The written information below is approved for publishing, word changes are permitted. Find two versions listed below as single books or a mini release. If you would like more information, contact the author.
Book Three: Influenced by Spanish and Flamenco Dance –
This third addition to the series Influenced by Spanish & Flamenco Dance was a complete revamp of the remaining notes and history, working closely with the few living artists from this era. The words of Julie Newmar, Luisa Triana, Lola Montes, Inesita, Dolores Fernandez, Rene Heredia, and Barbara Perry make up this installment. The focus of this addition are the influences this style of dance made in the careers of American Spanish ballet dancer Carmelita Maracci, Mexican and later Spanish dancer Jose Fernandez, and how Spanish Gypsy dancer Carmen Amaya used her flamenco art to influence and highlight the careers of dancers in America. Scheduled for release in 2025.
Book two: Legends of Spanish & Flamenco Dance
Authoring the book Legends of Spanish & Flamenco Dance was easier in that I knew who my subjects would be. In Madrid, I promised my mentor, Pilar Lopez, that I would complete this manuscript. Her encouragement, guidance, generous gift of her time, years of information, dance memorabilia, and friendship gave me confidence. It slowly fell into place; however, it took years. The enormous amount of information Pilar Lopez and Rosario Perez spoke of was not organized; every visit brought up different spoken narratives. Rosario thought I was unusual for wanting to write about her, however, she continued with her stories and photos. It was released in July 2023.
Book One: The Golden Age of the Spanish Dance
The first book The Golden Age of the Spanish Dance, was a challenging assignment, starting a project from scratch only knowing that I wanted to include the history of Spanish dance and forgotten American dance artists of the last century, Denishawn, La Meri, Carola Goya, and Doris Niles. Many references in the book are dedicated to influences the Spanish dance and Iberian culture made on Broadway, Hollywood movies, and our American dance history. Two dedicated chapters feature the two most remembered Spanish artists of the early Twentieth Century: La Argentina, aka Antonia Merce, and Vicente Escudero. It was released in July 2020.
Recent Spanish Dance books by Michael MIguel Bernal (All photos are from the author’s private archival collection)
The history of dance and some of the most famous dancers in the last century are spoken of in the book The Golden Age of Spanish Dance. Some of the dancers featured in this manuscript are early American dancers Ted Shawn, Ruth St. Denis, Doris Niles, Carola Goya, and La Meri. Two bios highlight the careers of Antonia Merce, aka La Argentina, and Vicente Escudero while performing in Europe and America. Many references in the book are dedicated to influences the Spanish dance and Iberian culture made on Broadway, Hollywood movies, and our American dance history.
The classical Escuela Bolero Spanish dance is a fusion of Spanish folk and the Italian French school of dance. The Andalusian part of the Spanish dance art form and its origins are shrouded in the darkness and mystery of the time, and this intrigue has made the art of flamenco popular today. The guitarists, singers, and dancers work off their given emotions, making this a kaleidoscope of dance. Flamenco is a fusion of four elements: dance, song, guitar, and percussion (castanets and palmas). The Book was released in July of 2020.
Legends of Spanish & Flamenco Dance details the careers of two sisters La Argentinita, and Pilar Lopez, and the partnership of Rosario & Antonio. They all spent years in exile from the Spanish Civil War in the United States and the Americas, performing and perfecting their talent. The sisters were major proponents of the international careers of Jose Greco, Manolo Vargas, Nana Lorca, and Antonio Gades. The book was released in July 2023.
(Photo) Nana Lorca and Jose Greco.
The recent addition, Influenced by Spanish & Flamenco Dance, was a complete revamp of the remaining notes and history. Bernal interviewed and worked closely with the remaining dancers of the time, living artists from this era. Noted are Julie Newmar, Luisa Triana, Lola Montes, Inesita, Dolores Fernandez, Rene Heredia, and Barbara Perry. The focus of this addition are the influences this style of dance made on the career of American Spanish ballet dancer Carmelita Maracci, Mexican and later Spanish dancer Jose Fernandez, and how Spanish Gypsy dancer Carmen Amaya used her flamenco art to influence and expose the careers of dancers in America. Including Antonio Triana, Lola Montes, Rene Heredia, Rosario & Antonio and Teresa & Lusillo. The book is due for release in mid-2025.
Photos left Carmelita Maracci, right Rosario & Antonio, below Dolores & Jose Fernandez.
(All photos are from the private archival collection of the author)
