Conchi Maya

Conchi Maya (Motril, Granada, 1975) grew up in a humble Gitano family where flamenco was an integral part of everyday life. She is the daughter of Conchi Maya, from whom she takes her stage name, and Antonio Gómez, better known as “Antonio el de la Juana”, a renowned guitarist in the region who never pursued a professional career, but made sure to pass on to her the mysteries and traditions of flamenco singing, dancing and guitar playing.

From a very young age, her mother noticed that she would shyly dance in her room whenever her father played the guitar. Her parents therefore decided to begin her formal training at Pepito Vargas’ school in Málaga and at Eva La Yerbabuena’s academy in Granada, where she studied throughout the early years of her childhood and adolescence.

At just 17 years old, an encounter took place that would mark the beginning of her professional career. One night, while performing at the Peña Flamenca de Molvízar, her emerging talent captivated Lola Flores, who was in the audience. She immediately sent for Conchi’s father and told him: “Pack the girl’s suitcase — I’m taking her to Madrid.”

Thanks to the singer’s support, just a few weeks later she joined Joaquín Cortés’ company, touring the world with him for four years in the show Pasión Gitana. Since then, she has danced in numerous countries, companies, venues and tablaos.

Among the highlights of her career is her role as principal dancer in Diálogo del Amargo with the Mario Maya Company, as well as several prominent roles in Bodas de Sangre, Rango and Fuenteovejuna with the Antonio Gades Company.