La Polaca

Biography

Josefa Cotillo Martínez, known as La Polaca, was a Spanish dancer and actress born in Madrid's Lavapiés neighborhood in 1944. She debuted at age 12 in the play "La Parrilla" at the Alcázar theater in Madrid, later becoming a leading figure in flamenco ballets like "Los canasteros" and "Las brujas." La Polaca toured extensively, including a notable performance with José Greco's company before President Kennedy, and appeared in films such as "El amor brujo" and "Del amor y la muerte".