Antonio Cansino (1865–1954) 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]

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Early life

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]

Death

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]

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