Spanish art of dancing and singing. What is flamenco? Varieties and categories of flamenco In which province of Spain did flamenco dance originate?
| Flamenco - traditional dance of Spain
Flamenco - traditional dance of Spain
Flamenco (Spanish flamenco) is a traditional music and dance style originating from Spain. The style is represented by several dozen varieties (more than 50). Flamenco dances and songs are usually accompanied by guitar and percussion: rhythmic clapping, playing the percussion box; sometimes - castanets.
What is flamenco?
Flamenco is a very young art, whose history goes back no more than two centuries. Since the guitar began to be used in flamenco, it has been in constant development. This is quite natural: such a rich, intense, original musical culture cannot remain in a stagnant state: its undeniable mixed origin is evident.
Flamenco is essentially a product of absorption, absorption, fusion of different cultures; and the idea of merging itself has very ancient roots. One of the flamenco classics said many years ago: “You can sing accompanied by an orchestra, or you can sing accompanied by a pipe, you can sing to anything!” The new flamenco was not born in the 80s, this “other” flamenco has been around for many decades. Movement is what matters. Movement means life.
There is no exact date for the origin of flamenco; its roots go back centuries. The history of this truly Andalusian product of Spanish culture, which at first was rather closed and hermetic, is shrouded in a cloud of myths and mysteries. Any folklore phenomenon comes from ancient traditions and represents a kind of collective creation. It is known about flamenco that it has existed for about two centuries. What's the basis? Beautiful Moorish dreams, incomprehensible fantasies, voluptuousness, when all logic loses its force:?
In the 19th century, the term “flamenco” acquired a more specific meaning, which was close and familiar to us. In addition, in the middle of the century this definition begins to be applied to art. According to researchers, the first flamenco performers appeared in Madrid in 1853, and in 1881 the first collection of flamenco songs by Machado and Alvarez was published. With the advent of cantante cafes, in which flamenco performance begins to be professional, there is a continuous struggle between those who fiercely defend the purity of the art, and those who support the further spread and development of flamenco.
In the 20th century, flamenco is being revived and enriched through the author's interpretations and innovations. Yes, the roots of flamenco are lost in the mysterious past, but over the past two centuries it has taken shape, undergoing few fundamental changes since it went beyond the original environment that gave birth to it. There is practically no room left for experimentation, which is explained by the absolute cult of traditional performance. Despite the fact that nowadays songs are performed in the same drawn-out way as in the old days, such emotional strain as we can hear on recordings of the first quarter of the 20th century no longer exists.
When we talk about changes, we mean original remakes and arrangements that appear everywhere like a snowball. In this sense, it is worth mentioning the enormous work compiled by Antonio Mairena (1909-1983), who said that flamenco singing cannot be global. Despite the fact that this singer is a proponent of a comprehensive knowledge of this art form, much debate has arisen about whether the various song genres represented in his work are fair to be classified as flamenco.
The song styles are already formed, and there is nothing more to add to the family tree. Flamenco is a folk art that is under seven seals, which is why it is so well preserved almost in its original form. Currently, there is a tendency to preserve the art in its pure form: flamenco is better the more seasoned its taste.
Only outstanding artists of exceptional ability who honor traditions can make a revolution in flamenco. It is worth mentioning the duo of the greatest flamenco artists who worked most of their lives together: Camaron and Paco. A quarter of a century ago, creative groups of performers with worldwide recognition appeared, including Paco de Lucia and Manolo Sanlúcar (guitar), Antonio Gades and Mario Maya (dance), Camaron and Enrique Morente (singing). The dictatorship is over, and flamenco is beginning to take on different colors. New musical instruments are introduced, new musical forms in singing and playing appear. A striking example of this is the work of Paco de Lucia and Camaron, who redefined flamenco for an entire generation.
Nevertheless, there will always be dissenters and dissenters, such as: flamenco performers who have refused to adhere to traditions, musicians of other styles who are interested in flamenco; restless souls from other musical traditions. The history of flamenco is an endless chain of innovations and admixtures, but any evolution always has a dual meaning.
Natural development. Having arisen, flamenco was performed within the family circle and did not go beyond it. Its further spread and development is due to true creators and performers who sought their own paths of development and that is why they left their mark on history.
The latest round of flamenco development comes down to reinterpretations. This does not mean progress as such (for example, the introduction of new instruments), but attempts to revive flamenco, return it to its former glory. There is no point in denying that most of the rules were created in order to be broken, but as an unwritten musical creativity, like any closed and therefore well-preserved folklore phenomenon, flamenco must be flavored with passion.
At the end of the 20th century one can speak of a “mixed cultural element”. The greatest value in this sense is represented by bold experiments in which due respect is given to primordial rhythms. To talk about avant-garde, it is necessary to return those deep, soul-touching feelings that are increasingly rare in flamenco.
The mixture of different cultures in modern Spain is not a tribute to fashion, but a very ancient history with deep meaning. Spain is a border region of Europe, consisting of different races and cultures as a result. Its strength lies in the fact that it can filter out everything unnecessary. You cannot follow fashion and create a mosaic of musical groups representing different folklore movements. It is necessary to do double work: to bring from abroad what is needed, then carefully digest it, pass it through yourself in order to make it a phenomenon in your own country. Of course, we do not encourage you to get on a plane, fly around the globe, pick up all sorts of different things from here and there, then throw them into a saucepan, and the chef will prepare us a new genre and rhythm according to the fashion of this season.
There is a certain sense in the fact that flamenco adherents honor tradition, which has both positive and negative aspects. In particular, strict adherence to tradition makes it impossible to deeply understand flamenco. Flamenco singing, styles, and melody are like a living organism: they deserve respect, which means constant development, and every movement, as we know, is life.
In such a rapidly developing industrial society as the modern one, where ideals are devalued, where art ceases to matter, the pessimistic sentiments of flamencologists are quite understandable, who do not see a future for the art of flamenco and describe it in their works as if it were a dead art. “Flamencogology” (or “flamenology”) as a science delves into the past. The book with this title was written by Gonzalez Clement in 1955 and gave the name to the section of art criticism that studies flamenco. Due to the lack of written documentary evidence, scientists spent a lot of time speculating on the origins of flamenco, which made it a rather closed and unpopular art. Further more: constant moralizing and putting ideals on a pedestal.
Proof that flamenco is still alive is the fact that flamenco is not alien to other cultural or social movements. At the beginning of the 20th century, it began to be performed in cafes cantante Falla, Lorca, Niña de los Peines raised it to an intellectual level; Manolo Caracol and Pepe Marchena contributed to the emergence of flamenco on radio and audio media; it entered the history of music with Mairen and approached cult poetry with Menese. Paco de Lucia and Camaron added some hippie motifs, Pata Negra - the mood of punk culture, Quetama, Jorge Pardo and Carl Benavent - jazz notes and salsa rhythms.
I would really like to draw attention to the fact that the purity of flamenco performance has become a bargaining chip, an argument resorted to by journalists who have nothing else to write about. It is very encouraging that a generation has emerged that has managed to avoid controversy about purity and innovation in the art of flamenco.
At present it is quite difficult to assess what is happening. Now there are those who will say that over the past 50 years both performance technique and rhythm have deteriorated greatly, and that only the singing of old people is worthy of attention. Others believe that there is no better moment for flamenco than now. “Flamenco has undergone more changes in just the last 15 years than in its entire history,” says Barberia, who, like many others, takes Camarón de la Isla’s 1979 disc “Legend of Time” as the starting point for a new vision of flamenco.
Pure flamenco is not old flamenco, but ancient, which makes it more valuable. In flamenco, a dying venerable old man is like a burned book, a broken disk. If we talk about musical primitivism, purity and authenticity of performance, the difficulty of doing something new becomes obvious. When a singer performs a song and a musician accompanies him on guitar, they both seem to be performing an act of remembrance. Feelings are the shadow of memory.
Fire that dies in order to be born is flamenco." This definition was given to it by Jean Cocteau. However, in flamenco there are a lot of "interest clubs": along with supporters of the purity of style, there are also adherents of new forms and sounds. That is why The collaboration of musicians representing different directions is very important. Here it is appropriate to recall the joint works of Paco de Lucia and Ketam.
And to top it off, I would like to cite the statement of Alvarez Caballero, one of the most influential modern critics: “Only a duet of a singer and a guitarist on stage is extremely rare; it will soon become archaic. However, I would really like to be wrong in my predictions.” He will definitely be wrong. “Pure” flamenco will not disappear.
Flamenco is the hallmark of Spain. Anyone who is unfamiliar with this art has not seen Spain.
The largest number of centers where you can see this enchanting show is in Barcelona.
Flamenco colorfully illustrates the hot temperament of the Catalan people - it is a passionate, explosive, emotional and vibrant performance.
It is worth noting that for a long time flamenco was considered a “closed art” and only a few could become familiar with it. The culture gained universal accessibility and fame only in the 18th century, after the end of the persecution of the Roma.
What is flamenco?
Flamenco is a harmonious combination of dance, music and song. The more ancient style is the dramatic style - cante.
The modern look is considered flamencocantechiko, that is, a lighter and simpler version.
In total, there are more than 50 different genres of flamenco, which are closely intertwined with each other.
Flamenco combines folk traditions and performance, feelings and emotions, magic and fire. The show itself is a combination of several elements.
It begins with the introduction of guitar and percussion, to the accompaniment of which the cantaor sings a sensual song. At the same time, a dancer in a bright fluffy dress joins the artists, tapping her heels and creating a catchy rhythm.
Beating a rhythm with your foot is called taconeo
Tact can be set not only using taconeo(heels), but with the help palmas(claps hands) and pitos(snaps fingers).
Since Barcelona is a kind of tourism center in Spain, it is here that talented flamenco artists come from all over the country.
Healthy competition has a beneficial effect on the quality of shows - their scope and pathos increase over time.
Flamenco culture does not stand still, but is constantly evolving along with society. This suggests that interest and true pleasure can be gained not only by those who encounter the show for the first time, but also by its true fans. For many regular visitors to the tablao, each new performance continues to give goosebumps.
It is worth noting that for a long time flamenco was considered a “closed art” and only a few could become familiar with it. The show gained universal accessibility and fame only in the 18th century, after the end of the persecution of the Roma.
Where to watch flamenco in Barcelona
For three centuries, flamenco has reigned in Barcelona. Here it can be seen both in specialized elite establishments and in a regular restaurant.
To simply get acquainted with this ancient culture, it will be enough to visit a standard cafe, where artists give performances for free.
You can fully appreciate the sensuality of the performers and plunge into a sea of passion only in specialized places where graduates of the best flamenco schools perform.
You can watch flamenco in several types of establishments:
1. At the restaurant-theater. Here the performance is conveniently combined with a hearty dinner or light snacks. Spectators sit at tables, and at a short distance from them there are stages on which the show takes place.
It is advisable to come to such establishments early in order to have time to finish your meal before the start of the performance.
2. In a specialized hall. Typically, short performances are held here, providing an opportunity to gain a general understanding of flamenco culture.
3. In the concert hall. Spectators watch what is happening from the hall, all events unfold on stage.
The experience is similar to going to the theater, but with the opportunity to eat delicious food.
True art connoisseurs are better off going to a specialized institution where professionals perform. Such places are called Tablao.
The history of tablao began in 1988. It is advisable to sign up for performances several days in advance by phone or order tickets online, since there may not be any empty seats at the venue by the start of the show.
Some tablaos do not provide late booking service - the owners of the establishment are worried that they will not have time to provide quality service to the guest.
Conventionally, the establishments where performances take place can be divided into expensive and budget ones.
Places with high prices for watching flamenco
Palaciodel Flamenco in Barcelona is the place where you can experience this show in its traditional performance.
A ticket to the show will cost 40 euros. A ticket for this price allows you to choose a glass of any light drink or sangria as a bonus.
A ticket costs 15 euros more, in addition to which you can get a good dinner.
So, the more expensive the ticket, the more varied the menu provided will be.
The maximum ticket price is 90 euros. If you wish, you can pay separately for entry to the VIP zone.
Another specialized flamenco center is located in the open-air museum - Spanish village. Spiritual dancers and musicians will allow you to enjoy the most authentic performance in Spain.
It is advisable to arrive there an hour before the start of the performance, since the entrance ticket (the cost varies from 39 to 68 euros depending on the composition of the dinner) provides the opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibitions for free.
Separate from the performance, a ticket to the museum costs about 15 euros.
In general, in Barcelona there are a huge number of specialized places - Flamenco Cordobes (located in the center of Barcelona), Patio Andaluz and many others. The cost of admission to the show can vary from 25 to 75 euros.
You can take your child with you to the show - many establishments include a special hearty menu with drinks and ice cream in the price of a child's ticket.
Places to watch flamenco and save money
For a reasonable price you can enjoy flamenco anywhere in Barcelona. So, in tablao FlamencoTarantos, located at PlazaReal 17, you can at least get a first impression of flamenco culture.
Guitar playing is included in the flamenco show
During the evening, the tablao hosts 3 half-hour performances. A ticket to the show costs about 8 euros.
For a reasonable fee you can at the restaurant Nervion, located at C/Princesa-2.
If you limit yourself to one drink in addition to the show, the entrance ticket costs only 12 euros.
The art of flamenco will not leave anyone indifferent. For many tourists, the show leaves an indelible impression for the rest of their lives.
If you want to become a part of this fiery Andalusian culture, you can take flamenco courses in Barcelona.
You can take a flamengo lesson in Barcelona
It is necessary to take into account that classes can take a long time - about a month.
The course program can include a variety of options, including group and individual lessons.
Mandatory elements are warm-up, learning hand and foot techniques, dance positions and turns. Those interested will be taught how to use a castanet or fan in dance.
The cost of a lesson can range from 30-40 euros. For those who have time, you can attend a 5-day express course costing 130 euros.
Choosing a place where you can get acquainted with flamenco depends on your financial capabilities and free time. No matter how you plan your trip, you should definitely pay attention to this incendiary performance.
I read it myself - tell your friends! Give it a like!
Spaniards all love to dance. There are four styles of dance - modern, classical, flamenco and folk.
Flamenco dance- a descendant of ancient Indian dances, appeared in Spain in 500-250 BC, when Indian dancers arrived in Spain through the port of Cadiz to entertain the royal nobility. Almost 1000 years later, the Moors and Gypsies came to Spanish soil and brought their own dance styles. The fusion of several cultures of the Iberian Peninsula (Arab, Gypsy, Jewish, Christian) improved the already existing flamenco dance. Being a folk art form, the skill of flamenco was passed on from teacher to student and was not written down on paper.
Flamenco dance in pairs
This musical genre was born in Andalusia, but throughout Spain there are flamenco performers - guitarists (guitarristas), dancers (bailarínes), singers (cantantes). Flamenco is one of the symbols of Spain, which is of paramount importance for dance culture. Flamenco is a folk single dance in which gestures are a passionate and emotional expression of feelings. This is a dance of inner liberation, a dance for women with destiny!
A rather dry and precise description of flamenco is given in the BES: “Flamenco dances (allegrias, soleares, farucca, etc.) are common among the gypsies of southern Spain. They use complex and varied tapping or alternating blows of heels and toes, and the hands play a significant role. Castanets are rarely used and usually by women. Flamenco dances are performed to the accompaniment of a guitar, shouts, and clapping of hands. Improvisation is allowed, incomparably greater than in other Spanish folk dances."
The intensity of passion is sometimes so high that it seems that a man and a woman dancing in high heels want to dance each other to the point of exhaustion. Even in Latin American countries, there are genres that are a mixture of flamenco. The first Spanish emigrants brought them to America. An example is the Cubanhabaneras. Varieties flamencomany: fandango, malagueña, alegrias, saltares, farruca...
Flamenco - fire dance
Sevillana- one of the popular dances in Andalusia. They dance in pairs. The dancers clap their hands to the rhythm set by the guitar and sing at the same time. During the dance, the partners constantly move closer to each other, then move away.
Sardana- Catalan national holiday. Its name comes from the name of the island of Sardinia, in Italy. For a long time, this island was part of the Aragonese kingdom. Dancers, their number limited only by the size of the dance floor, join hands. Forming a circle, they make certain movements, beating time with their heels.
Chotis- dance of the people of Madrid. Very slow dance. Dances in pairs, partners press closely to each other. The dance movements are very simple: three steps to the left, three to the right, turn. The couple dances the entire dance on the “patch”.
Muneira- a dance common in Galicia. It is danced in a group. Dancers raise their arms and perform a variety of fast jumps.
Khota- a dance popular throughout Spain. The most famous jota in Aragon. Each province has its own variety of dance.
Paso Doble is a dance associated with bullfighting. Many famous bullfighters have their own paso doble. They dance in pairs. The dancers portray a bullfighter and his cape, obeying the rhythm of the musical accompaniment.
Alegrias- cheerful dance. The homeland of alegrias is the city of Cadiz. The appearance of this dance is associated with the victory of the Spaniards over Napoleon's troops. Due to its geographical location, the city was under enemy attack for a long time. The forces of the defenders were running out, it seemed that defeat was about to come, but the Arragonese came to the aid of the inhabitants from the north and helped them at the decisive moment. Often the couplets of alegrias tell about this event. Alegrias have many movements from the Aragonese jota. Alegrias wears a cheerful, but at the same time a little tough and victorious. Performed in a major key.
Farruca (La Farruca) - a spectacular male dance that was originally a song. The gypsies from Andalusia adopted the farucca and changed it in their own way. This dance is one of the modern forms of flamenco and is performed in a minor key. Originally, farukka was a dance for men, but now it is increasingly performed by women dressed in men's clothing. Farukka is a majestic, proud, solemn dance.
Seguidilla- dance from La Mancha. Refers to classical dances of the 18th century. The woman's hands weave lace patterns with her smooth movements. U men's movements are distinguished by severity, sublimity and clear plasticity. The hand movements are fast and agile, they cut through the air like sword strikes, like lightning arrows.
Experts say that for anyone dance of spain characterized by incredible rhythm, emotionality and variety of movements. This is the secret of its rapid spread throughout the world. On theater stages there are more and more productions of ballets based specifically on dances from Spain.
There are many dances in the world. Each nation has its own rhythms and music. But in the modern world there is hardly a person who has never heard of Spanish flamenco.
Woman dancing flamenco
Perhaps the most famous performer in the world, with whose name flamenco is associated, is the famous Carmen. A burning beauty with a bright rose in her long black hair. Her image has become a symbol of dance for all times.
A woman dances to the enchanting sounds of a guitar, accompanied by soulful singing. Her fluffy skirts flutter in rhythm with her movements. Her arms curl like the wings of a fairy bird. Her eyes are full of passion and fire. Her sexuality attracts men like the light of a lantern to moths in the darkness of the night. She knows how beautiful she is and is proud of it. But this woman is not cheap, she knows her worth, and only the best can win her heart.
Flamenco - passion, fire, expression of feelings and emotions. There is nothing feigned or fictitious about it. He is life itself. It is impossible to perform it without inspiration. The best performers are those who put their soul, passion and body awe into flamenco.
Dance directions
There have long been two styles of flamenco, which differ from each other in style. The ancient cante hondo (translated as deep) is a historically established cult dance. It expresses the sacred essence of the rushing soul.
The second direction is cante chico (lightweight). This is modern flamenco, which has lost its spiritual component and has become a dance for everyone. There are over 50 varieties in both classes, the differences between which can only be understood by an experienced specialist.
Origins of dance
Flamenco is a dance that originated in ancient times. Its origins lie in Moorish culture. In the 15th century, streams of refugees from Byzantium poured into Andalusia. Among them were gypsies, Jews, blacks and other peoples. They all lived as outcasts, inferior people. All the pain of the people spilled out in soul-tearing music, songs and passionate dances. Each nation has contributed part of its cultural heritage, a piece of its soul, to flamenco.
In the 18th century, the situation improved, the persecution of Gypsies stopped, dancers took to the squares and performed in taverns. Art, which for so many centuries was considered sacred and forbidden, was released and gained popularity. Spanish flamenco became a symbol of newfound freedom.
Already in the 20th century, Cuban melodies and jazz tunes were organically intertwined with traditional Spanish and gypsy elements. The dance was supplemented with elements of classical ballet.
Fusion of genres
Spanish flamenco dance, in fact, is not only the fiery movements of a dancer or dancer. This is a symbiosis of the musical accompaniment of toke, traditionally performed on the guitar, the soulful singing of cante and the baile dance itself.
Flamenco is bailaora, cantaora and toraora. In the traditional performance, each of them can start their own part. And the rest are supportive. Any one of the three can come out first and set the topic. And the rest will pick it up with musical, dance or song improvisation. When one of the performers comes to the fore, the others stay in the background to allow the performer to express his emotions. But during the performance the roles change. And only at the end they unite in the apogee of a dance united by a common fire.
Complex rhythms
The musical rhythm of flamenco is difficult to adopt or translate into sheet music. Each time during performance, the same melody can be played faster or slower, transitions and modulations are added. The true art of dancing (Spain) flamenco is passed on from teacher to student.
Performers
Famous performers made flamenco famous throughout the world. As soon as the persecution of gypsies was abolished and the Spaniards learned the beauty of life-affirming dance, it became extremely popular. Already in 1842, the first flamenco school was opened in Seville. It was from this time that dance became an industry; it lost its sacredness and mystery.
At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, the performer Silverio Fronconetti was famous, who brought this ancient art to the masses. His performances were always full of passion and fire. But numerous followers turned flamenco from a sacred dance into a sports one, where performance technique stood above spiritual depth. It is this option that has become generally accepted throughout the world.
But at home, in Spain, there are true connoisseurs. There, the phrase “There is no fire in him!”, said about a flamenco performer, is a “death sentence” for the dancer. There is a known case when at one of the dance competitions the main prize was won by an 80-year-old old woman. She outshone the young performers with her inner fire and passion, reflected in her dance. After all, as the Spaniards say, you need to dance as if death itself was holding you by the shoulder.
Learning process
Flamenco is a very popular dance. In almost every city there are schools where they teach it. The flow of those wishing to learn the secrets of mastery does not dry out. And this is not surprising, because it is flamenco that reveals the feminine essence. You can’t be modest in life and perform moves on stage with fervor. Having started training, a woman changes internally, she frees herself from complexes, gets to know herself, and opens up like a bud. You can start training at least at 6 years old, at least at 86. There are no restrictions.
In Spain, everyone is offered to take a basic flamenco course for beginners, consisting of 10 classes, held 2 times a week. You can learn the basics of dance in less than a month, but to become a professional it will take years of work.
A good teacher, first of all, will make a woman love herself. After all, only a woman who is proud of her beauty will be able to adequately present herself in dance.
The main pose is a pose of complete self-satisfaction. The proud beauty has no complexes, does not see flaws in herself, and certainly will not tell others about them. After this, feminine gestures, steps, and turns are worked on. The dancer is a queen, and the audience, looking at her with admiration, sees in her an unearthly woman.
Why you should learn flamenco
Every girl, regardless of the date of birth on her passport, should try herself in flamenco. Learning this dance reveals hidden reserves in a woman. After just a few months of training, she will understand that in life there is no place for pretense and fears. A woman is strong and beautiful, she cannot be broken by everyday difficulties. She loves and is loved.
In addition, regular training significantly improves your figure. The main requirement for all dancers is a straight back as a symbol of unbending character. You can forget about scoliosis and stoop after the first lessons.
Important elements of the dance are beating the beat with your feet. Honing these exercises makes the leg muscles toned and elastic, and the legs slender and beautiful.
The dancer's hands should flutter like wings. Masters teach how to bend them beautifully and gracefully.
Regular exercise will inevitably lead to an improvement in your figure, tightening of all muscles, and improving their relief. Beautiful posture is another important advantage from classes. Well, self-confidence and getting rid of the inferiority complex will be a pleasant bonus.
Flamenco treats problems of this kind better than any psychologists.
Dance clothes
Flamenco is a dance with gypsy roots. The dancer's clothing resembles the traditional dress of a representative of a nomadic people. The floor-length skirt is made of multi-colored fabric. It can be multi-layered or decorated with frills and flounces. While moving, the dancer seems to be engulfed by the waves of her own dress. An integral part of the dance is playing with the hem, which resembles either uncontrollable sea waves or tongues of scorching flames. This dress must be bright and catchy - no pastel colors!
A shawl with long tassels is another element of a woman's costume. It can be tied at the waist, emphasizing the slender silhouette, or thrown over the shoulders. In this case, it forms the silhouette of a soaring bird in motion.
Often dancers perform with a fan, literally hypnotizing the audience and keeping them in suspense until the last moment. Each attribute seems to come to life while moving to the music, adding its own additions to the performer’s story.
An important detail of the costume is shoes with heels, with which the performer taps out the rhythm. The hands may contain castanets, which make clicks and set the tempo for movements and music.
Men performing flamenco (photo in the article) dress in dark trousers with a wide belt and a snow-white shirt. You can complement the outfit with a short vest. The performer's image is laconic and strict. This is the very embodiment of masculinity and stature.
Important elements
While performing flamenco, the dancer does not hover above the ground; on the contrary, he stands confidently, as if taking a firm, life-affirming position. This is a symbol of safety and security. He took his place, it belongs to him by right, at least for the duration of the dance.
The movements of each part of the body reveal a story about life, a story about what worries everyone individually and everyone together. Experiences, resentments, love and sadness come from the chest. The dancer’s shoulders speak of the weight of responsibility and centuries-old oppression. The hands tell the story of feelings; they are the most expressive part of the performer’s body. Widely spaced elbows seem to allow him to take a firm position in life, to free up a piece of the sky for himself. The spine is the basis of the dance. It symbolizes inflexibility of character, fortitude and perseverance.
The movements in flamenco are simple, there are not so many of them. But each of them is filled with deep meaning and contains the wisdom of centuries. Anyone who knows the language of dance can tell the world his story and make all viewers empathize. This is the path that leads to inner liberation and joy, although outwardly it is filled with sadness and pain.
New forms
Throughout history, flamenco has changed and experienced ups and downs. And even today connoisseurs say that this type of art is dead, but interest in it has not faded. On the contrary, new types and movements are emerging, based on traditional performance and complemented by modern forms. This is how flamenco pop, flamenco rock, flamenco jazz and gypsy rumba appeared. Each of them has the right to life and finds fans and followers. But it remains a favorite!
It is difficult for a beginner to understand these currents. But everyone can find something they really like. The main thing is to understand the spirit of the dance, comprehend the deep meaning of the movements and put feelings into the execution of each step.
When you see an advertisement for enrollment in a flamenco school, you should not pass by. Perhaps it is fate itself that is giving a sign that it is time to change your life, open up and fly. And dancing is the best way to do it beautifully and with dignity.
The inspiring “Olé” is heard from all corners, and the audience along with the artists sing and clap their hands, creating a unique rhythm of the song for a beautiful woman who is spinning in a dance on a low stage. This is how a typical flamenco evening goes. This is an opportunity to see with your own eyes how people, forgetting about everything in the world, surrender to the power of music, rhythm and passion. What is flamenco? How did it appear in Spain? And what dress is considered classic in flamenco culture? We will answer these and many other questions in our material dedicated to this beautiful art of southern Spain.
When and how was the art of flamenco born?
Flamenco appeared with the arrival of gypsies from the Roman Empire to Spain in 1465. For several decades they lived peacefully next to the Spaniards, Arabs, Jews, slaves of African origin, and over time, new music began to sound in the gypsy caravans, incorporating elements of the cultures of their new neighbors. In 1495, after a long war, the Muslims, long-time rulers of most of the territories of the peninsula, were forced to leave Spain.
From that moment on, persecution of the “undesirable” began, namely non-Spaniards. All who adhered to another religion and culture had to give up their original habits, proper names, costumes and language. It was then that the mysterious flamenco, an art form hidden from prying eyes, was born. Only among family and friends could “extra” people dance to their favorite music. However, the artists did not forget about their new acquaintances, also excluded from society, and the melodic notes of Jews, Muslims and peoples from the Caribbean coast were heard in the music of the nomadic people.
It is believed that the influence of Andalusia in flamenco is expressed in sophistication, dignity and freshness of sound. Gypsy motives are in passion and sincerity. And Caribbean migrants brought an unusual dance rhythm to the new art.
Flamenco styles and musical instruments
There are two main styles of flamenco, within which substyles are distinguished. The first is jondo, or flamenco grande. It includes such substyles, or palos in Spanish, as tona, solea, saeta and sigiriya. This is the oldest form of flamenco, in which the listener can distinguish sad, passionate notes.
The second style is cante, or flamenco chico. It includes alegria, farruca and boleria. These are very light, cheerful and cheerful motives in playing the Spanish guitar, in dancing and singing.
In addition to the Spanish guitar, flamenco music is created by castanets and palmas, that is, hand clapping.
Castanets are shaped like shells connected by a cord. With the left hand the dancer or singer beats out the main rhythm of the piece, and with the right hand he creates intricate rhythmic patterns. Nowadays the art of playing castanetas can be learned at any flamenco school.
Another important instrument that accompanies music is the palmas, the claps. They differ in sonority, duration, and rhythm. It is impossible to imagine any flamenco performance without clapping, as well as without the shouts of “Olé”, which only add uniqueness to the dance and song.
Classic dress
Traditional flamenco dress is called bata de cola in Spanish. , the style and shape of which are reminiscent of ordinary gypsy dresses: a long wide skirt, flounces and frills along the hem of the dress and on the sleeves. Typically, outfits are made from white, black and red fabric, most often with polka dots. On top of the dancer's dress is a shawl with long tassels. Sometimes it is tied around the waist to emphasize the gracefulness and slenderness of the artist. The hair is combed back and decorated with either a bright hairpin or flowers. Over time, the classic flamenco dress became the official dress for the famous April Fair in Seville. In addition, every year the capital of Andalusia hosts an international fashion show of flamenco-style dresses.
A male dancer's costume consists of dark trousers with a wide belt and a white shirt. Sometimes the ends of the shirt are tied at the front of the belt, and a red scarf is tied around the neck.
So what is flamenco?
One of those few questions to which there are hundreds of answers. And all because flamenco is not a science, it is a feeling, inspiration, creativity. As the Andalusians themselves like to say: “El flamenco es un arte.”
Creativity that fully describes love, passion, loneliness, pain, joy and happiness... When there are not enough words to express these feelings, flamenco comes to the rescue.
