Antonio Cansino (April 21, 1865 – July 20, 1954) was a flamenco dancer and guitarist credited with creating modern-day Spanish dance by combining classical Spanish dance and Romani flamenco. He was popularly known for dancing the bolero.[1] He was the father of Eduardo Cansino and the grandfather of Rita Hayworth, who were both famous dancers and actors. He is the patriarch of The Dancing Cansinos.[2] He performed for the King of Spain and instructed Rita Hayworth's first dance lesson.[2]

Antonio Cansino
Born(1865-04-21)April 21, 1865
Unknown
DiedJuly 20, 1954(1954-07-20) (aged 89)
Resting placeHoly Cross Cemetery
SpouseCarmen Reina
Children7, including Elisa and Eduardo

Early life edit

Antonio Cansino was born on April 21, 1865, in Seville, Spain. He operated dance academies in Seville and Madrid.[3]

He married dancer Carmen Reina. The couple had seven children who were all dancers: Eduardo, Jose, Angel, Paco, Antonio Jr., Rafael and Elisa Cansino.[4][5] Since all his children were dancers, the family was known as The Dancing Cansinos.[2]

He immigrated to the United States around 1936.[2]

Death edit

Antonio died at General Hospital due to reoccurring heart failure (aged 88–89). A private Catholic ceremony was held. He was survived by 6 children and 7 grandchildren. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Hancock, Ian F. (2002). We are the Romani People. Univ of Hertfordshire Press. ISBN 978-1-902806-19-8.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Antonio Cansino RIP (Rita Hayworth's grandfather)". The Los Angeles Times. June 22, 1954. p. 37. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  3. ^ "Xavier Cugat i Mingall – Rita Hayworth". www.xaviercugat.com. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  4. ^ "Cansino, Elisa (b. 1895) | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  5. ^ Dictionary of Women Worldwide: 25,000 Women Through the Ages. Thomson Gale. 2007. ISBN 978-0-7876-7585-1.

External links edit