Carmen Amaya was one of the most celebrated and passionate flamenco dancers of her era. A Spanish gypsy, or gitano, she inspired the fictional character Lucía Amaya-Albaycín. Her long-time partner, Agustín Castellón, known as ‘Sabicas’, served as the basis for the character Meñique.
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Early Life and Dance Beginnings
Born in 1913 in Barcelona to a very poor gypsy family, Carmen later claimed she was born in the Seven Sacred Caves of Sacromonte in Granada, a place deeply connected to flamenco culture. She learned to dance from her mother, Micaela, and her aunt, Juana la Faraona, who also appears in “The Moon Sister.” Her father, the renowned guitarist ‘El Chino’, encouraged her to start dancing professionally when she was just four years old. Her talent quickly earned her the nickname ‘La Capitana’ (The Captain) from her admirers.
Rising to Fame
At the age of ten, Carmen met her great love, ‘Sabicas’. He was captivated by her dance, describing it as something supernatural and unique. Carmen, although petite at only 4’10”, had a powerful and agile body. Her dancing was so vigorous that she once broke through stage floorboards. Her style was distinctive and hypnotic, embodying the essence of flamenco, known as ‘duende’.
Performing Across Europe
Carmen’s fame grew as she toured Europe with her troupe of musicians, singers, and dancers, known as her cuadro. In 1936, while performing in Madrid, the Spanish Civil War began as Nationalists tried to seize the city. There are various accounts of how they escaped to Portugal, and one of these stories is adapted in “The Moon Sister.”
Taking on New Challenges
After finding success in South America, Carmen set her sights on the United States, where her rival, La Argentinita, had already gained fame. However, the constant traveling and close quarters strained her relationship with Sabicas. Although Carmen wanted to marry him, he never proposed. Their disagreements even led to a public spat, with Carmen walking off the stage during a performance in Mexico City. In 1945, Sabicas left her and remained in Mexico.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1950, Carmen returned to Spain and married Juan Antonio Agüero, a non-gypsy guitarist. She continued to tour the world, record albums, and appear in films. Despite her grueling schedule, she smoked several packs of cigarettes a day and barely ate, except for her favorite sardines.
Carmen Amaya’s life and career had a profound impact on flamenco, cementing her status as a legendary dancer.
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