Antonio M rquez, a world-renowned flamenco dancer, lived up to his esteemed reputation as the “leading interpreter of flamenco dancing” and the “King of Spanish dancing” Thursday night at Stephens Auditorium.

M rquez and his dance company passionately and exquisitely performed three pieces called the Reencuentros, Zapateado and Movimiento flamenco.

The program began when M rquez entered the stage in front of the curtain, boasting an arrogant demeanor and over-dramatizing his movements in attempt to capture the audience’s attention.

But M rquez’s arrogance and over-dramatization worked to his advantage as the audience was entranced by M rquez and his company all night.

In the first portion of the show, the Reencuentros, the women dancers donned elaborate, floor-length, traditional flamenco dresses. They also flawlessly played complex rhythmic patterns with castanets while moving gracefully across the stage.

One highlight of the show came when M rquez performed an entire solo number, the Zapateado.

He used his whole body, not just his stomping and tapping feet, to create a grand visual picture.

His feet moved so intricately and rapidly that they almost became a blur. the end of his solo performance, beads of sweat showered off his vivaciously dancing body as he spun in circles.

The final number, the Movimiento flamenco, included the whole company as well as several solos by M rquez. M rquez and his lead female dancer performed a fervently sensual love scene where they kissed passionately and M rquez ripped open his shirt.

M rquez and his company received a thunderous standing ovation from the audience. He responded to the audience’s appreciation for him and his dancers by improvising an encore.

During the encore, M rquez demonstrated more elaborate footwork as well as stripping off his shirt, an act that gained even more approval from the audience.

If any mistakes were made during the performance, they were easily concealed and quickly forgotten by the fantastically talented performers and the mesmerized audience.