INTERVIEW: Farruquito blazes into NYC area with new flamenco show
Photo: Farruquito brings his new flamenco show to North America; this will be his first headlining tour of the continent. Photo courtesy of Jaime Massieu / Provided by Cindy Byram PR with permission.
Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya, better known as Farruquito, has one of the most famous families when it comes to the history of flamenco. This unique form of singing and dancing has worked its way down his ancestry, from his grandfather to his parents to his aunt.
Now Farruquito holds up that heritage in each performance.
There are, of course, some large shoes to fill. His grandfather, Antonio Montoya Flores, or “El Farruco,” was a respected dancer who brought flamenco to Broadway in the 1980s, thanks to the groundbreaking Flamenco Puro. That influence continued for many years and included performances in many countries.
Farruquito seems up for the challenge.
His new show premieres Friday, Feb. 22 at the Town Hall in New York City, and this date kicks off his first headlining tour of North America. He also stops at the Bergen Performing Arts in Englewood, New Jersey, Sunday, Feb. 24.
The performer wears many hats for the upcoming performance. He not only dances, but also composed the music and wrote the lyrics for the evening, and there will be a ceremonial passing of the baton when Farruquito opens the performance by dancing his grandfather’s soléa.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Farruquito. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Because of your family’s history, have you been dancing flamenco ever since you were a child?
Yes, I was born into a family of Flamencos. I learned to dance at the same time I learned to speak and walk!
When did you fall in love with the art form and realize it would be a lifelong passion?
When I was traveling with my family and a group of incredible artists on a tour through the USA in a show called Flamenco Puro.I was only 5 years old.
What’s going through your mind a few days before your first headlining tour of North America? Nervous? Excited?
Nervous, excited and with a sense of responsibility. I have to be very thankful for America as it has marked milestones in my career.
What can audiences expect at the performances in the New York City area?
I just want them to enjoy, nothing else. I don’t expect them to understand a concept or anything like that. The most conceptual moments are the magic that overcomes you and you don’t know what to expect next. I hope the audience feels the same thing that we feel on stage.
Is this the most personal show you’ve ever created? Will the audience learn about your father and grandfather’s legacies?
It’s the most personal, and for exactly that reason. I want people to understand that I don’t dance like my grandfather — I wish that were the case! He always said, ‘Learn from everyone, but always stay true to your own identity.’
Do you feel an obligation to honor the tradition of flamenco, or do you try to make the art form new for a 2019 audience? Or both?
Both! Flamenco does not have any dishonorable moments. Evolution is necessary, while staying true to flamenco. That is my opinion.
Physically, how difficult is each performance?
It’s like a highly competitive soccer match, but competing every day — while having to make goals so the audience applauds!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Farruquito performs Friday, Feb. 22 at the Town Hall in New York City, in addition to other dates in North America. Click here for more information and tickets.
