Joaquín Cortés, the renowned Spanish bailaor, is set to return to the international stage with his much-anticipated 'Esencia Tour,' which kicks off on March 21, 2024, with a distinctive performance in Fuenlabrada, Madrid. This tour will traverse five continents over the next three years, promising audiences around the globe the chance to experience something truly unique.
At his recent press conference, Cortés expressed his exhilaration, stating, "People will enjoy something unique." After taking a break due to the pandemic and the demands of raising his two young children, aged four and six, the artist is eager to reconnect with his audience and showcase his passion for flamenco once more.
"The tour aims to take the essence of flamenco worldwide, including countries across South America, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Australia, and even Africa," he noted. According to Cortés, this performance is more than just entertainment; it's also about sharing the deep emotional connection people have with flamenco. He remarked, "People go crazy for flamenco; they get incredibly excited, even more so than here. They applaud more than they do in Spain."
The new show is described by Cortés as "a walk through time," aiming to celebrate not just the artistry of flamenco but also its roots. This performance is intended as "a flamenco musical, the style I created over 30 years ago." Buyers of the tickets can expect to be treated to the purest forms of music and dance, with the show featuring 17 live musicians and around ten dancers, showcasing a fusion of various dance styles influenced by flamenco, Arabic, classical, and Latin music.
At 55 years old, Cortés feels both “fortunate and vibrant” as he prepares to launch this large-scale production, reflecting on the lessons he has learned through fatherhood. He remarked, "Now I am a dad. I may not be the best father, but changing diapers and being with my kids has changed me for the good."
The plans for his tour extend far beyond just Spain; after almost three years of dormancy, he is determined to prove those who doubted his ambition wrong. Cortés aims to take his show around the globe, and his statement, "If I say we are going to the whole world, we are going to the whole world, including Africa," resonates as he outlines his exciting itinerary.
Addressing previous criticisms of his style and artistic choices, Cortés fondly recalls how his innovative approach and fashion sense sparked debate three decades ago. "Thirty years ago, they criticized me for dressing in Armani, and now everyone is crazy over haute couture," he quipped, emphasizing his resilience and adaptability as both a performer and as part of the broader cultural conversation.
Despite his achievements, Cortés articulates some frustration with the recognition he receives at home versus abroad. He candidly discussed attending press events and recognized the stark difference between the level of media presence when performing internationally compared to his experiences back home. “The madness upon landing at international events can be overwhelming; it’s not the same here,” he shared, reflecting on why Spanish media seems to undervalue one of its most successful cultural ambassadors.
Through it all, he retains an optimistic outlook. He acknowledges the ebbs and flows of fame, recalling moments of grandeur performing for millions and more humble times trying to fill theater seats. "The greatness of being human isn’t about success, it’s about living and being here and now. When you’re the Joaquín seen on CNN, everyone flocks to you. But when you’re alone, hooked up to wires in hospital, you see just five faces. Ah, friend," he mused.
Continuing his reflection on the challenges of producing stage performances, Cortés pointed out the difficulties faced within the cultural industry, particularly in Spain. He expressed concern about competing with large international productions such as Disney's 'The Lion King', which boasts lavish investments. "Culturally, we are far behind other countries, and the government says and says but does nothing. I cannot compete against the likes of these big productions whether I want to or not; I offer my passion instead of money," he expressed.
Cortés also addressed the persona he has built over the years. He acknowledged the challenges and rumors around being part of the flamenco party scene. “Yes, I enjoyed the festivities, but I’ve never taken drugs. I always wondered, 'What if I try them and like them?'" he stated, firm about his choices, rising above typical stereotypes associated with celebrity lifestyles.
His illustrious career has not been without its share of extraordinary experiences. Cortés fondly recalled moments from his younger days when he was known by other names for privacy, emphasizing his dedication to his craft over the chaos of fame. "The only Spanish face they recognized was Julio Iglesias; I registered under the name Peter Pan because it was quite the frenzy," he chuckled.
Nevertheless, as he prepares for the 'Esencia Tour,' Joaquín Cortés remains committed to creating moments of connection and awe through flamenco. This show echoes the essence of all his performances, embodying his artistic spirit and commitment to breathe life and culture onto the stage.
With this new initiative, audiences can look forward to celebrating the rich tradition of flamenco, embodied by one of its most passionate exponents as he steps back onto the global stage.