Flamenco. Before visiting Spain, the word conjured up ideas of loud Spanish guitar music, fervent stomping and frantic clapping. I was sure I'd scream of colossal boredom ten minutes into a Flamenco show!
Oh, contrariamente! I loved it!!
My first experience was in Madrid. The venue was obviously for tourists. But, it was intimate enough that everyone in attendance was within spitting distance of the stage. The dancers performed to delight the audience. Intense footwork, dramatic expression, and artistic movement drew me in. Seriously, I thought the room was going to explode from the crowd's excitement. I left the show eager to learn more about this classic Spanish dance.
My second experience was in Seville. Through a local source, I discovered a quaint neighborhood stage offering Flamenco performances more typical of those danced by the gypsies in the 16th century. Prior to the performance, I spent 30 minutes with a dance student who explained to me the art and history of the dance.
Flamenco is a true mystery to the Spaniards. It's origins are unknown, but it is believed to have come from the gypsies who immigrated to Spain from India around 1500. During that time, the Catholics had defeated the Moors and forbade anything which was not Catholic. Living under extreme suppression, persecution and suffering, the gypsies began to express themselves through song and dance. This is why traditional Flamenco is sad and heartbreaking.
During the 19th century, Flamenco made its way into Andalucia (the southern region of Spain). Since then, Flamenco has taken on several modern forms, including Flamenco-pop, developed in the '60s and '70s and seen mostly in Spanish night clubs.
The art form consists of the cante, the song (the source of inspiration), the guitar, and the dance. I learned from the dance student that each component requires years of study to effectively learn the techniques--universities even offer college degrees in clapping!!
The performance in Seville was arresting. The guitarist picked the strings with ease and grace while the soloist sang with soulful conviction. The dancers took us through a myriad of emotions ranging from despair to celebration. The audience was silent and still, captivated for the entire hour.
Flamenco. A colossal bore? No way! It is a passionate and seductive art form, mysterious and misunderstood. I can't wait for a return trip to see more!
