In the midst of a week of political tensions between the President of Madrid, Ayuso, and Andalusian representatives due to her declaration that Madrid is the capital of flamenco, Jesús Carmona, a Catalan, was chosen to direct the Spanish Ballet of the Community of Madrid. Carmona is considered the best dancer in the world.
His name is Jesús Carmona and he is one of the best dancers of the moment. This is assured, for example, by The New York Times. Of him, this newspaper says that he is “a prodigy of the flamenco universe”. And it is so both for its prowess on stage and for its distinction with the Benois Dance Prize orthe National Dance Award.
In the middle of the tour of his show “Dance of Beasts”, where he demonstrates, as the aforementioned American newspaper says, that He is a true pioneer in dance. Combina la tradición y experimentación en el flamenco para llevar este arte a nuevas alturas.
“I’m a guy who always wants more,” Carmona has said on more than one occasion. His artistic direction promises to be an exciting chapter in the history of the Spanish Ballet of the Community of Madrid.
The “prodigy” artist
Jesús Carmona was born in Badalona in 1985 and began his flamenco training at the age of 7. He made his professional debut at the Teatro Zorrilla with the Orquesta del Teatro Liceu in Barcelona at the early age of 14. He left home at the age of 16 to pursue his professional career.
Graduated in Spanish Dance and Flamenco in 2003, he expanded his artistic training with the most relevant performers and creators of the time. He is part of companies such as El Güito, Nuevo Ballet Español or Antonio Canales.
In 2006, presented his show “El Silencio de La Luna”, which was highly acclaimed by both the public and critics. In 2007, he joined the National Ballet of Spain as the company’s principal dancer and remained in that position until 2010.
In 2011, he released his second show of his own, “Cuna Negra & Blanca”, which debuted at the 17th edition of the Seville Flamenco Biennial the following year. Then, came other shows such as “7 Balcones” (2013), “Ímpetu’s” (2015), “AmatØr” (2018), “El Salto” (2020), “The Game” and “Baile de Bestias” (2021).
Jesús Carmona and his beastly dance, on tour
“Baile de Bestias” was honored with 2 Max Awards 2022 for the best dance show and best choreography, and has been the subject of acclaim from both specialized critics and audiences worldwide. “Baile de Bestias” was honored with 2 Max Awards 2022 for the best dance show and best choreography, and has been the subject of acclaim from both specialized critics and audiences worldwide.
The extraordinary art of Jesús Carmona is joined by the skill of composer Manu Masaedo, also nominated for the Max Awards. He accompanies him playing more than 20 instruments, adding an exceptional musical dimension.
Jesús Carmona en su "Baile de Bestias".
Jesús Carmona and his relevance
Her approach to flamenco dance is innovative, incorporating elements from other musical styles, such as the violin. Despite criticism from purists, Carmona, 32, represents the new wave of flamenco and Spanish dance, which values independence and experimentation over dogmas of authenticity.
Most relevant awards:
- Max Award 2022 for Best Dance Show for “Dance of Beasts”
- Max Award 2022 for Best Dance Performer
- Gold Medal of the Reial Cercle Artístic
- Benois Award 2021
- National Dance Award 2020
- RTVE Critical Eye Award 2019
- Latin UK Awards 2018 for Best Performer and Best International Production
- Desplante Award at the Festival de las Minas de la Unión 2012
- Outstanding Dancer at the XX Spanish Dance and Flamenco Contest of Madrid in 2011