Farruquito, a prominent flamenco figure, prepares for a Japan tour while kicking off the third Peñíscola From Stage edition
Farruquito stands as one of the most influential flamenco dancers of the last two decades. With a proven track record and a forthcoming tour in Japan, the Seville-based artist will inaugurate the third Peñíscola From Stage edition on Wednesday, June 22.
On Wednesday, June 22, the show will launch the third edition of Peñíscola From Stage. There is a sense that opening a festival carries responsibility. How does Farruquito approach such a performance?
He responds with illusion, desire, and respect. There are devoted fans present, and it will be his first time performing for an unfamiliar audience in Peñíscola. This context adds a unique energy to the opening night, a kind of shared moment between artist and crowd.
Is Peñíscola the prelude before the journey to Japan? What can audiences expect there?
The plan is to visit three different cities in Japan, presenting the same show that will be showcased in Peñíscola, Intimo. It has been several years since he last performed in Japan, yet he has deep affection for the country and its people, dating back to his first dance in 1996. The audience there is known to embrace flamenco with warmth, and that connection remains meaningful to him as a performer.
“I think flamenco is a very rich cultural art musically, rhythmically and historically”
As mentioned, the show on view at Peñíscola is titled Intimo. How would Farruquito describe this production and its core essence?
Intimo feels like a gathering of family and friends, where musicians express themselves in the moment. It is a space where performers reveal themselves almost instinctively to invite the audience to join in the moment and participate in the shared experience.
There is a noted collaboration with Victoria Amador, a gifted young dancer taking on the role of La Rubia de Antequera. How did this opportunity arise for a collaboration in this production?
Truthfully, the dancer has not had the chance to meet him yet, but the intention is clear: to support the flamenco scene not only through his own work but also by lifting up the next generation of performers. The aim is to nurture talent and broaden the reach of flamenco as a living tradition.
Besides this collaboration, who else joins the onstage lineup?
The ensemble features seasoned flamenco artists, including Manuel Valencia, Ezequiel Montoya, Ismael el Bola, and María Vizarraga on guitar, with Paco Vega handling percussion. Their presence anchors the performance in a deep, authentic musical foundation that honors the art form’s roots while embracing live exploration.
The festival organizers have expressed confidence that this year’s lineup presents a rare opportunity that should not be missed. Farruquito is described as one of the central attractions of the event. Does that pressure shape his performance?
There is a modest sense of pressure, but the aim remains to pour heart and soul into every movement, letting the moment unfold as it was meant to. The focus is on authentic expression and the simplicity of honesty on stage.
“My goals are not very ambitious: keep dancing until you get body”
From Farruquito’s perspective, how does he view the current state of flamenco, especially as more festivals consider incorporating it into broader programs?
Flamenco is seen as a truly rich cultural art, with deep musical, rhythmic, and historical layers. Its ongoing presence in festivals is a sign of vitality, yet it also underscores the need to keep fighting for its growth and continued relevance. There is always more to learn, more to celebrate, and more to share with audiences who crave an authentic flamenco experience.
With two decades in the field, there is still much to explore. Where does Farruquito see himself in his professional journey, and what short-term goals are in focus?
The aim is simple and unhurried: to keep dancing for as long as the body permits and to maintain the passionate impulse that motivates him and moves others. The goal is to preserve the spark that drives his artistry, even as chapters evolve and audiences change.
Is there a wish that remains unrealized?
One longing is to create a musical that appeals to younger audiences and to establish a flamenco tabernacle—a space where the craft can be explored in intimate, informal settings and where communities can come together to share the art form in a welcoming, communal way.