Calzados Artefyl offers the following self-portrait of:

“We respect the dance more than our own being: we are Farrucos”

Rosario Montoya Manzano belongs to a unique dynasty in which life and art conform a perfect unit. She dances what she lives, and now, once again, she is dancing to live. Destiny has made it come out this way. The daughter of Farruco and mother of Farruquito, her life is a combination of heart, struggle, truths and dreams. The soul of her entire family is in her dancing. Rosario Montoya is La Farruca.

by Manuel Moraga

Heart
Dance has always been, and continues to be, ever since I was small, a part of my life. Dance occupies and important place in my heart.

Life
My father was my maestro. My husband was my maestro. My sons are my maestros. You are always learning, constantly. Dance is something you never stop exploring. From the good, the bad...you learn from everyone. For example, I danced with Güito, and although it’s not my style, I learned from him. And from my own family, the only ones who danced were my father and my brother.

The first time I went on stage I was 13. That was a little old to begin, because we were in mourning for my brother so I didn’t start until I was 12. In just one year my father turned me and my sister Pilar into flamenco dancers. The first time on stage Camarón de la Isla sang for me. That was in Camas and I danced alegrías. María Vargas also sang for me at the Potaje de Utrera I believe. Cepero played for me, and Sabicas, por bulerías, in Los Angeles...and the Habichuelas Lots of people.

Flamenco is something that is very much ours, of all Spaniards. It’s really sad to have to go to another country where they understand my art and flamenco. I don’t get that, when this is a part of our own culture. I ask people to understand the art and to make an effort to see it, that it holds great truths and comes from the heart.

You have to have certain qualities to be a dancer. Everything in life can be learned. We aren’t born with knowledge, but the desire has to be there. If not, you can’t do anything. You have to have that yearning, and if you do, you learn. For sure. If it’s in your heart and soul, you learn.

There are many singers who make me want to dance. Above all else in this world (it goes without saying), the person who most made me feel like dancing was my husband, but I still hear him when I dance: Juan Fernández “El Moreno”. Another voice that inspires me is that of Juan Villar. And last but not least, Chocolate.

Soul
In the school of Farruco we place the greatest importance on soul. The importance of the Farruco family is in the soul. Everything else is superficial: footwork, arms, torso, everything. If you have no soul, there’s nothing to draw from. If all you’ve got is arms and no feet, might as well remain seated. And if you have feet without arms, well, go to bed...[she laughs]. The only thing it comes down to is, our dance is our soul.

Truth
We dance the way we are, the way we talk. It’s not something we put on. It’s our heart and soul up there on stage. Each one has his or her own style, and I respect everyone, but we respect dance more than out own being. We are Farrucos.

Struggle
Now, for better or for worse, it’s me who must stand up and represent the family, struggling as best I can for my children. I’m giving classes, dancing, now I have lots of work thank God, and thanks to my manager Eva Rico.

A dream
To close my eyes and see my children safe and sure. That would by my dream.

Bodas de Gloria Los Farrucos

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