Farruquito In San Francisco "Improvisao" At 11th Annual Bay Area Flamenco Festival

"Farruquito is one of the greatest flamenco dancers of the century" The New York Times The Bay Area Flamenco Festival/Festival Flamenco Gitano, is proud to present Farruquito in his triumphant return to US after more than a decade. From the legendary Los Farruco dynasty, the "first family of Gypsy flamenco dance", Juan Manuel Fernandez Montoya, “Farruquito,” is regarded as one of the most faithful representatives of flamenco puro. Son of the singer El Moreno and dancer La Farruca, Farruquito is the chief proponent of the unique dance style founded by his grandfather, El Farruco. Farruquito made his Broadway stage debut at age five, starred in Carlos Saura’s film Flamenco at twelve, and was directing his own shows by fifteen. Following a performance in New York City in 2003, The New York Times considered him "the best artist to set foot in the Big Apple in 2001.” Over the last decade this vibrant young artist has continued to grow and deepen his personal approach which brings his family's dance legacy firmly into the 21st century. "With the power and purity of his technique and the magic of his brooding presence, Farruquito is nothing less than sensational. The speed of his stamped rhythms is complex and phenomenal, no less so his spins and interpolations." The New York Times, Anna Kisselgoff Improvisao is a return to the essence of flamenco where the artists shed all artifice, relying on improvisation to create an intimate and visceral encounter with the audience. The electrifying chemistry among them sparks their inspiration. Vocals, guitar and dance are fused with complete freedom, creating an utterly unique performance every night and a context for the miracle of the duende. Joining Farruquiito, guest dancer, Gema Moneo is a rising star who has caught the eye of the world’s most demanding flamenco enthusiasts. Born into the legendary Moneo clan of Gypsy flamenco singers and guitarists in Jerez de la Frontera and is the niece of late singer El Torta. Her strong intuitive dancing expresses all the emotion of the cante jondo. “Emerging as one of the great dancers of her generation, she has carriage, intuition, rhythm, beauty and charisma. She belongs on stage." --El Diario de Sevilla More Info below.