José Greco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids José Greco
Greco at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1975
Born	Costanzo Greco (1918-12-23)December 23, 1918 Montorio nei Frentani, Italy
Died	December 31, 2000(2000-12-31) (aged 82) Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation	Dancer, actor, composer
Years active	1948–1990
Known for	Flamenco dancer
Spouse(s)	Margaret Ana Borger-Greco ​ (until 2000)​

José Greco (born Costanzo Greco; December 23, 1918 – December 31, 2000) was an American dancer and choreographer. He was born in Italy. José Greco was famous for making flamenco dance popular. He performed on stage and in movies, especially during the 1950s and 1960s.

About José Greco

José Greco was born as Costanzo Greco in a town called Montorio nei Frentani, Italy. He later changed his name to José Greco. When he was 10 years old, his family moved to New York City. He started dancing in Brooklyn with his sister Norina when he was young.

His Dancing Career

José Greco first danced professionally in 1937. This was at the Hippodrome Theatre in Manhattan. He often danced with famous partners like La Argentinita and her sister Pilar López.

In 1949, he started his own group, the José Greco Dance Company. They traveled all over the world to perform.

Movies and Performances

José Greco also appeared in several movies. Some of these include Sombrero (1953) and Around the World in 80 Days (1956). He was also in Ship of Fools (1965).

In 1951, Greco performed in the United Kingdom for the first time. This was at the Sadler's Wells Theatre. Later, his dance group worked with the New York Philharmonic orchestra. They performed together at outdoor concerts in New York City.

José Greco received many awards and honors. The Spanish government even made him a knight. He also received four special doctorates from universities.

Later Years and Family

In 1972, José Greco started the José Greco Foundation for Hispanic Dance. He first retired from dancing in 1974. In 1977, he wrote a book about his life called Gypsy in My Soul.

José Greco had six children: three boys and three girls. His sons José Luis and Paolo became composers. His son José Greco II became a dancer, just like his three daughters, Alessandra, Carmela, and Lola.

In the late 1980s, he came out of retirement. He formed a new dance company with his children. He performed on stage for the last time in 1995, when he was 77 years old. Until he passed away, he taught dance at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

His Passing

José Greco died from heart failure at his home in Lancaster. This happened on the very last day of the year 2000. A dance critic named Lewis Segal wrote that Greco was "the undisputed Spanish dance star of the '50s and '60s." He was also called "the greatest of all dance stars" in terms of how many tickets he sold.

Film and TV Appearances

Movies

Television Shows

See also

In Spanish: José Greco para niños