 |
Jose RomeroDancer
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Biography of José Romero
- Love for the Russian Audience
- A Family Affair
- Choreography and Artistic Collaborations
- Age is a State of Mind
- Admiration from Dance Professionals
- A Multifaceted Career
- Collaborations in Film and Television
- A Funny Ballet Anecdote
- Surviving the Financial Crisis
Biography of José Romero
José Romero is a renowned dancer and the most distinguished member of the Spanish collective "Compañia Suite Espanola" ("Spanish Suite"). He has captivated audiences all over the world with his electrifying flamenco performances. José's talent has been recognized and praised by notable figures such as Julio Bocca, Maya Plisetskaya, Demi Moore, Richard Gere, Queen Sofia of Spain, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and Princess Irene of Greece.
Love for the Russian Audience
During an interview with Angelina Shketik for "Izvestia," José expressed his admiration for the Russian audience. He stated that he loved the emotional response of the Russian audience, with people applauding, stomping their feet, and shouting "Bravo!" According to José, this was their third visit to Russia, and they were already planning to return, enchanted by the warmth and enthusiasm of the Russian audience.
A Family Affair
José performs alongside his brother and sister, Riccardo and Rosario Castro. However, they never tire of working together as a family. They began dancing at an early age under the guidance of their mother, Caro Romero. The siblings have a deep understanding of each other, which allows them to work seamlessly without the need for contracts. They are always ready to help and support one another, even waking up early in the morning to start their day. Their strong bond and collaboration have made them a formidable force on stage.
Choreography and Artistic Collaborations
When asked about their choreography, José explained that it is usually a collaborative effort. However, Riccardo takes the lead in directing and correcting their movements. Occasionally, they invite choreographers to work with them on specific projects to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to their performances.
Age is a State of Mind
José refuses to disclose the average age of the dancers in their group. He believes that age is merely a state of mind and that one's energy and passion for dance can transcend any numerical value. He emphasizes that someone in their twenties can be uninterested and passive while someone in their forties can be full of vitality and enthusiasm.
Admiration from Dance Professionals
José and his company have garnered admiration from esteemed dance professionals. Mikhail Baryshnikov has attended their performances multiple times, but it was Farukh Ruzimatov who left the most significant impression on them. Ruzimatov expressed his admiration for their talent and invited them to perform at the International Ballet Festival in the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia. Inspired by Ruzimatov, Riccardo created a ballet called "Eternity" specifically for him.
A Multifaceted Career
José's career extends beyond flamenco dancing. He has also worked as a model for renowned fashion designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Moschino, and has appeared on runways in Paris and London. However, José considers flamenco to be his true passion. For him, walking the runway is mundane compared to the ability to express his emotions through dance.
Collaborations in Film and Television
José and his siblings have had the opportunity to work with stars like Montserrat Caballé, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras in ballet productions for Spanish television. They also appeared in Carlos Saura's film "El Amor Brujo" ("Love, the Magician") alongside Rosario and Riccardo.
A Funny Ballet Anecdote
José's troupe is known for their sense of humor. When asked about a favorite dance anecdote, José shared a story from the world of Russian ballet. He recounted a incident involving Olga Spessivtseva, who was supposed to jump into her partner's arms on stage. However, her partner dropped her, and she fell into the orchestra pit, injuring the harpist. Despite the mishap, Spessivtseva immediately returned to the stage and continued dancing. José mentioned that they have not encountered such extraordinary incidents in their performances, although there was once a dancer who lost her shoe on stage without causing any harm.
Surviving the Financial Crisis
When asked about the impact of the financial crisis on their career, José revealed that it has surprisingly had a positive effect. In Madrid, people have started going to the theater more frequently as they cut back on entertainment expenses and travel. Staying at home is not an appealing option for them, leading to increased attendance at performances.
