Flamenco master Farruquito brings poetic passion to the Moss stage
From bold and explosive to soft and intense, the poetry and passion of the Spanish flamenco dance will be on display when Farruquito, heir to a renowned flamenco dynasty, brings his newest production, "Íntimo,” to the Moss Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
The performance will be held in the center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
Described by The New York Times as “the greatest flamenco dancer of this new century,” Farruquito returns to North America with a coast-to-coast tour of "Íntimo.” Recounting the origins and history of flamenco, the Spanish dancer, along with his cast of dancers, musicians, and vocalists, introduces the audience to traditional and distinguished flamenco styles such as tangos, “soleá,” “bulerías,” and “alegrías,” evoking a journey through flamenco full of sensations and freedom.
The son of flamenco singer Juan Fernández Flores (“El Moreno”) and dancer Rosario Montoya Manzano (“La Farruca”), Farruquito was immersed in a unique form of flamenco founded by his grandfather Antonio Montoya Flores (“El Farruco”).
He made his international stage appearance at the age of 4 on Broadway alongside his grandfather in the hit show “Flamenco Puro.” At the age of 11, he was featured in the film “Flamenco,” produced by the legendary film director Carlos Saura, which launched Farruquito’s career. In 1992, he had the honor of sharing the stage with his grandfather at the inauguration of the Paralympic Games of Barcelona.
When he was 15, his grandfather died, and Farruquito became the heir of the Farruco flamenco lineage. That same year he created his first show, “Raíces Flamencas (Flamenco Roots),” which not only distinguished his mastery as a dancer but gave him the opportunity to showcase the traditions of his prodigious flamenco line.
Farruquito has enjoyed many successful seasons of performances and tours around the world. In 2010, he premiered “Sonerías” at the Bienal de Flamenco of Seville, where his audiences experienced the raw roots of flamenco infused with a theatrical flair. In 2013, he created “Improvisao,” a fusion of singing, guitar, and dance, which was followed by an invitation in 2015 to dance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in four sold-out gala concerts of an adapted version of “Amor Brujo” directed by Gustavo Dudamel at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
This performance is supported in part by a gift from Ms. Constance Cedras.
Related events
Prior to the performance, María del Carmen Caña Jiménez, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, will lead an engaging primer on the fundamentals of flamenco dance and music. Held on Friday, Oct. 28, at 6 p.m. in the Cube, “What is Flamenco?” explores the multidisciplinary art form, from its development in the 15th century to its manifestation today. Learn about “palmas,” “pitos,” and an array of other components of the style.
During his visit to Blacksburg, Farruquito will lead a workshop in flamenco fundamentals for the Virginia Tech student dance organization Olé.
Ticket information
Tickets for the performance are $25-$55 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.
Paid parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Virginia Tech has also partnered with ParkMobile to provide a convenient, contactless electronic payment option for parking, which may be used at any parking meter, campus parking space, or lot with standard F/S, C/G, or R parking.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jamie Wiggert at least 10 days prior to the event at 540-231-5300 or email wiggertj@vt.edu during regular business hours.
