José Luis Balao headlined the Con Nombre Propio: Vivencias cycle on the eighth of the Jerez Festival. At 71 years old, he is one of the great maestros of the guitar. He has taught for over 30 years in Jerez, his hometown, and his students include such exceptional guitarists as Javier Patino, Alfredo Lagos, Santiago Lara, Juan Diego, Pascual de Lorca and Bolita.

The eighth day also marked the end of the choreography workshop taught by Javier Latorre. Latorre has taught countless dance classes in other editions of the festival, and it was his idea to recover in some way the choreography competition aspect that existed during the Jerez Festival’s origins.

Tengo un querer y una pena.

La pena quiere que viva;

el querer quiere que muera.

-Manuel Machado

The Soleá is in and of itself poetry. Poetry in three octosyllabic verses typical of the popular Andalusian lyricism that reached the pens of the most famous poets. Poetry in the majestic dance of a woman. Poetry in its melodic richness, profoundness and solemnity that make this style a basic pillar of flamenco. Its twelve beat timing has transitioned to other styles, in fact, Alegrías are also twelve beats, however, each style transmits a completely different emotion...