Public Moves: Flamenco Roots
with José Agudo

Sat 02.08., 18.45h l MQ Forecourt l Free entry

Flamenco originated in the streets of Andalusia and is an expression of freedom specially when performed outdoors. For this occasion we will learn a few simple flamenco steps with lovely new Flamenco R’n’B music and improvise within the rhythms: clapping and stomping and celebrating.

Public Moves dance classes take place outdoors every day – international and local instructors share their knowledge of everything from jazz and Bollywood dance to waacking in free outdoor classes. No previous experience is necessary, and all ages and levels are welcome!

Registration begins one day before the course starts at 11:00 a.m. via the calendar or by telephone on +43.1.523 55 58-19. If a class is ‘fully booked’, there is still the possibility of securing a remaining place on site. It's worth dropping by!

Biography 

José Agudo started his career in Andalusia where he began performing as a Flamenco dancer. Slowly the world of contemporary dance became more visible as he worked throughout Europe performing with Metros, Charleroi/Danses, Ballet de Marseille, T.R.A.S.H, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance and Akram Khan Company. As a rehearsal director and assistant choreographer José has worked on several creations for Akram Khan Company from 2010 to 2017. Including DESH, iTMOi, TOROBAKA, Until the Lions, Chotto Desh, London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, and Sylvie Guillem’s farewell tour Life in Progress.

In 2010, José started to study Kathak under Akram’s guidance. Finding many parallels between this training and his early studies of Flamenco, José reconnected with his roots and began to explore traditional forms in a contemporary context. As a result, he created Agudo Dance Company in 2017. Creating Silk Road (2017), which has toured in six countries to date, and Carmen (2020) that toured in UK and France.

José’s independent choreographic commissions include Phoenix Dance Theatre, Norrdans, ZfinMalta National Dance Company, Cape Dance Company, ACE Dance and Music, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, English National Ballet School, Bodhi Project SEAD, The Place, London Studio Centre, Area Jeune Ballet, Festival International de Musica y Danza de Granada, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, MAP University of Chichester and collaborations with London Mozart Players and Subrang Arts.

In 2019, José choreographed and performed the Opening Ceremony of the Davis Cup 2019 by Rakuten in Madrid and he was part of the Madrid Tourism Publicity Campaign during 2024. Furthermore, he is listed in the 2021 published edition of Fifty Contemporary Choreographers, an international publication by Routledge.

José has embarked in a new adventure diving into the world of the musical theatre, publicity and commercial. First as an Associate Choreographer for Cabaret at the Kit Kat club in Berlin, then choreographing the Flamenco scene and performing for Strictly Ballroom, a musical by Baz Luhrmann in the UK and in Denmark.

José is collaborating internationally with many different institutions. Specifically, in the area of Indian and Flamenco art in a contemporary context. He is a guest choreographer, teacher and lecturer in many leading dance institutions, as well as a Yoga teacher by Yoga Alliances and he holds a distinction postgraduate diploma in Contemporary Dance by Kent University.

His last collaboration during 2024 was as Assistance Director and Movement Director in the immersive physical theatre experience Journey of a Refugee, directed by Sue Buckmaster and produced by Theatre Rites and Agudo Dance Company.

Photo: © Koonepics