WORLD ARTS WEST IS PROUD TO PRESENT

MIGUEL SANTOS

WITH THE

MALONGA CASUELOURD
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE FIELD OF
ETHNIC DANCE AND MUSIC

Miguel Santos studied classical ballet with Carmelita Maracci until 1954 when he was inspired to begin his studies of Spanish dance, subsequently traveling to Spain in his thirties and studying with many of the great flamenco teachers. He is a three-time NEA Choreography Fellowship recipient and his major works include Misa Flamenca, Concerto No. 2, and Regionalismos. He has been with Theatre Flamenco since 1968, and over the years, he has been Theatre Flamenco’s principal dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director. Continuing to play an integral part in the company’s international success, today he serves as Administrative Director for Theatre Flamenco.

Santos has performed with Teatro la Zarzuela of Madrid, José Greco Spanish Company, and the Lola Montes Spanish Dancers. He also appeared in the movie Around the World in 80 Days and toured Europe. He has performed in La Traviata for the San Francisco Opera and the Seattle Opera with Beverly Sills. He currently teaches flamenco dance at the Khadra International Dance Studio and is Artist-in-Residence at Fair Oaks Elementary School in Redwood City. He continues to refine his flamenco skills by taking master classes in Spain with José Galván, La Quica, Javier La Torre, El Guito, Merche Esmeralda, José Atonio, Rosa Aguilar, Susana Mendieta, Juan Mendieta, Ercelia Santos, Amanda Pineda, Carmen Granados, Elena Grandos, Daniel Genera, Aldo Ruiz, and others.

Recognized as one of San Francisco’s outstanding ethnic performance companies, Theatre Flamenco’s history and importance is unparalleled. Founded by Adela Clara in 1966, the company has grown into a highly respected source of cultural pride, providing the opportunity for hundreds of inspired artistic collaborations, and for the preservation of the diverse traditions of Spanish culture. It is the second oldest dance company in San Francisco, and it was the first American resident dance company to stage full productions of Spanish dance in the U.S. Throughout its 42-year history, it has developed an ambitious repertoire influenced by classical Spanish, escuela bolera, regional folk, and flamenco traditions, and it has brought to its stage such luminous performers as Mónica, Juan de Valle, Virginia Iglesias, Cruz Luna, Memisio Paredes, Julia Moreno, and many others.