José Maya

Place of birth: Madrid

José Rafael Maya Serrano, known artistically as José Maya, was born into a gypsy family with a deep artistic tradition. From an early age, José was surrounded by a cultural and creative environment that marked his path. His lineage is made up of painters, actors, writers and dancers, which allowed him to grow up in an environment full of art. Among his illustrious ancestors are outstanding figures such as the dancer Fernanda Romero, the painter Antonio Maya and the singer Gabriel Moreno, who left an important mark on the artistic and cultural world.

José Maya is one of the most impressive flamenco dancers and artists of his generation. With an overwhelming expressiveness and strength, he has conquered international stages and has shared the stage with some of the most influential figures in the history of flamenco and music in general. His art, rooted in the gypsy tradition, is fused with an impeccable technique and an overflowing passion that have made him an indisputable reference.

Education: A life marked by art

Since childhood, José Maya grew up surrounded by art thanks to his family, made up of painters, writers, actors and dancers. His first contact with flamenco was in this environment, but his professional training began at the prestigious Amor de Dios Academy in Madrid, where he perfected his skills under the guidance of great flamenco masters.

Thanks to this solid training and his innate talent, he developed an exquisite technique and interpretative capacity that allowed him to stand out from an early age.

A successful professional career

José Maya’s beginnings (1990s – 2000s)

He made his debut at the age of 9 at the Albéniz Theater in Madrid, in the Flamenco por un Corazón Charity Festival.

At the age of 13, he was already part of the companies of “El Güito” and Manolete, touring Spain and Portugal.

In 1998, he received the Pavón Cup Award at the Salzburg Festival, consolidating his international prestige.

In 2000, he won the Best Dancer Award at the Albéniz Theatre Choreography Contest and a scholarship at the Alicia Alonso Chair of Classical Ballet.

International expansion (2004 – 2018)

In 2004, Tony Gatlif chose him as first dancer for “Vértiges”, touring France and Italy.

Since 2007, he has been part of Tomatito’s sextet, with whom he has toured Europe, America, Asia and Japan.

He has shared the stage with artists such as Marc Anthony, Beyoncé, Björk and Juan Luis Guerra, performing in venues such as the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid and the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona.

Outstanding shows and projects

José Maya has created and starred in his own flamenco shows that have been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike:

“Al Natural” (2007): Presented with Farruquito and Barullo at the Teatro Alcalá in Madrid and the Festival de Jerez.

“El Velero de las Rosas” (2008): Along with Lola Greco, premiered at the Corral de Comedias de Alcalá de Henares and the Veranos de la Villa in Madrid.

“Grito” (2010): premiered at the Bienal de Sevilla with Alfonso Losa.

“Maya” (2011): Jerez Flamenco Festival and La Villette Flamenco Festival in Paris.

“Latente” (2014): Presented at the Le Palace Theater in Paris and the Suma Flamenca Festival in Madrid.

“Rizoma” (2021): premiered at the reopening of the Pavón Theater in Madrid with Pastora Galván.

 “Liturgia” (2022): Presented at the Saint Jean de Montmartre Church in Paris.

In 2025 he is  working on “Color Sin Nombre”, inspired by the art of Mark Rothko.

José Maya has performed in some of the most important flamenco events in the world

Festival de Jerez.

Seville Flamenco Biennial.

La Villette Flamenco Festival (Paris).

Suma Flamenca (Madrid).

Tours in Europe, America, Asia and Middle East.

Awards and recognitions

Throughout his career, José Maya has received several awards that endorse his talent:

Pavón Cup Award at the Salzburg Festival (1998). 

Best Dancer Award at the Choreography Contest of the Albéniz Theater (2000). 

Recognition at the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla (2010). 

Hailed at the Flamenco Festival of La Villette (2011). 

Award for best flamenco performance at Suma Flamenca (2014).

José Maya at the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona

One of the stages where José Maya has left his mark is in our Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona, an emblematic space where the greats of flamenco have shown their art. His performances in this tablao have been acclaimed for his passion, technique and scenic strength, consolidating him as one of the most important dancers of today.

José Maya continues to evolve and explore new horizons in flamenco. His talent, charisma and dedication have made him an essential reference in contemporary flamenco dance. With each show, he continues to thrill and take flamenco to the highest level.