Antonio Cansino | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 21, 1865 unknown |
| Died | July 20, 1954 (aged 89) |
| Resting place | Holy Cross Cemetery |
| Spouse | Carmen Reina |
| Children | 7, including Elisa and Eduardo |
| Relatives | Gabriel Cansino (granddaughter) |
Antonio Cansino (April 21, 1865 – July 20, 1954) was a flamenco dancer and guitarist credited with creating modern-day Spanish dance by combining classical Spanish dance and Romani flamenco. He was popularly known for dancing the bolero.[1] He was the father of Eduardo Cansino and the grandfather of Rita Hayworth, who were both famous dancers and actors. He is the patriarch of The Dancing Cansinos.[2] He performed for the King of Spain and instructed Rita Hayworth's first dance lesson.[2]
Antonio Cansino was born on 21 Apr 1865 in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. He operated dance academies in Seville and Madrid.[3]
He married dancer Carmen Reina. The couple had seven children who were all dancers: Eduardo, Jose, Angel, Paco, Antonio Jr., Rafael and Elisa Cansino.[4][5] Since all his children were dancers, the family was known as The Dancing Cansinos.[2]
He immigrated to the United States around 1936.[2]
Antonio died at General Hospital due to reoccurring heart failure (aged 88–89). A private Catholic ceremony was held. He was survived by 6 children and 7 grandchildren. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.[2]