The Art of Flamenco Dance

When Eastern and Western influences converge in the realm of gypsy music

During my travels in Spain and Portugal, I was fortunate to witness two Flamenco dance shows—one at a local inn in Granada and another at a performance center in Seville.

Personally, I found the experience at the local inn more captivating, perhaps because of the close proximity and the dancers' maturity. Their age and seasoned expertise brought a unique passion to their performance. As they danced, I could sense a profound connection to life, expressed through the rhythmic movements. If you were to ask me about a must-not-miss unique experience while traveling in Spain, Flamenco dance would undoubtedly top my list. It's an experience that deserves a place on your itinerary, perhaps more than once, as it did for me.

The Historical Evolution of Flamenco Dance

Flamenco dance has its origins in Andalusia, dating back to the VIII to XV centuries, a period when Spain was under Arab rule. During this time, the music and musical instruments underwent modifications and adaptations by Christians, Jews, and later, the gypsies. This fusion resulted in a hybrid music form distinct from its original influences.

Between 1765 and 1860, the first Flamenco schools emerged in Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, and Triana (Seville). It was during this period that Flamenco dance began to establish itself in ballrooms. Early Flamenco was predominantly vocal, accompanied only by rhythmic clapping of hands, known as "toque de palmas." It took dedicated composers like Julián Arcas to introduce guitar playing to Flamenco.

In its Golden Age (1869-1910), Flamenco further evolved in the numerous music cafés (cafés cantantes) of the era, solidifying into its definitive form. It was during this period that the more profound forms expressing deep emotions, known as "cante jondo," originated. Flamenco dance reached its pinnacle, becoming the main attraction for the audiences of those cafés cantantes.

Flamenco Festivals in Spain

• Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla

• Festival de Jerez

• Suma Flamenca (Madrid)

• Flamenco on Fire (Pamplona)

• Bienal de Arte Flamenco de Malaga