La Polaca

Josefa Cotillo Martínez, famously known as La Polaca, was born on June 16, 1944, in the Lavapiés district of Madrid and passed away in Seville on June 2, 2010. She was a renowned Spanish dancer and actress celebrated for her unique contributions to flamenco.

From a young age, La Polaca demonstrated a deep passion for dance, opting to leave her schooling at just ten years old to pursue flamenco. Her journey began with her professional debut at twelve in the production “La Parrilla” at Madrid's Alcázar theater. By sixteen, she had crossed the Atlantic to join José Greco's dance company, where she quickly emerged as a standout performer. Her nickname, La Polaca, stemmed from her interpretation of a Polish dance, showcasing her versatility.

During the late 1950s, La Polaca toured extensively, captivating audiences in the Soviet Union, Europe, and the United States. Notably, she made a memorable appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and performed for President Kennedy, solidifying her international acclaim. In Spain, she became a leading figure in flamenco ballets, such as “Los canasteros” and “Las brujas.”

Her film career commenced in 1965 with “Con el viento solano,” directed by Mario Camus. Throughout the 1970s, she featured in various films, including “El amor brujo” (1967) and “The Secretaries” (1969), where her dancing was prominently showcased. In 1978, she also took on the role of a judge in the Mexican dance competition “Fiebre del 2.” Although her career waned in the 1980s, she made a notable appearance in Carlos Saura's 1986 rendition of “El amor brujo.”