Flamenco Family Son Of Famed Jose Greco Carries On Dancing Tradition

The dancing of the Jose Greco Flamenco Dance Company has spanned two generations, and the son of the famed Jose Greco returns to Spokane Friday for a performance at The Met.

Greco formed his dance company, which focused on flamenco and Latin-inspired repertoire, almost five decades ago. The company toured extensively in the United States and earned a reputation as one of the top Hispanic dance ensembles performing in this country. Greco’s son took the reins two years ago, and Spokane was one of the early stops on his first tour as company director.

The Jose Greco II Dance Company performed at The Met in May 1996 and the audience responded enthusiastically. Reviewer Courtney Page said of the show: “Overwhelming amounts of energy and passion flowed throughout the entire performance - and the audience caught the fever. The nearly full house proved it by a stomping, shouting and clapping ovation.”

The company, based in Madrid, Spain, is on an 11-week, 25-city tour of the United States and Canada.

The program features the dancing of Greco II and his sister Carmela Greco, as well as the music of flamenco guitarist Antonio Gabarri and flamenco singer Alfonso Gabarri.

Audiences across the country seem to embrace the sizzling dancing of this troupe. Here’s what other critics have said:

“Greco exuded a smoldering stage presence with his boyish, Latin-lover good looks. His intensity onstage is to be marveled, an actor’s mask. Never once breaking character, he is the embodiment of machismo and high art,” wrote Hector Saldana of the San Antonio Express-News.

“For many Americans, Jose Greco is Spanish Dancing personified… . And while purists may have their reservations about Mr. Greco’s popularization of Spanish dance and music, he certainly does know how to put on a good show,” wrote Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times.

The dance is part of the Debut Performing Arts Series at The Met.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON STAGE The Jose Greco II Flamenco Dance Company will perform Friday at 7:30 p.m. at The Met. Tickets are $20 and $17.50, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.