On August 28, 2020, the flamenco world lost one of its most beloved figures: José Barrios. Five years have now passed since his departure, yet his art and his memory remain vivid in the hearts of those who knew and admired him. At ALL FLAMENCO, we pay tribute to his legacy by revisiting two of his most significant works: Reditum and the tribute performance Gracias, José Barrios, premiered at Córdoba’s Gran Teatro. Throughout this week, we will also share testimonies from friends and fellow artists who remember him not only as an exceptional dancer but also as a generous, warm-hearted human being, always willing to help others.
A Career Driven by Talent and Passion
Born in Córdoba, José Barrios began his training in his hometown before moving to Seville and Madrid, where he studied with great masters such as Manolo Marín, Domingo Ortega, and La China. His ambition and discipline led him to build a career spanning almost two decades, in which he shone both as a performer and as a creator.
Barrios’ artistic journey was one of constant growth that carried him far beyond Spanish borders. After refining his craft in Seville and Madrid, his talent transcended geography. In the United States, he left a remarkable mark by choreographing for renowned companies such as the Ensemble Flamenco Español of Chicago and the Boston Flamenco Ballet. He also spent key years in Japan, where he not only grew artistically but also dedicated himself to teaching, becoming a true international ambassador of flamenco.
His prestige brought him to share the stage with prominent figures like María Pagés, Rafael Amargo, and Blanca del Rey, who admired his artistry and deeply valued his humanity.
The Style of a Unique Dancer
José Barrios’ style was unmistakable. His flawless technique blended seamlessly with a natural grace, making each performance an act of genuine emotional surrender. Those who witnessed him dance recall that his art was not just about skill—it was about heart, about authenticity.
Among his most notable works are intimate creations such as Concierto – Aire de abajo (2007) and Por si acaso amanece (2010), along with large-scale productions like Reditum. Bailando flamenco (2017), premiered at the Festival de Jerez, and his final work, Clásico (2019). Each piece reflected his constant search to fuse flamenco tradition with a modern, personal vision.
“Gracias, José Barrios”: A Tribute Worthy of His Legacy
In 2022, two years after his passing, Córdoba returned some of the love he had given. The Gran Teatro hosted the tribute performance Gracias, José Barrios, where friends and colleagues such as Ana González, Carmen “La Talegona,” and Eva Varela brought to life fragments of his most emblematic choreographies. It was an evening of memory, love, and recognition for an artist who had always dreamed of presenting his work on the stages of his homeland.
A Legacy That Lives On
José Barrios was much more than a dancer—he was a restless creator, a generous colleague, and a luminous presence. With his smile, his energy, and his applause, he left a lasting mark on those around him, and with his art, he conquered all who had the fortune to see him dance.
Today, five years later, his figure continues to remind us that flamenco, when born from the heart, transcends time and lives on in collective memory.
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