1.What influences are important for you and your choreography?

My biggest influence is the actual art form in which I evolve. I love that I am able to make Flamenco prosper – as an art form – Its artistic legacy is in itself a source of inspiration – its like drinking from the source.

2. What would you like the public to know about you, as a choreographer? And what (if anything) do you want audiences to take away from your choreography?

I do not look for anything in particular from the public.Over the years, I’ve learnt that I do not have to justify my work onstage. I only try to enjoy myself, my creation, inwardly, without needing an easy or provoked applause; it is not my way of working. My dance is much more internal, it comes from within. If I am completely committed to the choreography, then the public will be able to enjoy it, simply by opening up their 5 senses and allowing themselves to be carried away.

3. Is there a piece or show that you are most satisfied with (as a choreographer) If so, why ?    

Really...I am satisfied with all of my pieces. They were created with respect for and love towards the art form, and towards the dance itself. I am lucky to have such a great team around me and that makes it easier for me to do this type of work: everything flows positively.

4. This piece, Cádiz … the relationship between the dance and the musicians… how important is that dynamic? How did you prepare / develop the show? Did the choreography come first, then the music, or did you create jointly with the musicians?

It is very important that there is a good balance between the musicians and the creator, they are all part of a whole. To develop your own show, I think the most important thing is that – as a choreographer – you are quite clear about what you want and what you need, for everything else to flow more easily. Being in a constant dialogue with all the parties involved is crucial and that ‘internal work’ is key to creating a successful piece of work.

5. When you create a new piece, how and where do you start? What do you like most about the process of creating ? 

The first thing is to be clear about what I want to communicate with the dance. And searching for the ‘perfect music’ to develop this idea. In my case all the music is original, which allows the process to develop little by little. Both guitarist Jesús Núñez and I love good music, which allows our collaboration to work seamlessly. Our taste in music helps us to understand one another, when the time has come to create. Creating is hard because you’re constantly rethinking every step you take and on many occasions fears and insecurities may prevent you from developing 100% . With my work, to be able to reflect on the piece is most satisfying... and to display it without fear and without any doubt (that I’m repeating myself) as much as possible. It is not easy to get to this place, but with many hours of study, and much love, it is possible.

6. Is Càdiz your first solo show?

I have created and produced several solo projects: Ataduras, A-3 Bandas and Ties. All these have toured in diverse international Flamenco Festivals : Milan, Norway, Jerez de la Frontera, in Mexico, and in Holland, amongst others… Tablao, another of my pieces, was commissioned by the Association of Tablaos in Madrid. 

7. Successful artists are often those who have the support of a large community, team, or family - do you have a group of people who support you ? For this show, is there someone in particular who you can point out to?

If I have to emphasize on something, it is definitely in the great team that accompanies me in this new production. Both the musicians and technicians are incredible. Without their work, Càdiz wouldn’t be the same. I wish to thank all the people who follow me and trust in my art and my talent.

 

About Jesús Fernandez

Jesús Fernandez began dancing at the age of 6 in different schools in Cadiz,gradually obtaining distinction in different disciplines in classical Spanish and flamenco. After several years dancing, he moved to Madrid at the age of 18 and he trained with renowned teachers Mario Maya, Antonio Canales and Alejandro Granados – the Amor de Dios school in Madrid. He dances in tablaos : Casa Patas, Corral de la Moreria, Los Gallos,Cordobes, El Flamenco (Tokyo) and presented his first show Ataduras at the Festival de Jerez (2011). He participated in the Flamenco Heritage celebration at the Reina Sofía museum, in Madrid alongside artists such as Esperanza Fernández. Jesús collaborates in various productions with artists Olga Pericet, Manuel Morao and Rafaela Carrasco...to name a few. His most outstanding awards winnings include the Desplante Award (International Festival of singing of the mines 50th anniversary 2010) and Best mejor bailelibre (Best Dancer) at the National Flamenco Competition organized by Cádiz’s Town Hall and the Peña flamenca La Perla. It has been said that Jesús is a ‘prodigy of resources’ and an excellent performer of a dance form sadly not featured enough in the global dance scene. He currently lives in Madrid.