Antonio Ruiz Soler (Antonio El Bailarín) (1921-1996)
Spain | Flamenco dancer, choreographer, and artistic director
Photo: Antonio Ruiz Soler, 1954
BIOGRAPHY
Antonio Ruiz Soler, more commonly known as simply Antonio or Antonio, el Bailarín, was an acclaimed flamenco dancer, choreographer, actor, and artistic director. Considered a prodigy due to his natural ability, he gave his first professional performance at the Teatro Duque de Sevilla when he was just seven years old. Between 1941 and 1974, he performed as a dancer in 24 films, including Ziegfeld Girl (1941), Duende y misterio del flamenco (1952) and La luna de miel (1959). His most frequent partner was his cousin and fellow Spanish dancer Rosario (Florence Pérez Padilla). The pair separated in 1952, at which point he chose to form his own dance company, Antonio Ballet Español. From 1980 to 1983, he served as director of the Ballet Nacional de España. In addition, he created choreography for Falla's "Three-Cornered Hat," Rodrigo's "Concierto Andaluz" and Albeniz's "Suite Iberica." In addition to his contributions to flamenco, Antonio’s choreography has been praised for modernizing Spanish ballet and has influenced several prominent ballet directors and choreographers, including George Balanchine. Soler’s legacy is actively promoted through the Conservatorio Danza de Sevilla and the Ballet Nacional de España.
OBITUARIES
The Independent
Nash, Elizabeth. “Obituary : Antonio.” The Independent, February 13, 1996.
The New York Times
Photo: Antonio El Bailarín with dance partner Rosario, 1943
FOUNDATION AND INSTITUTIONAL WEBSITES
Centro de Documentación de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música
Some items pertaining to Antonio's legacy are currently held at the Centro de Documentación de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música, located in Madrid.
Conservatorio Danza de Sevilla, or El Conservatorio de Danza Antonio Ruiz Soler
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHIES
VIDEO RECORDINGS
Performances in Film
Memoranda, “Antonio El Bailarín, Su Vida En Su Propia Voz.” (published March 30, 2019) (in Spanish)
"Martinete" from Edgar Neville's Duende y misterio del flamenco (1952) (published August 23, 2017)
Ziegfeld Girl (1941) with Rosario (published February 2, 2020)
Ballet Nacional de España
Soler had an immense influence on the Ballet Nacional de España as artistic director. To celebrate his centennial, the Ballet Nacional de España staged a digital performance honoring his legacy, and previously staged an homage to Soler in 2016.
Ballet Nacional de España, "Centenario Antonio Ruiz Soler. PRESENTACIÓN." (published April 9, 2021)
Ballet Nacional de España, "Homenaje a Antonio Ruiz Soler." (published December 21st, 2016)
Interviews
Soler was interviewed on the Spanish television program La Gente Quiere Saber in 1973.
TVE, "La gente quiere saber"... Antonio 'El bailarín' 1973" (published February 4th, 2020) (in Spanish)
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
Periodicals
Journal Articles
Resources are only available to authorized users.