About
Antonio Esteve Ródenas, better known as Antonio Gades (Spanish: Antonio Esteve Ródenas, Antonio Gades, 1936-2004) - Spanish actor and choreographer, master of flamenco dance.
Antonio Gades was born on November 14, 1936 in the city of Elda in the Spanish province of Alicante. His father, Esteve Rodenas, fought in the ranks of the Republicans against Franco.
He began in a troupe of flamenco dancers Pilar Lopez. At the age of 15 he already became a soloist; took the name Hades as a pseudonym. In 1961 he created his own troupe, in which he made stage productions based on works by Spanish authors, in particular, Garcia Lorca.
In 1978 he was appointed director of the National Ballet of Spain, in which he attracted new artists and choreographers. Not working with the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, three years later, resigned.
He was married four times. He had three daughters from a marriage with singer and actress Pepa Flores (Marisolla) and two children from a dancer Pilar San Segundo.
He supported the self-determination of Catalonia, was a member of the Central Committee of the Orthodox Communist Party of Spain.
Died of cancer on July 20, 2004 in Madrid.