CARMEN AMAYA

Carmen Amaya (November 2, 1913 – November 19, 1963) was a flamenco dancer and singer, of Romani origin, born in the Somorrostro slum of Barcelona, Spain (Vila Olímpica nowadays). She danced from the time she was 4 years old. In 1929, she made her debut in Paris, to warm acclaims and admiration of her dancing skill. She moved to America in 1936, where she went on to act in several films that broke box office records, including the Romeo and Juliet adaptation Los Tarantos, and the short film Danzas Gitanas (Gypsy Dances).

She was invited by Franklin Roosevelt to dance in the White House in 1944, and also by Harry S. Truman in 1953.

Amaya is buried in the Cementiri del Sud-Oest on Barcelona's Montjuïc.

Archival clip, Los Tarantos, from the DVD, Queen of the Gypsies, A Portrait of Carmen Amaya, the best of Flamenco and Carmen Amaya in a single DVD www.gypsyheartproductions.com, the most comprehensive video biography of Carmen Amaya in the world.

QUEEN OF THE GYPSIES, a Portrait of Carmen Amaya (1913-1963). This is a
feature length DVD the most comprehensive video history on the life and art of Carmen Amaya in the world, truly a collector's item. Carmen Amaya brought the Art of Flamenco to the international stage. Carmen Amaya was possibly the greatest Flamenco dancer who ever lived and one of the greatest dancers of the millennium. This biographical portrait contains the most complete number of archival dance clips, ever seen, world wide, of this phenomenal artist. Interviews with family members, scholars, friends and former company members give Amayas spectacular virtuosity a personal dimension, as do the countless vintage photographs. With original music by Carmen Amaya, Sabicas and Domingo Alvarado. 81 minutes, black and white and color. English and Spanish with subtitles.
Winner of four awards including Best Documentary, North America from the Latino International Film Festival in San Francisco.