What is Flamenco?

Introduction

Let's go to the point. What is flamenco?

Flamenco is both a musical style and a dance typical of Andalucia, the southern region of Spain. Originally, it was the traditional dance and music of the Andalusian gitanos (gypsies). Even though flamenco is still deeply connected to the gypsy culture, many payos (non-gypsies) have contributed to expand it both in Spain and overseas.

Flamenco is a state of mind. It's an art form that conveys the deepest emotions, usually melancholy and sadness.

Despite the final result has nothing to do, I believe that flamenco and blues have many similarities.

A bailaora performing, photo by
Dance Photographer - Brendan Lally

Both are very profound musical styles, where the lyrics often express loneliness and heartbreak stories. Actually, these styles rely on the performer's ability to reach the audience.

Words can't describe the feelings stirred by flamenco. Even if it's the first time you listen to a song or watch a bailaora, you'll notice that something inside you has changed.

It can either give you the goose pimples or you can't stand it. You'll surely "hate it or love it"!

And if you do love it, you'll reach a unique bond with the artist. This is known as the duende. It means spirit and it's the soul force inspiring flamenco art.

Flamenco can be expressed by either:

• Singing. A cantaor sing with his (or her) heart and soul.
• Dancing. Elegance and grace are only meant to the best bailaores and bailaoras. You'll see their rhythm in their arms, feet and whole body.
• Playing the Spanish guitar. The performer relies on its intuition to improvise rather than applying this or that technique. He (it's very rare to see a woman) needs to blend with the rest of the cuadro.

Additionally, traditional flamenco has a wide range of music styles. These styles are called palos and are traditionally classified into 3 groups: Cante Grande (or Jondo), Cante Chico and Cante Intermedio.

The origin and history of flamenco date back from the 18th century. It's said to emerge in the occidental area of Andalucia (Seville, Cordoba, Huelva). Unfortunately, the available resources and data are very limited and enforce just a few theories.

Two members of a cuadro flamenco clapping hands, photo by PSYGMON7

I recommend you the Museo del Baile Flamenco if you want to have a complete overview on the subject.

You can also have a look at a list including my favorite tablaos, flamenco bars and other venues to enjoy an excellent flamenco performance!

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