Born on November 2, 1913, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain’s Somorrostro area, Carmen Amaya Amaya was a Spanish Romani flamenco dancer and singer. Many people consider her to be among the best flamenco dancers of all time.
Who is Carmen Amaya
Carmen Amaya, the daughter of José Amaya Amaya and Micaela Amaya Moreno, was born into a Spanish Romani family. She was the second of eleven children, but only six lived to adulthood.
Her real birth date, on the other hand, is debatable. Records are scant; however, a family with a 12-year-old daughter named Carmen is mentioned in the 1930 Barcelona population list.
Unfortunately, no birth certificate is available, and the baptismal record was destroyed in a church fire. Some historical evidence, such as a Julio Moisés oil painting from 1920 and images of Carmen as a teen, indicates that she was born in 1918.
Carmen Amaya’s contribution to flamenco dance was complex. Notably, she was the first female flamenco dancer to master footwork that had hitherto been reserved for the best male dancers.
This extraordinary accomplishment was made possible by her unrivaled speed and intensity in her dancing, which pushed the frontiers of what was thought feasible for women in this art form. Her distinct flair and charisma distinguish her as a flamenco trailblazer.
Montse Madridejos, a music history professor at the University of Barcelona, suggests that her Romani ancestry could be a factor.
Amaya started singing and dancing at an early age, and her passionate and expressive approach soon gained her recognition. She was renowned for her creative footwork as well as her ability to combine various dance styles with traditional flamenco.
Amaya relocated to the US in 1941, where she became well-known throughout the world. She gave performances in some of the most esteemed locations on earth, such as the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. In addition, she acted in a number of films, such as “Los Tarantos” (1963).
Carmen Amaya died of kidney disease in 1963 in Begur, a town in Catalonia’s northern county of Girona. She was laid to rest in Santander’s Ciriego Cemetery.
Her contributions to the realm of art were recognised and praised during her lifetime. Carmen Amaya was awarded the Medal of Merit of Tourism in Barcelona, the Lasso of the Lady of the Order of Isabel la Católica, and the title of Adoptive Daughter of Begur.
Carmen Amaya Wikipedia
There is a Wikipedia page for Carmen Amaya Amaya. It’s a well-written, informative piece that gives a decent overview of her life and profession. The article discusses her childhood, her rise to popularity, her accomplishments, and her legacy.
How old is Carmen Amaya?
November 2, 1913, saw the birth of Carmen Amaya Amaya. She would be 110 years old if she were still living today. But on November 19, 1963, she died, leaving her at the age of fifty.
Carmen Amaya’s Height and Weight
Carmen Amaya’s height and weight are unknown, however, she has been described as having a slim build, according to sources. She was noted for her quickness and agility, and she could effortlessly accomplish complicated and challenging footwork. Her dancing was also marked by passion and intensity.