Joaquin Cortes
左边是Alicia Keys
目前最著名的性感偶像,佛朗明哥探戈舞超级明星Joaquin Cortes，一位从国立芭蕾舞团回归的吉普赛男性。12歲開始學習舞蹈，15歲加入西班牙國際芭蕾組織，並以優秀的表現達到最高水準獨舞的成績。隨著組織，他開始在全世界旅遊表演，並在國際知名劇院如：紐約的大都會歌劇院、莫斯科的克里姆林宮巡迴演出。離開了國際組織後，他開始和許多明星們在不同的秀展中表演，並且受邀為特約明星或舞蹈指導。演过阿尔莫多瓦的《高跟鞋》,席諾艾波尼多的《香草巧克力》。
Admired by many and hated by a few, Joaquín Cortés is the most famous flamenco dancer of all times. His personal and groundbreaking vision of gipsy dance and show business, so modern and updated, makes him more of a rock star than a traditional flamenco dancer. Sought after by designers and the advertising industry Joaquín Cortés has become a media icon. Now, at 38, he is going back to his roots with "Mi soledad", a very intimate production that, after touring the world, is opening at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London on the 28th and 29th of Mayo.
Describe your latest show, "Mi Soledad"
It’s an introspective journey. After a lot of big shows I felt like doing something intimate and simple. It also the sojourn of the central European gipsies from the east to southern spain, the mixture of cultures and music. It’s a return to my roots.
What do you wish to transmit with your new production?
I try to transmit a positive sense of solitude. Although you are surrounded by people, in big cities you can feel lonely. That loneliness is good and creative. You find yourself, and from that confrontation with yourself you come out stronger.
What are the dance and choreography like in "Mi soledad"?
The first part is modern dance, where I have an interior debate, a struggle with myself. Alone against the world.
The second part is a gipsy celebration, flamenco my way; European gipsies around a camp fire, a mixture of music.
And the music?
The music is composed with Antonio Carbonell, who is like a brother to me and works on all my productions, and with Pepito Carbonell “Montoyita”. The music comes first and then I work on the choreography.
Flamenco with Arabic touches; East European styles. I have included violin, viola, double bass and an accordion. Many of the musicians have worked with me for years and we work very well together.
I don’t like leaving anything to luck.
We improvise together on stage, although everything is very prepared, very thought through. I don’t like leaving anything to luck.
And the stage design?
Warm lighting. Simple but powerful. Oranges, reds purples and maroons…backgrounds with shawls, Romantic details…And passion and fire.
What about Jean Paul Gaultier’s wardrobe design?
It’s incredible. He had already worked on some gipsy designs and when I asked him for it he knew what I was talking about. The colours are warm and powerful..
The simplicity of the set design is in contrast to the elaborate wardrobe. It’s a perfect balance. I really wanted to work with Jean Paul because he’s so theatrical, and I think that’s what he brings to this production. Richness and colour.
Let’s take it bit by bit. According to the programme the show is in six parts or steps. Could you describe each of them?
”Que el odio calle…” (Let hate be silent) Theatrical and modern.
Soleá mía… (My Soleá) Instrumental.
Bellas palabras…(Beautiful Words) Tangos.
Fundido en tu ser… (Melted in You)Instrumental. Women talk of lost loves.
Zíngaros…(Gipsies) East European gipsies around a camp fire.
En mi soledad… (In my solitude)Soleá por bulerías.
Where are you professionally?
I am at my best.
I am at my best. I feel incredibly strong. I’m working incredibly hard but getting great results. I am in a really creative moment and as a dancer my body is responding totally.
How would you define your dancing?
It’s like me. Its a mixture of all I learnt and studied in my childhood and adolescence: flamenco, classical dance, modern dance, Spanish dance. The fusion I do comes naturally. Since I was small I studied all types of dance. My dancing is a result of all of that studying.
What are your artistic influences?
I’ve always loved Rudolf Nureyev. He’s my idol.
What does flamenco mean to you?
Flamenco is the coming together of Andalusian culture and gipsy culture. It’s a form of expression through song and dance.The fusion I do comes naturally .
What do you think you’ve brought to flamenco dance?
Renovation I hope.
How would you define flamenco dance at the moment?
There’s no enough work put into it. I still haven’t seen anything exceptional.
Joaquín Cortés in "Mi Soledad"
How do you feel about receiving more recognition abroad than at home?
I am happy with the recognition I get both at home and abroad.
You have set up the Fundación Joaquín Cortés, you were named Goodwill Ambassador by the UN in 1999, by UNICEF in 2001 and in November 2006 you were named Romany Ambassador by the European parliament. Do you think artists should be committed to social causes?
We have to give something back to those that need it. I feel I have to. As artists, we are in the spotlight and can communicate others’ needs to the general public. Above all we can raise awareness the problems of the world like poverty and inequality.
As Romany Ambassador what are your demands for the gipsy people, to which you and flamenco belong?
Mainly education for children and families. That’s where it all starts. Child welfare.
To finish, since you’ve made it big, how would you like to remembered by history?
As a flamenco revolutionary, with his own style.
