Born: 1970 (Frankfurt, Germany)
Biography:
Eva María Garrido García, known professionally as Eva Yerbabuena, is a Spanish flamenco dancer. She formed her own dance company in 1998 and won Spain’s National Dance Award (Premio Nacional de Danza) in 2001. She is considered one of flamenco’s leading performers.
Yerbabuena was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1970, but fifteen days after her birth, she was taken by her parents to their hometown of Ogíjares in Granada, Spain, where she grew up with her grandparents until she was ten years old. At the age of 11, she began her dance career by taking flamenco classes. By the age of 12, she was already dancing with renowned flamenco artists such as Enrique El Canastero, Angustillas La Mona, and Mario Maya. Her professional career officially started at the age of 15.
To further enhance her skills, Yerbabuena studied dramatic arts with Juan Furest and Jesús Domínguez. Later on, she even traveled to Cuba to learn choreography from Johannes García. It was during this time that a friend, Francisco Manuel Díaz, gave her the name Yerbabuena after a flamenco singer named Fransquito Yerbabuena. This name would go on to become her stage name and symbolize the start of her successful career.
Throughout her career, Yerbabuena has collaborated with some of the greatest names in the industry, including Manolete, Merche Esmeralda, Javier Latorre, Joaquín Cortés, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Pina Bausch. In 1998, she established her own dance company, Eva Yerbabuena Ballet Flamenco, with her guitarist and husband, Paco Jarana, serving as the musical director. This marked a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to create and showcase her own unique artistic vision.
Yerbabuena’s dedication and talent have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. In 2001, she was honored with Spain’s National Dance Award, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the flamenco world. Her performances have captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and powerful emotions that flamenco embodies. Eva Yerbabuena’s contributions to the world of dance have made her an influential presence and an inspiration to aspiring artists.
Awards:
– Spain’s National Dance Award (Premio Nacional de Danza) in 2001