Domingo Ortega

Born in Jerez de la Frontera, one of the cradles of flamenco in southern Spain, Domingo Ortega is known for his riveting performances as a soloist and innovative choreography. One of the top flamenco performers of his generation Ortega presents a dialogue and purity of work whose emotions are shared across time and physical boundaries. He demonstrates the percussive techniques that honor tradition while seeking innovation, resulting in a unique approach to the genre. Domingo is one of the most influential artists of contemporary flamenco dance, and a technically astonishing dancer and choreographer.

Choreographer, dancer and artistic director Domingo Ortega began studying dance at 8 years of age in Jerez de la Frontera. Continuing at age 18 to win first prize at the dance of the Province of Cadiz. He studied with Cristobal Fernandez, Juanerre, Paco del Rio and Fernando Belmonte. In Seville, he studied with Manolo Marín. At the age of 18, he won first prize in a flamenco contest organized by the Province of Cádiz. One year later, Domingo was a soloist in Albarizuela, which was managed by Fernando Belmonte and presided over by the Prince and Princess of Spain. In 1989 and 1990, he received the prize for the best Flamenco dancer in the national competition of Ubrique and in the Cadiz province competition.

At 21 years old, he moved to Madrid to work with the Company of Carmen Cortes, Café de Chinitas and Zambra in “The 5 dancers.” He then made guest appearances in tablaos such as Corral de la Moreria, Casa Patas, El Cordobes and Las Carboneras.

In 1992, he began to collaborate with artists like Güito, Antonio Vargas, Luis Davila, where he developed the role of “Luisillo-Spanish Dance Theatre”. He also collaborated with Antonio Canales and Gerardo Núñez, later working as a soloist in the company of Manuel Soler. Cristina Hoyos invited him to bring his company to Japan to work in the Tablao “El Flamenco” in Tokyo, and then presented him in the Central Theatre of Seville as one of the leading dancers of his generation. Also during 2004, and Cristina Hoyos asked Domingo to teach at her prestigious Andalusian Flamenco Academy and in 2005 participated in the program “Flamenco comes from the South” held in the Teatro Central in Seville and showcased in “The Feast of the Buleria” of Jerez de la Frontera in that same year.

After this experience, he created Compañía Domingo Ortega touring Spain, Italy, Venezuela, Israel and the United States. As company lead, he has choreographed and danced in celebrated works such as ‘Medea’ (Tokyo) and ‘Carmen’ (Canada). Produced by Rodri Entertainment and Vida Flamenca, Domingo premiered this original production of ‘ORFEO’ at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles in Hollywood, receiving accolades for its ‘exceptional quality of dance’ along with a certificate of appreciation from the City of Los Angeles’ and presented by Councilperson Gloria Molina as ‘Honorary Citizen’ for this spectacular performance and contribution to the world of dance.

During 2006 and 2007, he debuted a new show at the X Festival of Jerez. In 2008, in Tokyo’s tablao ‘Flamenco,’ Domingo celebrated the 40th anniversary with the show ‘ORFEO’ there, and in various cities throughout Spain. While in Tokyo, he also collaborated with Japanese dancer Kojima in the LXX anniversary tribute to Garcia Lorca.

When Domingo is not touring with his company, he is one of the most sought after flamenco teachers in Jerez de la Frontera, as well as Canada, Brazil, Japan, the United States, and Tel Aviv.

Recently, in 2015, Mr. Ortego presented ‘Cumbre Flamenca’ in Santa Barbara, California. His mission was to mentor promising dancers in the region through a 2-week intensive, and offer opportunities to perform with his company from Spain.

This performance was presented by Vida Flamenca Productions whose goal, 15 years ago, began with a small group of international artists with a focus of cultural exchange, fostering the next generation of Spanish dance artists. Now as a California-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit, we are dedicated to advancing and preserving Spanish dance and music traditions with ongoing programs which increase awareness of Spanish culture through educational workshops, and performances.

Vida Flamenca is honored to present Compañía Domingo Ortega direct from Jerez de la Frontera featuring dancer Inmaculada Ortega along with musicians from Spain for our 2016 season.