Flamenco artist uses music and dance as healing amid pandemic

Music has been the source of inspiration and hope to help those affected by the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

Music and dance as a healing balm for pandemic-weary souls is what Spain's Joaquin Cortes had in mind for his new show that opens this Christmas ahead of a global tour.

After a year away from the stage, the legendary Flamenco artist who has been dancing for nearly four decades, returns to the spotlight on December 23 when his new show debuts at Madrid's WiZink auditorium.

 Acutely aware of the damage caused to the arts by the pandemic which has cancelled countless shows.

"Culture is both necessary and vital for everyone, and dance and music are medicine for the soul," he told between rehearsals in the Spanish capital.

Acutely aware of the damage caused to the arts by the pandemic which has cancelled countless shows, tours and concerts, Cortes wants his new act to encourage people back into theatres.

The idea is to show that "it's safe, that people have to get out and watch shows," said the 51-year-old who was born into a gypsy family in the southern city of Cordoba.

 'My fantasy world'

The idea was to fuse "everything I've learned and experienced through my global travels" over a decades-long career that began when he was admitted to Spain's National Ballet at the age of 14.

 The dance as a remedy for the soul in these times of pandemic.

Cortes, known for fusing Flamenco with classical and contemporary dance.

The plan is to take the show around the world starting in March or April, although he admits much will depend on the rollout of anti-Covid vaccines.

Produced entirely on his own without any third-party backing, "Esencia" will see him performing alongside artists like Flamenco singer Estrella Morente.