Flamenco Passion

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that was brought by the gypsies “gitanos” to the Andalusia region in the South of Spain in the 15th century. According to studies, the gypsies came from a region in the North part of India and started to settle in Spain 1447. The name “Gitano” comes from Egiptano, an old Spanish word for Egyptian.

Flamenco is the perfect blend of passion, mystery and enchantment. As soon as you hear the voice of “El Cantaor” or “La Cantaora” you can feel, even without understanding the words, the deep sentiment that is part of every song, known in Flamenco as “El Cante.” The lyrics are the source of inspiration for the guitar player who combines the emotion of the voice with the melodies of the guitar, this is called “El toque” that will set the tone for “El Baile,” the dance.

At the beginning, Flamenco was only voice and the sound of human instruments, as the palm of the hands, then, the Spanish guitar was incorporated and finally the tapping of the feet. Flamenco has different styles grouped into families; it depends on its structure, melodies and themes. Provinces as Cadiz, Malaga and Granada are the main contributors with Seville of all the branches. There are broadly speaking two main styles in Flamenco: the "jondo" - profound and serious, the cry of people oppressed for many centuries; and the "chico" - happy, light and often humorous.



Flamenco is strong and elegant. The costumes help the dancer to maintain grace and posture and the footwork, which has to be impeccable and precise, is re enforce with special shoes or boots. The final touch is given with the sophisticated movement of the arms and hands that will project the mood of the song with specific gestures.

I highly suggest you to go to a “Tablao,” a flamenco show or to a “Peña,” a flamenco club. The wooden floors will vibrate and the ambience will change at the very begging, it is almost instantaneous. Every single step, every single clap, will make your body feel an electrical explosion. The intensity of the sight of the dancers will be so deep that you will be able to feel their heart bit, and before you know it your hands will be dancing on the air. At this point your soul is already taking control of all your movements, let the fibers of your skin experience the