Carmen Amaya

Carmen Amaya (2 November 1913 - 19 November 1963) was a Spanish Romani flamenco dancer and singer, born in the Somorrostro slum of Barcelona, Spain. She has variously been called "the greatest Spanish gypsy dancer of her generation" and "the most extraordinary personality of all time in flamenco dance." Amaya was the first female flamenco dancer to master footwork previously reserved for the best male dancers, due to its speed and intensity. She sometimes danced in high-waisted trousers as a symbol of her strong character.