Francisco Hidalgo

Artistic Vision

"Freedom of movement as a guiding principle, flamenco as a tool”

Francisco Hidalgo is a flamenco dancer and choreographer from Algodonales (Cádiz). His approach to flamenco embraces complete creative freedom. He moves away from traditional conventions to bring avant-garde artistic concepts to life. His solid artistic career is matched by outstanding academic credentials. He holds a degree in Flamenco Dance Pedagogy from the Conservatorio Superior de Danza María de Ávila (CSDMA) in Madrid and a Master's in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC).

Throughout his career, his talent and commitment to the performing arts have been recognised with major awards. These include a nomination for Best Male Dance Performer at the 2024 Max Awards, the Anilla la Gitana National Prize in Ronda (2008), and the Young Talent Award at the L'Hospitalet National Flamenco Dance Competition (2002). In 2022 he was named Favourite Son of Algodonales, an honour recognising his tireless cultural work and his commitment to developing dance in his home region.

Creator and Choreographer

"Choreographer for productions at London's Sadler's Wells"

As a creator and choreographer, Hidalgo has shown remarkable versatility. He choreographed The House of Flamenka for London's prestigious Sadler's Wells, and he has collaborated on productions at the Teatro de la Zarzuela alongside figures such as Cristina Hoyos and José Carlos Plaza. His technical and interpretive rigour also led him to work as répétiteur for the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, under the direction of Manuel Betanzos.

With his own company, he has created conceptually mature works such as Los Silencios del Baile (2016), Binomio (2017), Ver, Oír y Bailar (2018) and Moscas y Diamantes (2022). He is currently immersed in creating his new piece, Sobre RIMBAUD. This work explores new flamenco bodies through the life and work of the French poet.

Recognition

"Favourite Son of Algodonales for his tireless work developing dance in his home region"

His productions have been staged at some of the most demanding venues and festivals in Spain and abroad. These include the Festival d'Avignon, Les Nuits Flamencas at Châteauvallon, Suma Flamenca in Madrid, the Festival de Jerez, Madrid en Danza and the Mérida Dance Festival. His projects have been supported by institutions such as the Centro Coreográfico Canal in Madrid, the Centro Coreográfico La Normal in Córdoba, Fundación Mapfre and Fundación Unicaja.

Alongside his work on stage, Hidalgo plays a key role as a driver of culture in rural areas. He is the founder and director of Tagarnina Fest (Algodonales) and Danza Canalla (Zahara de la Sierra). These pioneering projects bring the arts beyond the big cities to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages of Andalusia), with support from the Cádiz Provincial Council and the Junta de Andalucía.