Carmen Amaya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carmen Amaya
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1942 newspaper advertisement
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Carmen Amaya Amaya
2 November 1913/1915 Barcelona, Spain
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| Died | 19 November 1963 (aged 50 or 48) Begur, Spain
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| Occupation | Flamenco dancer, singer, actress |
| Years active | 1926–1963 |
| Dances | Flamenco |
Carmen Amaya Amaya (born around 1913 or 1915 – died 1963) was an amazing Spanish Romani flamenco dancer, singer, and actress. She was born in Barcelona, Spain. Many people call her "the greatest Flamenco dancer ever." She was known for her incredible speed and strong dancing style. Carmen was the first female flamenco dancer to master footwork that was usually only done by the best male dancers. Sometimes, she even danced in high-waisted trousers to show her powerful character.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Her Amazing Talent
Carmen was born into a Spanish Romani family. Her father, José Amaya Amaya, was a guitar player, and her mother was Micaela Amaya Moreno. Carmen was one of eleven children, but only six of them lived to be adults.
Her exact birth date is a bit of a mystery. Some experts think she was born in 1918, while most sources say November 2, 1913. Her death certificate says November 1, 1915. No matter the exact date, Carmen started dancing when she was very young.
She began her journey in the flamenco world with her father. He played the guitar while she danced in pubs. People were amazed by her talent, and she quickly earned the nickname "La Capitana" (The Captain). Soon, she started performing in bigger theaters. A businessman named Josep Santpere helped her get noticed. She made her debut at the Spanish Theatre in Barcelona and later danced at the Palace Theatre in Paris.
Becoming a Star
Carmen Amaya first appeared in a newspaper in 1929. An art critic named Sebastià Gasch saw her dance and wrote about her. Another important person, Vicente Escudero, realized that Carmen would change flamenco forever. He saw that she combined traditional dance with new, exciting styles.
In the 1930s, Carmen toured all over Spain with different dance companies. She performed in famous theaters like the Zarzuela Theatre in Madrid. She also appeared in a few films, including La hija de Juan Simón and Maria de la O. Her dancing in these films showed the true spirit of flamenco.
International Success: South America and the United States
In 1936, Carmen Amaya and her group traveled to South America. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She performed with famous guitarists like Ramón Montoya and Sabicas. Carmen and her family were incredibly popular. They planned to stay for only a month but ended up staying for nine months because her shows were always sold out! A theater in Buenos Aires was even named after her: Teatro Amaya.
In the United States, Carmen met many famous people. She went to Hollywood to film movies. Important figures in cinema and music wanted to see her dance. The famous musician Arturo Toscanini said he had never seen an artist with more rhythm and fire. Carmen was always improvising her dances, making them exciting and perfect.
She performed at Carnegie Hall in New York in 1941. She also met Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the President of the United States. It is said that he invited her to dance at the White House. After her success in America, she returned to Europe. She performed in Paris and London, where she even met the Queen of the United Kingdom.
Return to Spain and Later Years
When Carmen Amaya returned to Spain in 1947, she was a worldwide superstar. Her dance style was bold and exciting, unlike anything seen before. People loved her not just for her art, but also for her kind and generous personality.
She continued to tour and perform in many countries, including London, Argentina, Rome, Madrid, and Germany. In 1959, Barcelona honored Carmen Amaya by building a fountain named after her. It was placed in the Somorrostro neighborhood, where she grew up. This was a very special moment for her.
In 1952, Carmen married Juan Antonio Agüero, a guitarist in her dance group. They had a loving marriage. Carmen filmed her last movie, Los Tarantos, in 1963. Sadly, her health began to decline. She became very ill and had to stop performing. Carmen Amaya danced for the last time in Malaga.
Her Legacy
Carmen Amaya died in Begur, Spain, in 1963. She was buried in Santander. Her death was a great loss for the flamenco world. She received many awards and honors, including the Medal of Merit of Tourism in Barcelona.
After her death, monuments were built to honor her. There are statues of Carmen Amaya in Barcelona and Buenos Aires. A street in Buenos Aires is also named after her. Her husband's guitar is still played at the Tablao de Carmen, a flamenco venue founded in her honor in Barcelona.
Carmen Amaya's dancing style continues to inspire dancers today. She brought a new level of power and intensity to flamenco. The famous producer Sol Hurok called her "The Human Vesuvius" because of her fiery performances. Carmen Amaya truly showed the world the incredible spirit of flamenco dance.
Films
Carmen Amaya starred in many films during her career. Here are some of them:
- 1929 - La bodega (Wine Cellars)
- 1935 - La hija de Juan Simón
- 1936 - María de la O
- 1942 - Panama Hattie
- 1944 - Follow the Boys
- 1963 - Los Tarantos
See also
In Spanish: Carmen Amaya para niños
