Divinity through dance

I want to collaborate with Indian artistes. An idea is already taking shape for my next piece. It will be based on the love affair between an Indian prince and a Spanish Flamenco dancer – Farruquito.

One of the greatest flamenco dancers of this century,Juan Manuel Fernandez Montoya “Farruquito”,lifts his face to the light and says,“Look at me,I look Indian”. His eyes are on fire,his hair hangs wild and he exudes a dark magnetism that turns fans into fanatics. Farruquito stopped by recently at the Kamani auditorium in the capital for the Delhi International Arts Festival. An auditorium,where people lined the walls and crouched on every available space of the carpet,greeted him. His performance was held in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in India. Outside,a surging crowd pleaded with security guards to be allowed in. Across the world,when Farruquito performs,there’s always the fear of a stampede. Even New York Times gushed earlier this year,“The best artiste to set foot in the Big Apple in 2011.”

He is a “pure blood” gypsy,he adds,which means there is possibly a strong Indian gene since flamenco is said to have been born in this country. “I like India,it is like home,” says the 28-year-old. His show in Delhi was titled Essential and focussed on pure flamenco movements,such as its strong and passionate footwork and drama. Guitarist Roman Vincenti and percussionist Antonio Moreno Fernandez provided the musical introductions before vocalist Jose Manuel Doya hit the high notes. Into the spotlight strode Farruquito and began his series of rapid footwork that mixed power and dexterity.

“My grandfather (the legendary flamenco dancer El Farruco) was a genius. I made my debut with him in Broadway when I was five years old,” says Farruquito in halting English. Farruco had trained Farruquito in the nuances and the purity of technique,to which the younger dancer infused greater power and theatricals. “He and I have different personalities. Our dance is the same style,though mine is new-age,” says Farruquito.

The evening before,Farruquito had met Delhi-based kuchipudi dancer Raja Reddy and the two interacted as only dancers can — by creating an impromptu piece. “I want to collaborate with Indian artistes,” says the Spanish performer. An idea is already taking shape for his next piece. “This will be based on the love affair between an Indian prince and a Spanish flamenco dancer,” he says,referring to the 19th century romance between the Maharaja of Kapurthala,Maharaja Jagatjit Singh Bahadur,and a flamenco dancer and singer called Anita Delgado Briones,who would later become Maharani Prem Kaur. “I will come back next year with a BIG show,” he promises.