He has performed for Barcelona y Flamenco with the Gran Gala Flamenco show – “El Yiyo” A Contratiempo at Teatre Poliorama
Miguel Fernández Ribas (Badalona, 1996), “El Yiyo”, is the latest revelation of the Flamenco Art: the successor of Joaquín Cortés, according to El Periódico (spanish newspaper). He has performed for Barcelona y Flamenco with the Gran Gala Flamenco show – “El Yiyo” A Contratiempo at Teatre Poliorama.
Where do you prefer to dance: in a theater or a tablao?
In both places I feel very comfortable. The tablao is much closer, in a more intimate environment, more ours, in comparison to the theater, which is much nicer because the space is bigger, you can set-up more things, you feel differently. Both are different even if the flamenco is the same because the difference stands in what you feel and in the connection with the public.
“El Yiyo” A Contratiempo en el Teatre Poliorama
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing professionally when I was seven, in the emblematic Sala La Paloma that no longer exists, I danced some more years and at eleven years old we toured China, in specific Taiwan.
Why did you start dancing?
I started dancing because it was a family and neighborhood’s hobby. I am of gypsy ethnicity and we celebrate things dancing and singing. Any good news, we celebrate them dancing, it is something very ours, “de la casa” (trans. of the house) as we usually say. Dancing has been something that has caught my attention since childhood, I started through videos, then training and I ended up where I am today.
Are there more artists in your family?
My family is very fond of flamenco, like any gypsy, but they are not what we would call an artist. They know how to play but have not dedicated themselves to it.
How long does it take to rehearse for a show like Gran Gala Flamenco – “El Yiyo” A Contratiempo?
The show “A Contratiempo” premiered in Rome in January and we were rehearsing for about two weeks. This show was already planned long ago but it took two weeks to get together with all the musicians and push it forward. Knowing everyone and seeing each other every day helped everything to flow much faster.
“El Yiyo” A Contratiempo at Teatre Poliorama, Barcelona
What “palo flamenco” do you like to dance more?
I wouldn’t know which one to choose. It depends a lot on the mood in which you are each moment. “La Soleá” and “La Bulería” are palos that I feel very identified with, but it is true that it has a lot to do with the state in which I am at every moment.
What projects do you have for the future?
We will be three months in Madrid with a new show, in March we will be at the Teatro Real, in April we will go to a festival in France with the next show that will be organized in November. Looking forward to the next year, we will be closing more things than this new show.
How was your experience in Barcelona y Flamenco?
I’ve been very comfortable and we are enjoying a lot to be here next to home, being able to push the show forward.
Would you recommend the shows in Barcelona y Flamenco?
Yes, there are very good flamenco shows and they are all different, and that’s good. You have to come see them and enjoy each one of them!
“El Yiyo” A Contratiempo at Teatre Poliorama, Barcelona
