Legendary flamenco dancer and choreographer, born to Spanish-Italian parents. Moved to New York at the age of nine. As a teenager made his debut at the Hippodrome. From 1942, studied Latin dance under La Argentinita and Pilar Lopez. Founded his own dance troupe in 1947, touring the U.S. in 1951 with Flamenco specialist La Quica. Subsequently appeared on Broadway, in movies, TV and radio shows