Manuel Liñán brings contemporary flamenco to international festivals

Flamenco dancer and choreographer Manuel Liñán is gaining international recognition for his work challenging traditional gender norms within the genre. His short film, ‘El vuelo del mantón’, produced by Catorce and directed by Jaime Dezcallar, has begun a tour of more than twelve film festivals across Europe, America, and Asia, including selections in Spain, the United States, Poland, Portugal, and India.

The five-minute videodance piece was filmed at Madrid’s El Corral de la Morería. It features Liñán performing a soleá using a mantón (shawl) and skirt, a choice he describes as a symbol of total freedom and an appropriation of accessories traditionally associated with women.

Liñán, a National Dance Award winner, continues to push the boundaries of flamenco by blending tradition with avant-garde experimentation. His performances often break the distinction between male and female dance through the use of makeup, skirts, and traditionally feminine movements, a practice that has sparked debate within the flamenco community.