Juan Manuel Fernández Montoya, known throughout the world of flamenco as Farruquito, has been described by the New York Times as “the best flamenco dancer of this century.” He was born in Seville in 1982 and began dancing at the age of five, when he shared the stage with his grandfather, El Farruco, who was known as the greatest gypsy dancer of the twentieth century. Farruquito has graced stages throughout the world, in Europe and Asia, the United States and Latin America.

Farruquito

Tonight he performed at the Salle Lauga in Bayonne, where he was supported by Manuel Valencia on guitar, Paco Véga on percussion and singers Maria Vizarraga, Ismaël de la Rosa and Pepe de Pura.

It was an extraordinary performance. Farruquito’s dancing is a whirlwind of passion and emotion but with great rhythmic precision. However, the success of the show was the amazing interaction between dance, cante, guitar and percussion. All three singers were impressive but Maria Vizarraga’s incredibly powerful vocals almost stole the show, whilst Manuel Valencia’s guitar solos were outstanding. It was a wonderfully entertaining evening that ended with a deserved standing ovation.