The Essential Guide to Flamenco Dancing, Singing and Playing

The basics of flamenco

Flamenco dancing is, still today, the most famous Spanish dance. It's usually very passionate, loud and sensual. But apart from dancing, flamenco is also known for other expression forms: singing and guitar playing.

Please, don't confuse flamenco with flaminco (misspelling) or flamingo (the pink bird)... It has nothing to do! ;-)

What is flamenco?

Flamenco is both a dance and a musical style typical of Andalucia, a region located in the South of Spain.

Additionally, flamenco is a state of mind. It's a powerful art that usually conveys deep emotions such as pain and sadness.

Actually, the main purpose of the artist is to connect with the audience creating such a bond that he or she will helplessly accept. If not, the artist fails. It's an art that you can only love or hate.

Flamenco history and its origins

The history of flamenco dancing started some 300 years ago and it has always been linked to the Spanish gypsy community.

Despite flamenco's origin is still unknown, the evolution of its art forms (singing, dancing and playing the guitar) have been endless and very surprising. Did you know that in the 1930s the most famous dance in Spain was on the verge of disappearance?

Styles and art forms

Due to the fact that flamenco was initially performed at family parties or among peasants, it has evolved in a myriad of styles. The list is so long, only experts are capable of recognizing them all!

Moreover, flamenco has 3 main forms of expression:

• Cante or singing. The cantaor or cantaora is the leader of the group and marks the rhythm and intensity of the espectaculo.
• Baile or dancing. The bailaor or bailaora is synonym of elegance, grace and temper.
• Toque or playing the guitar. The artist ability is challenged by the cantaor who imposes the rhythm and sentiment.

Glossary of terms

Thanks to this flamenco glossary, you'll be able to understand what is flamenco and the importance it has in Spain. Although not exhaustive, it will introduce you to some basic concepts providing either a short explanation or a translation. And if you find that something is missing, please let me know!

Best places to attend a real flamenco show in Seville

Seville is considered the cradle of flamenco. In fact a vast majority of famous flamenco artists were born or started their career in Seville. As result, the offer of flamenco is very wide and you can choose among many options where flamenco dancing and singing are beautifully performed.

1. Tablaos are ideal for those unexperienced spectators that are willing to have a first approach to an espectaculo flamenco. If you are looking for a professional performance where you can enjoy cante, baile and toque, you should definitely go to a tablao.

2. Flamenco art can be also experienced in smaller locales and events where, generally, the majority of the audience will be local. For obvious reasons, the group of people performing will also be smaller and you may only have the chance to see artists singing, or playing the guitar, without bailaores involved.

3. Finally, if you consider yourself a flamenco
expert or are looking for the ultimate experience, head to a bar flamenco. The atmosphere will be incredibly intimate because these are places where only Sevillanos go. Don't expect to find anyone wearing a traditional dress or any professional flamenco dancing performance. Art here is spontaneous and most of the nights you'll only watch cantaores or tocaores.

One last thing, have a look at a map where all the tablaos, venues and bares flamencos are located so you won't get lost!

Apart from a flamenco show, you can also attend a very traditional and very Spanish spectacle: a bullfight.

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