Carmen Amaya

Carmen Amaya
Photo of Carmen Amaya
Born
Carmen Amaya Amaya

2 November 1918
Somorrostro, Barcelona, Spain
Died19 November 1963 (aged 45)
Begur, Spain
Other namesLa Capitana
Occupations
  • Flamenco dancer
  • singer
  • actress
Years active1924-1963
Notable work
Height4'11
SpouseJuan Antonio Agüero González (married 1952-)
RelativesLa Chunga (cousin)
Awards

Carmen Amaya (2 November 1918 – 19 November 1963) occasionally known by the stage name La Capitana, was a Spanish Romani flamenco dancer and singer, born in the Somorrostro district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

She is often hailed as "the greatest Flamenco dancer ever"[1] and "the most extraordinary personality of all time in flamenco dance."[2] She was the first female flamenco dancer to master footwork previously reserved for the best male dancers, due to its speed and intensity. She sometimes danced in high-waisted trousers as a symbol of her strong character.

  1. ^ Clarke, Mary & Crisp, Clement 1981. The history of dance. Orbis, London. p60
  2. ^ Clarke, Mary & Vaughan, David 1977. The encyclopedia of dance & ballet. Pitman, London. p316