under the direction of José Antonio.
Photograph of "Yerma" (2003) by Cristina HoyosOriginal Source: Centro de Investigación y Recursos de las Artes Escénicas de Andalucía (CIRAE)
In addition, the ballet serves as a meeting point for prestigious directors and choreographers as well as for young talents who, despite still being in a formative stage, have more than proven their capabilities.
Photograph of "A tiempo y a compás" (2005) by Cristina HoyosOriginal Source: Centro de Investigación y Recursos de las Artes Escénicas de Andalucía (CIRAE)
The company has performed on five continents for over a million and a half people. They have toured in countries including the United States, Argentina, Cuba, France, Italy, Hungary, Switzerland, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Thailand, and China.
Photograph of "Viaje al sur" (2005) by Cristina HoyosOriginal Source: Centro de Investigación y Recursos de las Artes Escénicas de Andalucía (CIRAE)
It has given over 1,650 performances worldwide and has appeared at major events such as the Aichi Exposition in Japan and at festivals in New York, London, Santiago de Chile, Mont-de-Marsan, Nîmes, and Albuquerque.
Photograph of "Romancero gitano" (2006) by Cristina HoyosInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Its quality has earned it the National Choreography Award and several Max and Giraldillo awards from the Seville Flamenco Biennial. In addition, it plays a fundamental role in attracting new audiences and spreading Andalusian culture.
"Poema del Cante Jondo en el Café de Chinitas" was directed by Cristina Hoyos.
Photograph of "Metáfora" (2012) by Rubén OlmoInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Its directors have included Mario Maya, María Pagés, José Antonio Ruiz, Cristina Hoyos, Rubén Olmo, Rafaela Carrasco, Rafael Estévez, Úrsula López, and Patricia Guerrero—almost all of whom have received National Dance Awards.
Photograph of "Llanto por Ignacio Sánchez Mejías" (2013) by Rubén OlmoInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Photograph of "En la memoria del cante. 1922" (2014) by Rafaela CarrascoInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Photograph of "Tierra-Lorca. Cancionero popular" (2016) by Artistic direction: Rafaela Carrasco. Choreography: Rafaela Carrasco, Ana Morales, David Coria y Hugo LópezInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
The Ballet has been a training ground for young dancers who are now National Dance Award winners, such as Israel Galván, Isabel Bayón, Ana Morales, and its current director, Patricia Guerrero. "Tierra-Lorca" from 2016 (pictured) was directed by Rafaela Carrasco, also a National Award winner.
Photograph of "...Aquel Silverio" (2017) by Artistic direction: Rafael Estévez. Choreography: Rafael Estévez and Valeriano PañosInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Antonio Gades, Eva Yerbabuena, Javier Latorre, and Javier Barón, who are also National Award winners, have choreographed for the company. "...Aquel Silverio" (2017) was directed by Rafael Estévez, also a National Dance Award winner.
"Imágenes" was directed by Rafaela Carrasco and "Flamencolorquiano" was directed by Rafael Estévez.
Photograph of "El maleficio de la mariposa" (2021) by Úrsula LópezInstituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Its long history means that through its images and posters, one can appreciate the changes that have occurred in both costumes and flamenco iconography over three decades.
Photograph of "Pineda" (2024) by Artistic direction and choreography: Patricia Guerrero. Dramaturgy: Alberto Conejero. Musical direction: Agustín Diassera and Dani de Morón. Musical composition: Agustín Diassera, Dani de Morón and Sergio "El Colorao". Other choreograpies: La Venidera (Albert Hernández), Eduardo Leal and Alfonso Losa.Instituto Andaluz del Flamenco
Thanks to the artistic and technical staff who have been part of the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, this region and flamenco have reached all five continents, touching the hearts of thousands of people and making the world a smaller place.
Photos: Center for Research and Resources of the Performing Arts (CIRAE) and the Andalusian Flamenco Institute. Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions - Department of Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalusia.
Music: "Tierra bendita." Composer: Dani de Morón. We thank the composer for generously allowing us to use this song.
All audio and photos are under full copyright.
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