Vicente Escudero facts for kids

Vicente Escudero (1933)

Vicente Escudero (born October 27, 1888, in Valladolid, Spain – died December 4, 1980, in Barcelona) was a famous Spanish flamenco dancer. He was known for his modern ideas and brought new ways of thinking about dance to flamenco.

He was one of the few experts of his time to write about how male flamenco dancers should perform. His "Decalogue," or ten rules for male dancers, is still important today. Besides being a top flamenco dancer, he was also a talented painter. His flamenco paintings are often shown in art exhibits. The famous Spanish painter Joan Miró admired his work. Escudero also appeared in movies like Castille On Fire (1960) and With the East Wind (1966).

Vicente Escudero's Dance Career

Vicente Escudero's first official show was in 1920. This performance took place at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France. He became a truly great dancer between 1926 and 1936. During these years, he traveled a lot, performing in Europe and the Americas. His most famous show was called El amor brujo.

A New Style for Male Flamenco

Escudero's dance style brought new respect to male flamenco dancing. Before him, some people wrongly thought male flamenco was too much or not artistic enough. His way of dancing made it look more dignified and serious.

Escudero's writings about flamenco dance and choreography were very important. They helped shape what dancers and audiences liked in his time and later. He even worked with and influenced the legendary dancer Antonio Gades. Escudero's style was strong and masculine. It featured clear and exact footwork and braceos (arm movements).

Escudero's Ten Rules for Dancers

Vicente Escudero created ten important rules for male flamenco dancers. These rules are still followed by many dancers today. They helped define what a great male flamenco dancer should be.

Here are Escudero's ten principles:

• Dance in a masculine style.
• Be simple and not showy.
• Turn your wrist with your fingers closed.
• Move your hips only a little.
• Dance calmly, without being vain.
• Make sure your feet, arms, and head move together in harmony.
• Be beautiful, flexible, and honest in your dance.
• Create your own unique style and focus.
• Always dance in traditional costume.
• Keep different sounds in your mind. Do not put nails in your boots. Dance on a simple stage and do not use extra items.

Vicente Escudero's Writings

Vicente Escudero also wrote several books about his art. These books shared his ideas and knowledge about flamenco dance.

His published writings include:

• Mi baile (My Dance) (1947)
• Pintura que baila (A Dancing Painter) (1950)
• Decálogo del buen bailarín (Ten Rules for a Male Dancer) (1951)

See also

In Spanish: Vicente Escudero para niños