She was barely four years old the first time she felt that unique electricity. That incomparable energy. That magic that cannot be described with words, that can only be expressed with movement. In the unfathomable realm of childhood, a vital stage that is an enormous, gigantic playground of revelations, innocence, illusion, naiveté, and the first small stirrings of reflection, Maria Pages She discovered dance. And nothing was ever the same again. The unknowns began to fade, the certainties to shine, and destiny to acquire the hues of clarity. Today it is the past, but at that moment it was the present and the future.
Since then, the Sevillian dancer, choreographer, stage director and humanist has built a fascinating career that undoubtedly makes her one of the most important, influential, respected and admired figures in the field. flamenco worldwide. A career highlighted by more than twenty shows that achieved unanimous critical and public acclaim, such as Flamenco Republic, Hear Me with Your Eyes, Utopia, An Ode to Time, From Scheherazade y Paradise of the Blacks.
Pagés has also participated in numerous high-profile film projects Carmen, The Bewitched Love o Flamenco from the brilliant Carlos SauraIn terms of collaborations, it should also be noted that the artist has shared her talent with such prominent names as Oscar Niemeyer, Tamara Rojo o Plácido Domingo, among others.
Another essential point in his professional career is the creation at the end of 2018 of María Pagés Choreographic Center alongside the playwright The Arbi The HartiThis organization, located in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, has been dedicated for almost a decade to promoting artistic residencies, rehearsals, training programs, conferences, and seminars. The collaboration between the two highlights dialogue—between cultures, disciplines, and generations—as both a method and an artistic ethic. Furthermore, Pagés and El Harti co-direct Matadero Dance Center, a new performance space located in the Matadero Madrid contemporary creation center, dedicated exclusively to dance in all its expressions.
"Returning to La Unión is always like reconnecting with a part of yourself." flamenco that I love. It's reconnecting with a community that protects and defends the flamenco"...who works for and towards this, and with people committed to our art" (María Pagés)
As for awards, Pagés boasts such illustrious accolades as the Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts, the National Dance Prize, the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts, and the Medal of Andalusia. An impressive collection of awards to which the following will soon be added: Golden Tower, the highest institutional distinction of International Festival of Cante of the Mines.
With this award, which will be presented during the 65th edition of the festival, the festival celebrates the commendable work and career of an artist dedicated body and soul to the dissemination, promotion and vindication of flamencohighlighting her impact on several generations who have seen in María Pagés an example of dedication, professionalism, sensitivity and art in its purest, most passionate and exciting state.
“Returning to La Unión is always like reconnecting with a part of yourself flamenco “That I love,” Pagés responds upon learning of this recognition. “It’s about reconnecting with a community that protects and defends the flamencowho work for and with people committed to our art.” She also notes that she feels “very fortunate” to receive the 'Castillete de Oro' award, confessing that it is “a privilege I want to experience with profound gratitude.” Finally, the artist affirms that “there are festivals and places where you want to be, and the Festival Cante "Las Minas and La Unión are an example."
María Pagés joins the journalist and writer from Murcia Carlos of Love already the band from Murcia Long live Sweden as winners of the Golden Castillete award at the edition to be held in La Unión from the 29 of July to the 8 of August of 2026The remaining award winners and the corresponding award ceremony dates will be announced soon in the Cultural Agenda. ♦
