Rocío Molina
Saturday, May 19 - Thursday, May 24, 2012
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Rocío Molina is one of today’s most important female flamenco dancers. She was born in 1984, and yet her accomplishments, and the accolades that keep mounting are many and impressive. She is both a talented dancer and genius choreographer, with artistic vision to match. There is no doubt that she has revolutionized the flamenco world and will leave an indelible stamp on flamenco dance. Indeed, in 2007, flamenco critic extraordinaire, Estela Zatania, declared that a “new era in women’s flamenco dance has been inaugurated” after seeing Rocío dance at the Festival de Jerez.
Rocío was a mere three years of age when she began her professional dance training, and by age 11 was already winning prizes in national dance contests. She began her studies at the Málaga´s Dance Conservatory, and completed her degree with honors. In 2002, she finalized her training at the Real Conservatorio de Danza de Madrid.
In 2001, Rocío joined the María Pagés Company as a dancer and choreographer, touring Italy, Japan, Canada and the U.S., and taking part in the Gala de Andalucía at New York’s City Center. In 2003 she took part in Flamenco Festival USA, performing as a soloist together with Manuela Carrasco, Chocolate and dancing a duet with Israel Galván.
In 2005, she premiered her first show, “Entre Paredes.” That same year, at the first ever Festival Málaga en Flamenco, she premiered “El Eterno Retorno,” based on texts by Nietzsche.
She started the year 2008 by participating as soloist in Mujeres together with Merche Esmeralda and Belén Maya. That same year she also premiered “Pasos Contados” directed by Pepa Gamboa and featuring Diego Carrasco as guest artist. Also in 2008 she danced in “Goyescas,” together with Carmen Linares, Miguel Poveda and Carmen Cortés, among others, and premiered her show “Oro Viejo.”
In 2009, she participated in the production “Flamenco Hoy.” That same year she is asked to perform in the film “Flamenco, Flamenco.” Both of these are works by renowned director Carlos Saura. Later, in October 2009 she premiered “Cuando las Piedras Vuelen.” In 2010, she takes this production to North America and the UK, where it receives critical acclaim.
In 2010, Rocío received one Spain’s most prestigious awards, the National Dance Award, for best dancer of the year.
In 2011, she developed her latest work “Vinatica” and has been presenting it at various festivals, including the recent edition of the Festival de Jerez.
Rocío will undoubtedly continue to redefine flamenco dance and create impressive works. Regardless, her place in flamenco history is already firmly secured.