The Japanese flamenco dancer Kotoha Setoguchi (Yokohama, 1995) joins the team from his residence in Seville ExpoFlamenco As a collaborator and cultural ambassador in charge of public relations with Japan, her mission will be to give a voice to Japan in the world of [unclear - possibly "intellectual property" or "cultural relations"]. flamenco, translating articles and strengthening ties between both cultures through this platform.
With her artistic and linguistic background, Kotoha will bring a fresh and committed approach to strengthening the dissemination of flamenco in Japan and enrich the cultural dialogue between both countries through the platform ExpoFlamenco.
Kotoha Setoguchi brings a powerful and elegant personal style to the flamenco tradition. She has trained with renowned artists such as Pepe Torres and Gema. MoneoLuisa Palicio and El Oruco. Currently performing in flamenco venues and peñaYes, and gives private dance lessons flamenco.
– Welcome to ExpoFlamencoMy lady. Do you feel comfortable surrounded by so many experts in the field? jondo?
– I am very grateful and happy to be part of this great team, but I am a little intimidated to work with so many important people with so much wisdom.
– Your role in this global art portal flamenco It's going to be about giving it the place it deserves. flamenco Japanese. There's a lot to unpack there.
– Initially, my tasks will be managing the social media accounts and improving the website translation to better reach the Japanese audience. And to act as a bridge between the Japanese community and ExpoFlamenco so that it is not lost and that the great passion that exists in Japan continues to grow.
– The social networks of ExpoFlamenco in Japanese They're up and running now. They look amazing!
– We've just started and I'm still getting used to it, but I try to share the moments flamencoI live so that you can feel closer to the art here. We don't have much content in Japanese yet, but I'm working on it. I want to be the point of contact so that you can get to know the flamenco y ExpoFlamenco.
– What a great responsibility it is to address the people from Andalusia itself. flamenco lovers From Japan, right?
– That's true. I feel a lot of responsibility. There's still quite a following in Japan, but getting here is becoming increasingly difficult. I'm lucky to be able to be here for the time being, so I'm trying to take advantage of it and connect with the people there.
"Personally, I don't think we'll reach the same level of cultural understanding as the fans here. But I would never disrespect the..." flamenco nor to the flamenco"I hope they understand and respect us no matter where we come from."
– Let's talk about dancing. About her dancing. Journalist Kiko Valle wrote this some time ago on this website after one of his performances in Torres Macarena"Kotoha proved once again that it doesn't matter if you're born in Japan if you have the heart." flamencoBecause she danced in perfect rhythm, with grace and showing off in a few elegant turns, whether to alegrías or in the solemnity of a vibrant soleá where she moved and paused as she should. She took the matter seriously, stepping firmly. She offered an elegant arm movement, moved her dress well, and knew how to make the gesture that corresponded to each dance. palo"Knowing what he was doing and taking responsibility for it..." How did he feel when he read that?
– I'm always thrilled to receive a good comment, but when I saw an article by Kiko on the website with my photos and everything, I was incredibly grateful and happy, and I felt like I'm on the right track with dancing.
– A good time to remember how you came to the dance flamenco.
– I started when I was four years old in Japan. At that time there was a boom in flamenco In my country. One day I saw famous artists dancing on TV flamenco And it interested me. That's what my mother says; the truth is, I don't remember very well. As a child, I loved to dance, and when I started with the flamenco I got hooked immediately.
– How would you define yourself as a flamenco dancer?
– I never dare to say I'm a flamenco dancer. I like the flamenco And I like to dance, and I try to do it well. I try to be an amateur at it. flamenco before she was a flamenco dancer.
– Who are your role models in dance? flamenco?
– I like all the old ones, the classics, because each of them was very personal. I think the ones I've followed most closely are Manuela Carrasco, Angelita Vargas, Carmen Amaya, and Farruco. Of the current ones, Miguel Ángel Heredia and El Oruco are two pillars of my training. And I'm crazy about Gema. Moneo.
– You, as a teacher, are already daring enough to undertake such matters.
– The truth is, I find teaching very difficult, and I still believe I don't have enough knowledge to teach. But when I was in Japan last time, I dared to organize a few short courses because I wanted to share what I had learned. Of the few classes I've taught, the people who attended were happy.
"It's true that when you see it from the outside the flamenco It looks more exotic and appealing. But I would say that when you see it up close and experience it, it's even more beautiful. When you begin to understand the depth and immensity of the flamenco"One cannot fail to respect this culture."
– Have you ever felt prejudiced by certain fans or other professionals because of who you are and where you come from? Or have you happily overcome that disrespectful phase?
Unfortunately, I still face prejudice, I'd say daily. It's always been said that the Japanese are very passionate about it and that's where the money is made, and that's why they respect us: almost always with a bit of self-interest. I personally believe we'll never reach the same level of cultural understanding as the fans here, not by a long shot. But I certainly never disrespect the flamenco nor to the flamencoI hope you will understand and respect us no matter where we come from.
– Does he look more handsome? flamenco When viewed from the outside, is it respected more?
Perhaps it's true that when you see it from the outside it looks more exotic and attractive. But I would say that the flamenco It's an art that must be seen from within, and when you see it up close and experience it, it's even more beautiful. I don't know if everyone thinks the same, but I personally believe that the more you know about it, the more you respect it. When you begin to understand the depth and immensity of it flamencoOne cannot fail to respect this culture.
– Finally, I'm not going to mention that tired old question that everyone always gets asked. flamencoJapanese people on why art is so popular in this great country jondoWell, I've thought about it some more. I will ask him.
It's a mystery, and there are many theories. I've also changed my theory. Now I think that, even if you don't understand the language, music conveys a lot. Our society is so rigid and cold, and there are so many obligations, restrictions, and duties in our daily lives. flamenco It's very emotional; it lets us express ourselves freely. And it's something so different that it helps us let off steam. I think that's why this art form fascinates us so much. ♦
Mission of ExpoFlamenco
With the signing of Kotoha Setoguchi y the American Tyler Barbour, the global brand ExpoFlamenco reinforces its position as the great voice of flamenco In the world, the first and only platform that brings together in one place on the Web everything that gives life to this art: news and interviews, training academy, TV, podcast, shop and community.
ExpoFlamenco loves the flamenco and believes in its power to inspire, transform, and unite. That's why he preserves it, promotes it, and spreads it throughout the world. True to his essence and driven by passion, ExpoFlamenco It creates opportunities and supports artists and new talent, connecting communities across borders. Their mission is to celebrate, protect, and expand the flamenco so that it continues to inspire the generations of today and tomorrow.
