Javier Barón, National award for dance, 2008

Estela Zatania

Once again the flamenco world has cause to celebrate.  Dancer Javier Barón has been awarded the Premio Nacional de Danza in the category of interpretation “in recognition of his contribution to flamenco from the perspective of Spanish dance, and his dedicated ongoing investigation of the flamenco aesthetic, based on tradition and his knowledge of the art-form”.

This award, which comes along with 30,000 euros (about $40,000 U.S.), is accorded by the Culture Ministry.  The jury, presided by the director of the Instituto Nacional de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música (INAEM), Juan Carlos Marset, with vice-president from the same institution, Marta Cureses, was made up of José Manuel Garrido, José Luis Rivero, Juan Torres, Marta Carrasco Benítez, Montserrat Colomé, Carmen Werner (winner of the Premio Nacional de Danza 2007 in the category of creation) and dancer Manuela Carrasco (winner of the Premio Nacional de Danza 2007 in the category of interpretation).

Javier Barón, photo: Rafael Manjavacas

Francisco Javier Álvarez Rico was born in Alcalá de Guadaíra, province of Seville, in 1963. As a child, he was already a noteworthy talent at the Seville dance school of Morón’s Pepe Ríos.  He continued his excellent preparation in Madrid with the best maestros of the era: José Granero, Rafael de Córdova, Faíco, Manolete, Toni el Pelao, El Güito and Farruco senior, among others.  He joined Luisillo’s company at the age of twelve, and, like Sara Baras whom he would go on to partner, and Joaquín Grilo, his career took a quantum leap forward when he won the television contest “Gente Joven”.  Soon afterwards he was signed up by the Ballet Nacional de España where he received the influence of legendary dancer, Antonio Ruiz Soler.  In 1988 he won the coveted Giraldillo for dance at Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco, he participated in record productions and was part of Enrique Morente’s show “Omega”.

Javier Barón’s dancing is characterized by sincerity, and a concept of flamenco that is so consistently free of commercial effects, that it approaches the surreal.  His is a discreet, measured dance, with dynamic moments of great beauty.  Since 1997, Barón has had his own company, and has presented high-quality work, well-received by audiences, such as “Sólo por el arte”, “Dos voces para un baile”, “Notas al pie” and “Meridiana”, but perhaps the most memorable show was the exquisitely minimalist “Dime” which dealt with Lorca.