Flamenco Dance

Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art, and to be more exact a genuine Southern Spanish art. It exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing.
The first time Flamenco is reported on in literature is in the "Cartas Marruecas" of Cadalso, in 1774. Its cradle most probably was where, between 1765 and 1860, the first Flamenco-schools were created: Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Triana (Seville).
Flamenco is a Spanish art form with roots deep in Andalusia — Spain’s southern region. Although there are clues as to how this dance and folk music evolved, the details are lost in history.Flamenco’s characteristicsFlamenco combines acoustic guitar playing, singing, chanting, dancing and staccato handclapping. The flamenco dancer performs with passion, fervor, even tortured expressions but always striving for grace and dignity.

Types of FlamencoThere are more than a dozen varieties of flamenco songs. Many are laments. One classic type, the petenera, tells the story of a beautiful girl named Petenera who brings tragedy to herself and her village.Some songs are named after the Andalusian towns in which they are popular: granadinas (Grenada), malagueñas (Malagá), rodeñas (Ronda) and sevillanas (Seville). Words tend to be arbitrary, and the songs seem to have as many versions as there are singers.While flamenco songs and dances may differ with the performer and the location, they all have one element in common — emotion. Flamenco done right creates a profound, moving experience.Where to see flamencoUnfortunately, much flamenco today is staged for tourists and just doesn’t cut it. The performers may go through the motions, but they lack duende.Your best opportunities to see good flamenco will be at the flamenco festivals held throughout Andalusia during the summer.Andalusia’s fairs — ferias — held during spring, summer and early fall can also give you a look at fine flamenco. Take a late-evening stroll among the pavilions erected for these events. You can then watch dancing and singing that results from the spontaneous exuberance of Andalusians enjoying themselves.