INTERPRETING THE BULLFIGHTER'S ART WITH FEELING* 

By

José Miguel Arroyo (Joselito)

I am a person of few words when speaking and even fewer in writing. I’ve sometimes scribbled in the air with my cape or muleta as that’s the way I can best express my feelings.

And feelings are what it’s all about. We ought to prime ourselves with feelings when we go to a bullfight and stop analysing and judging how this or the other was done. The art in bullfighting is either there or it isn’t, either it touches a chord or it doesn’t. It should be above pre-established canons and rules.

What’s more, when the "magic" or a "spark" is there, all those analyses that make you appear more knowledgeable in front of other fans are forgotten. This art is so wonderful and touches people so deeply that, without understanding it, they can enjoy it and feel part of what is going on in the ring as I believe that all we bullfighting fans have a bullfighter inside us, and what distinguishes us from the major charismatic figures who wear the "suit of lights" is that they are bullfighters in their souls, besides being one inside and outside their physical selves. I’m sure that doesn't read too well. It may be arrogant of me to take the liberty of making these suggestions, but I like fans to enjoy bullfighting, really enjoy it, and not make judgements almost to the point of obstinacy and  feel bad.

Besides, bulls are part of Spain’s culture and that of other countries in Europe and America as painters, musicians, poets, writers, sculptors and other national and international artists have enriched their works by taking bullfighting as a model and source of inspiration. And they are surely not singing the praises of the canons or rules; they go a bit beyond that. That "bit beyond" is no more or less than the aesthetics, heartbeat, musicality, colour and also - let’s not forget - a touch of tragedy. But, above all, it’s the art and the magic that delight people. So, I would respectfully request that when bullfighting fans go to see a bullfight, they please try to enjoy themselves and feel what is going on because what happens there can sometimes be wonderful and unforgettable.

José Miguel Arroyo (Joselito)

*Unauthorised translation of a note that appears in the biography of Joselito published by Espasa Calpe in 1999. Joselito. Punto y Seguido*