Flamenco on Istanbul stage

A show adapted for the stage from Miguel de Cervantes' immortal piece "Don Quixote" will meet with the audience on Oct. 16 at Istanbul's Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall with the performance by Spanish José Huertas Flamenco Ensemble.

Describing Don Quixote's emotional world with music and costumes reflecting Spanish folklore, the show will be staged for the first time in Turkey.

At the age of 24, Huertas joined Antonio Gades, one of the idols of Flamenco who died in 2004, and became the principal dancer a year later. He founded his own company in 2002

The shows he prepared were staged in prestigious halls of Europe as well as Spain. Besides being a dancer, choreographer and artistic director, Huertas has been teaching at the Malaga Conservatory since 2009.
Ahead of the show in Istanbul, Huertas answered some questions.

Q: What are your very first memories of dancing? How was your childhood environment? Were dancing and music a part of your family and life?

A: My first memories of youth are from Barcelona, the city that took me in after I emigrated from Andalusia. That's where I started my first dance steps with José de la Vega at the Theatre Institute.

Q: When did you first realize that being a dancer would be your life path? Have you ever imagined an alternative life scenario in your mind?

A: I always knew that the world of dance is my way of life, but I also understand and acknowledge that it is only a job. On stage, I am José Huertas, and in everyday life, I am José.

Q: How did you fall in love with Flamenco? How was that very first crush?

A: Not only Flamenco, all kinds of arts I like. The stage is a kind of vital need in my daily life. It's an inseparable part of my days; my work is my...