Pilar Rioja

Rioja, Pilar (b Torreón, Coahuila, 13 Sept. 1932). Spanish dancer. She studied Spanish dance with her parents and ballet locally and in 1947 she began dancing on the stage and in taverns. She made her debut in Spain in 1950, then returned to Mexico City where she became a celebrated performer in clubs and theatres. She continued her training in both Mexico and Spain, becoming one of the world's pre-eminent Spanish dancers, known particularly for the authenticity of her flamenco style.