Andalusia is a melting pot that has been filled with a variety of peoples over the centuries. And flamenco is a “complaining book”, where each of them left his record.
Arabs expelled from the land that became their homeland; Jews forced to accept someone else's faith in order to save their lives; Gypsies who were subjected to constant persecution... They had to merge with another culture, lose traditions, and adapt to new realities. Their music has become a hidden protest against injustice, a complaint against fate, a longing for what has been lost... This is how flamenco was born.
The folklore image of a cheerful Andalusian dancer with a bright flower in her hair is only the external, glossy side. But after listening to what is sung in flamenco, we will see the other side - completely sad and dramatic.
Although the origins of flamenco lie in the Moorish culture, the gypsies had the greatest influence on its formation. Arriving in the XV century. to Andalusia, they reinterpreted local musical traditions in their own way.
A kind of singing - cante - a lively dialogue, communication, improvisation, the "core" of flamenco. Gathered in the courtyard of the house, more like a shack, relatives and neighbors shared sorrows and joys, sang about fate and freedom, prison and death, love and betrayal. Flamenco began with cante, dance and guitar accompaniment came later.
From the backyards of the gypsy districts, flamenco is gradually entering the street. By the end of the XVIII century. it already resounds in the taverns and inns of the Andalusian roads. Professional singers appeared - cantaors, who earned their living by singing sad songs from the soul. They are invited to weddings and other family events.
In Seville, in 1842, the first cafe "specializing" in flamenco opens. Soon such cafes, called cafes cantante, are everywhere and extremely popular. The audience appreciated the passion with which the songs were performed, the music resonated in the hearts of the Spaniards.
Cantante cafes turn into a kind of creative workshops, where the edges of flamenco art are honed, where it rises to heights never seen before.
The competition between singers, dancers and guitarists contributed to the development of different performing styles, genres and forms within flamenco.
The role of dance has increased: now there are songs (atras) specially designed for dance accompaniment.
The era of cafe cantante is the golden age of flamenco. Everything that was created then is a standard; everything that was created later is no longer considered "pure" flamenco.
But by the end of the XIX century. cafes cantante begin to fall into disrepair. The highest income is brought by those establishments where customers themselves dictate the repertoire according to the principle "who pays, he orders the music." There could be no question of any creative growth of the performers. The content of the songs sank to outright vulgarity.
Kante has ceased to be the voice of the soul. Previously, the cantaor owed only to himself and his heart. Now his repertoire is "consumer pop". Flamenco song lyrics turn into a solid melodrama about unhappy love.
Sharp and rough voices leave the stage, giving way to more melodic and beautiful ones. This turning point takes place in the last years of the century.
There are no strict rules in flamenco dance: the dancers improvise, echoing the surging feelings.
The audience has also changed. Born as the music of the poor and eternal wanderers, flamenco is becoming more and more popular among the "golden youth", who superficially perceive only its aesthetic side, as a genre that has neither history nor drama. Having settled in big cities, flamenco turns into a product of mass consumption, into an entertainment industry.
The transformation of flamenco into a spectacular performance could not but be reflected in its artistic level and purity of style. Flamenco was looking for a new form of expression and found it on the stages of large theaters and makeshift venues in bullrings. A new era has begun in the history of flamenco - the most criticized of all the time of its existence.
This direction was called flamenco opera, it was interesting in its own way, but the depth of flamenco expression was lost, and with it the spiritual content.
And on this we would put a fat end ... But the places where the true tradition of the cante continued to live survived. Many performers sought to maintain the purity of style. They were not professionals and kept their skills only for themselves and a narrow circle of connoisseurs.
Real flamenco sounded in some tavern without a random audience, its strength lay in the ability of the cantaor to enjoy his singing himself and convey all its depth to the audience. Giving away a piece of yourself. Thanks to such cantaors, the cante has been preserved in its traditional form to this day.
The year of the second birth of flamenco can be called 1922, when a group of enthusiasts organized a cante jondo festival. Kante hondo are especially emotionally expressive, dramatic, expressive songs. The festival brought together genuine cante jondo tunes, discovered new talents and revived interest in the ancient art of flamenco.
Professionals were not allowed into the festival: the true spirit of flamenco involves feeling, not polished performance.
Romantic Granada proved to be the perfect setting for the festival. For the first time, people started talking about flamenco as an independent genre and folk art, and similar amateur competitions appeared in other cities.
In the image and likeness of the former cafe cantante, tablaos were created - cafes or small theaters with a stage for performances.
Singing is the core of flamenco. But there is no need to offend the dance with attention. Moreover, it is he who serves as one of the main brands of Spain all over the world. And flamenco is associated primarily with dance, or rather, with the classical image of a flamenco dancer - bailaora. A signature detail of the image of bailaora, known to us from films and books - bata de cola - a traditional floor-length dress. Often made of multi-colored material with polka dots (although not necessarily), decorated with frills and flounces. The prototype of this dress was the clothes of gypsies. An elegant play with the hem is an integral part of the performance.
The Spanish shawl is an important attribute of the female flamenco dance. The shawl either twists around the dancer's waist, or falls off her shoulders, drawing the silhouette of a large and restless bird. And, of course, a flower in her hair.
The traditional dress of a male dancer is dark trousers, a belt, and a white or dark shirt with wide sleeves. A short bolero vest called a "chaleko" is sometimes worn over a shirt. If a woman performs a male dance, she puts on a male costume.
The zapateado, the rhythmic drumming sound of the heel and the sole of the boot on the floor, is a characteristic feature of flamenco dance. Previously, zapateado was performed only by male dancers, since such a technique requires considerable physical strength. And has long been associated with masculinity. The movements of the arms, wrists and shoulders were more characteristic of the female dance.
Graceful hand movements express feelings, subconsciously greatly influencing the general perception of the dance by the audience. A kind of hypnosis.
It is believed that castanets are an indispensable element of flamenco dance. However, this is not the case: castanets are borrowed from classical Spanish dances. The purest forms of flamenco avoid the use of castanets: they limit the possibility of passionate and expressive playing of the hands.
A local saying goes: "Whoever talks about the guitar, talks about Andalusia."
The magic of flamenco is in the trinity of guitar, song and dance. The guitar here is not just an accompanist, but the creator of the atmosphere of inspiration so necessary for the singer.
Spain is the birthplace of the guitar. In Andalusia, it became a favorite folk instrument as early as the 13th century, but the unification of the singer cantaor with the guitarist tokaor took place only at the beginning of the 19th century.
At a party, on the street or in the square, as soon as someone had a guitar in their hands, people immediately gathered around, ready to sing and dance. Walking around the city, you could always meet a guitarist surrounded by dancing people.
Stendhal wrote: “Here comes an old beggar, sits down on a bench in front of the inn, tunes his guitar and begins to carelessly strum along the strings. A maid passing by with a jug on her head, hearing the sounds of a guitar, first steps measuredly to the beat of the chant, then begins to bounce, and finally, when she comes level with the blind man, she already dances with might and main, putting a jug of water on the ground.
The mule driver, who was crossing the yard in the distance, carrying a pack saddle, also put aside his burden and began to dance in his turn. Thus, in less than half an hour, 12 Spaniards were dancing around the blind guitarist.
They had little to do with others, not a glimpse of gallantry, everyone danced for their own pleasure. Such is the mysterious Spanish soul.
Most flamenco tokaors do not have musical literacy and do not know the notes. But thanks to their innate musicality, they create improvisations that overshadow the pre-rehearsed playing of the "classics".
Why did the guitar become the main instrument in flamenco? Let's just imagine a cante jondo song played on the piano... On the guitar, each note can be played in different ways, the guitarist creates them, the next note does not sound the same as the previous one. The guitar is close to the human voice in this: it can speak, sing, scream... It makes us perceive the same thing in different ways.
There is a known case when Glinka came to Spain to get acquainted with folk tunes. After talking with one of the well-known tokaors at that time, he wanted to record his works. But nothing came of it: every time he asked to repeat a phrase, the guitarist always played it in a new way.
Tokaors often perform solo. Paco de Lucia, the greatest guitarist of our time, first accompanied the cantaors, and then began to perform independently.
Now let's talk about where you can watch and listen to flamenco. Unlike bullfighting, there are plenty of options here. An arena is not required, numerous creative teams are mobile and ubiquitous. And if you are too lazy to look for flamenco, then it will find you. Right at the hotel. During the season "flamenco show" a couple of times a week will definitely be in yours. Only here you should not waste your precious resort time on it and lubricate the impression. Let them entertain the German pensioners. And we will go, excuse me, to the tablao.
As you already know, tablaos are cafes with a small stage where they perform flamenco. Sometimes quite rude. There are plenty of them on the coast, just tell the taxi driver the magic phrase "flamenco tablao". The guide can also suggest where it makes sense to go in the evening. Well, we will offer several addresses.
Malaga "Vista Andalucia"
Avenida Los Guindos, 29
www.vistaandalucia.com
El Tablao
Calle Arenas, 1
Marbella Donde Maria
Calle Vicente Blasco Ibanez, s/n
Tablao "Flamenco Ana Maria"
Plaza San Francisco, s/n
Torremolinos "Pepe Lopez"
Plaza de la Gamba Alegre
"Los Tarantos"
Avenida Playamar, 51
"La Carreta"
Urb. Eurosol, Local 93-95
Benalmadena "Fortuna Show"
This is not tablao at all, and not quite flamenco. The Spanish ballet is a beautiful and spectacular performance, recommended for a visit.
Seville flamenco festival emblem
Thoughtful and already theoretically trained readers will notice: this is probably also a "lubok" for tourists. Every day playing the same pros. And where is the improvisation on which flamenco is built? Where is suffering and creative flight?
Well, first of all, we are tourists. And secondly, for the first acquaintance with the art of flamenco is quite enough. And you don't have to go far.
Another thing of the feria is the holidays and traditional fairs, during which flamenco takes to the streets. Literally. Here there are amateur performances, and improvisation, and dance songs for your own pleasure.
The most grandiose feria takes place in April in Seville: the status of the capital obliges to keep the brand. In general, there are ferias even in the most provincial Andalusian town. After all, as the classic said, rest is not work.
Seville Sunday after Easter and two weeks after.
Cordoba From 19 to 27 May.
Granada First week of June.
Malaga From 14 to 25 August.
Rhonda First week of September.
Marbella Week "around" June 11th.
Fuengirola First week of October.
Well, if the ferias don’t please you, then the direct road is not festivals, competitions of talents, where real flamenco really sounds.
The largest flamenco festival in Spain takes place every two years, of course, in Seville (www.bienal-flamenco.org). True flamenco lovers come here from all over the world to see the best bailors, cantaors and tokaors. The event is so large-scale that it is comparable to the Olympics in the world of sports. In 2008 the festival will take place from 10 September to 11 October. Lucky to visit - we envy you.
See the schedule of other festivals at www.flamencofestival.info or www.flamenco-world.com - the largest flamenco portal on the Internet.
Flamenco is often confused with Sevillana, an incendiary Spanish folk dance. Many believe that this is one of the types of flamenco. The same bright dresses, castanets, roses in hairstyles ... And at fairs, most often they dance just the Sevillana. But even a spectator inexperienced in the intricacies of choreography will immediately see the difference: Sevillana is a pair dance with a certain “pattern”, and flamenco ... a state of mind.
The first dance dress for a girl in Andalusia can be bought as early as a year. In total, in their lifetime, some ladies manage to change up to 15 dresses worth 300–700 €. And although it is not often possible to flaunt in them, mainly during fairs, no one regrets the money spent.
Materials used in the article
flamenco-world.com and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
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Flamenco is a traditional music and dance style originating from Andalusia (Spain); it is a fusion of musical accompaniment (toque), singing (kante) and dance (baile).
The style is represented by several dozen varieties (more than 50).
Flamenco dances and songs, as a rule, are accompanied by a guitar and percussion: rhythmic clapping of hands (palmas), playing on a percussion box (cajon); sometimes with castanets.
Flamenco performers are called "baylaor" (dancer) and "cantaor" (singer), "tokaor" (guitarist).
Origin
The origins of flamenco can be found in Mauritanian musical culture. Gypsy music also significantly influenced this style - many consider the Spanish gypsies to be the main, true bearers of the style.
In the XV century. gypsies arrived in Spain from the crumbling Byzantium, settled along the southern coast of the country in the province; according to their custom, they began to adopt and rethink local musical traditions, such as Moorish, Jewish and Spanish proper; and from this fusion of musical traditions, rethought first by the gypsies and then by the Spaniards, flamenco was born.
For a long time, flamenco was considered a "closed art", as the gypsies lived as an isolated group; flamenco was formed in narrow circles. But at the end of the XVIII century. the persecution of the gypsies stopped, and flamenco entered the stage of taverns and cantante cafes, gained freedom.
At the end of the XX century. flamenco begins to absorb Cuban melodies and jazz motifs; and, in addition, elements of classical ballet acquired their permanent place there.
The most famous flamenco dancer Joaquin Cortes, who updated the concept of flamenco dance, got rid of it from the "canonical standard" and introduced a new lively stream and expressiveness into it.
The improvisational nature of flamenco, the complex rhythm and specific technique of performance often impede the accurate notation of flamenco melodies. Therefore, the art of both the guitarist and the dancer and the singer is usually passed on from master to apprentice.
Attributes of flamenco dance
An important element of the image of the dancer (bailaora) is the traditional dress, called bata de cola - a typical flamenco dress, usually floor-length, often made of multi-colored polka-dot material, decorated with frills and flounces.
The prototype of this dress was the traditional attire of gypsies. An integral part of the dance is the graceful play with the hem of the dress.
Bailaor's traditional attire is dark trousers, a wide belt, and a white shirt with wide sleeves. Sometimes the edges of the shirt are tied in front at the waist. A short bolero vest called a chaleco is sometimes worn over a shirt.
A Spanish shawl with very long tassels is one of the classic attributes of female flamenco dance: the shawl either twists around the dancer's waist, emphasizing the slender female silhouette, or falls from the shoulders, forming the silhouette of a large, beautiful, restless bird.
Another classic flamenco female attribute is a large fan. There is an opinion about castanets as an indispensable attribute of flamenco dance.
But most often, the rhythm is beaten off by heels (zapateado), snapping fingers (pitos) or clapping palms (palmas). The purest forms of flamenco avoid the use of castanets, as they limit the possibility of passionate and expressive handplay.
Today, modern choreographers are especially interested in flamenco, because they see great opportunities for creativity in this art, for introducing innovations into choreography.
Style classification
Flamenco styles (palos) differ in rhythmic pattern. The most popular palos - tones, solea, fandango and seguiriya (Toña, Soleá, Fandango y Seguiriya) - belong to the category of cante jondo (cante jondo, the most ancient core of flamenco, dating back to the most ancient musical systems of India). The second category is cante flamenco (cante flamenco, includes singing, dancing, and playing the guitar).
Flamenco has had a great influence on many dance and musical styles around the world. In recent decades, mixed varieties of flamenco and other styles have appeared: flamenco pop, flamenco jazz, flamenco rock, gypsy rumba and others.
There are adherents of flamenco who honor its traditions, which has both positive and negative sides.
Strict adherence to tradition makes it impossible to deeply understand flamenco.
Flamenco styles (singing, dancing, melody) are like a living organism, which requires their constant development, and without development there is no life.
But along with the developing flamenco, there is also “flamencology” (a book under this title was written by Gonzalez Clement in 1955 and gave its name to this section of art history), scientists of this direction are studying the origin of flamenco and its “true” style, traditions, etc. .
Until now, along with the supporters of the purity of the flamenco style, there are adherents of its new forms and sounds.
Flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortes is the Roma Ambassador to the European Union.
"Duende" - the soul of flamenco, also translated from Spanish as "fire", "magic" or "feeling". “Only one duende is not capable - to repeat. Duende does not repeat itself, like the appearance of a stormy sea.
Until the second half of the 19th century. Gypsies performed flamenco barefoot.
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Helpful information
Flamenco
Spanish flamenco
Flamenco festivals
Among the most significant cities where flamenco exists today are Cadiz, Jerez, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Barcelona and Madrid. Each of these cities has its own musical specificity, its own traditions and peculiarities.
In Spain
One of the most respected, the largest flamenco festival in Spain takes place every two years in Seville under the name "Bienal de Flamenco". This festival was founded in 1980. True lovers of flamenco come here from all over the world to see the best artists: bailaors, cantaors and guitarists.
In Cordoba, the International Guitar Festival "GUITARRA" is held annually, with a performance at which the glory of talented young guitarists Vicente Amigo and Paco Serrano began.
Annual cante grande festivals, cante flamenco festivals and others take place all over Spain. You can learn more about festivals in Spain and not only from the special news site www.flamencofestival.info.
In Russia
1- Russian Flamenco Festival "Flamenco en Moscu" - held for the first time in 2011. The festival will bring together only the world's outstanding flamenco stars.
Flamenco Festival "¡VIVA ESPAÑA!" in Moscow - an annual event in the world of Spanish musical culture (since 2001).
Petersburg hosts an annual festival called "Northern Flamenco".
In the world of modern guitar music in Kaluga, since 1997, the annual festival "Guitar World" has been operating, the participants of which are various flamenco groups from Russia and Spain, and many bright names of foreign guitarists, from world famous ones, such as Al di Meola (2004) , Ivan Smirnov ("talisman" of the festival), Vicente Amigo (2006), Paco de Lucia (2007) and others.
In other countries
Every year, since 2004, the Flamenco Festival in London has been held in February. One of the largest flamenco festivals outside of Spain has been taking place in the American city of Albuquerque, New Mexico for over 20 years.
Notable flamenco artists
- Niña de los Peines, Lola Flores, Fosforito, Niña de La Puebla
- Carmen Amaya
- Ramon Montoya Sr., Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Manolo Sanlúcar, R. Riqueni, Paco Serrano, Rafael Cortes (Rafael Cortes) (guitar)
- Antonio Gades and Mario Maya (dance)
- Camaron de la Isla and Enrique Morente (singing)
- Blanca Del Rey
- Antonio Canales
- Antonio el Pipa, Javier Martos (dance)
- Jose Reyes (guitar, singing)
- Gipsy Kings (guitar, singing)
- Santa Esmeralda (disco, plus guitar)
- Rocio Marquez
- Lena Hernandez
- Eva La Yerbabuena
Flamenco is a traditional music and dance style that has long become the hallmark of the country. Dynamic, bright, sensual, passionate, deep and sometimes dramatic, flamenco is a whole art that perfectly conveys the spirit of Spain and its people.
Flamenco is often called a dance, which is not entirely correct. Flamenco in Spain is a synthesis of dance, music and song. With guitar melody, hand clapping, heel tapping, voice acting, dance moves and, of course, Spanish temperament, flamenco performers are able to evoke the strongest emotions in the audience.
History of flamenco
The history of flamenco in Spain dates back to the 15th century, when gypsies began to move here from Byzantium. Gypsy tribes settled on the southern coast of the country in the region of Andalusia near the cities of Seville, Cadiz and Granada. Having moved to Spain, the new settlers could not abandon their own culture - dances, music and songs, nevertheless, over time, they began to adopt the traditions of the Moors, Jews, Jews and Spaniards who lived here earlier. It was then, thanks to the mixture of several cultures, that the flamenco style, which is so popular now, was born.
Flamenco in Spain
For many years, flamenco was known only in isolated gypsy settlements. Only by the end of the 18th century, after the weakening of the persecution, the gypsies were able to bring their culture to the masses. Flamenco began to be performed in taverns and other public places.
Like any living organism, the art of flamenco has evolved. In the XX, Cuban culture, jazz motifs and even classical ballet had a huge influence on the style of performance.
Flamenco classification
Flamenco is usually divided into two large classes - traditional and modern.
Flamenco in Spain The traditional flamenco of Andalusia is called "Kante hondo" (Spanish Cante hondo / jondo) or Kante grande (Spanish Cante grande), which literally means a serious, high, dramatic style.
Younger, modern flamenco is called "Cante chico" (Spanish: Сante chico) - a small, lightweight style.
In both flamenco classes there are guitarists (Spanish guitarristas), dancers (Spanish bailarínes), singers (Spanish сantantes), but sometimes in Cante Jondo the dance can only be performed with singing, and in Cante Chico, on the contrary, they can a wide variety of musical instruments can be used.
Flamenco can be performed by one or more dancers.
Flamenco in Spain Both classes of flamenco are divided into smaller genres and styles (in Spanish - Palos), of which there are several dozen. The difference between them can be so minimal that only professionals can attribute them to one genre or another.
Flamenco Attributes
Flamenco in Spain is held in special halls called tablao (Spanish: tablao). Tablaos are equipped with a stage and an auditorium, usually with tables.
Flamenco in Spain The typical dress of a flamenco dancer, the bailaora, comes from the traditional dress of the gypsies and is called "bata de cola". A floor-length red dress, as a rule, is decorated with many frills or waves and has a puffy hem, which plays an important role in the dance. Also, a bailora dress can be sewn from polka dot fabric. As an accessory, a shawl with a long fringe, a fan or castanets can be used. It is worth noting that castanets are used quite rarely, as they limit the movement of the dancer's hands. Instead, the rhythm is kicked or clapped.
A flamenco dancer, a bailaor, wears black trousers, a white shirt with a wide sash, and sometimes a short vest.
Flamenco on the Costa Blanca
Flamenco on the Costa Blanca is not as widespread as in its homeland in the Andalusia region. Nevertheless, famous Spanish bands often come here on tour. Their performances are held in various concert halls, for example, in Benidorm Palace in the city of Benidorm.
Flamenco in Spain The schedule of events can be found on the website.
If you want to visit a real tablao, then you should go to the small town of Santa Pola, located near Alicante. Here it is tablao "Tablao Los Lunares" where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and flamenco.
Representation in Tablao Los Lunares in Santa Pola lasts about an hour and a half. During the show, at least four performers will perform in front of you - dancers, singers, musicians. Also, performances by invited guests often take place here.
Shows are held on Friday and Saturday at 23:30 and on Sunday at 22:00.
Ticket price:
Flamenco + drink: €12
Flamenco + dinner: 27 euros.
website.
Tablao Los Lunares is located at: Avenida Escandinavia, 72. Gran Alacant (Santa Pola) CP 03130.
Also, flamenco can be seen near the city of Torrevieja, it is called "Villa Salada" and is open from May to September.
Not only traditional flamenco concerts are held here, but also performances with Andalusian horses.
Flamenco takes place every Thursday and Saturday, starting at 20:00. Flamenco + show with horses - every Friday at 20:00.
Ticket price for an adult starts from 10 to 55 euros depending on the type of show, location and menu availability.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website.
Villa Salada address: 3.3 km highway Torrevieja - Alicante (CV905), 5 minutes from Carrefour hypermarket.
Flamenco is a Spanish musical style that combines singing (usually there are few words in songs), dance and musical accompaniment (usually danced to a guitar, hand and heel strikes are made according to a predetermined tempo).
What is flamenco.
Spanish flamenco dance is very popular today. Many true connoisseurs of flamenco have come up with many ramifications and variations in his style.
It was shaped by the rich historical heritage that the Spanish land has been exposed to. Arabs, Byzantines, Hindus and Greeks, Gypsies and Spaniards have minted the sides and images of flamenco for centuries.
The history of flamenco goes back to the distant past - about 500 years ago. But the gypsies played a special role. In the 15th century they arrived in the Iberian Peninsula from Asia. Settling in the historical region of Andalusia, over the years the Byzantine gypsies mingled with the local population.
Since the gypsies are famous for their ability to sing and dance, a piece of gypsy music and dance mixed with Spanish, which eventually grew into something similar to today's flamenco. But only 3 centuries later, a guitar was added to this style, without which today's flamenco is unthinkable.
Spain is always open to tourists and travelers who are not indifferent to music, dancing and singing. This country can truly amaze with its charm and charm, and ancient folklore can lure you headlong into a pool of passion and madness, because flamenco is not just a dance, it is folklore mixed with music, as well as the feelings of the dancer and his soul.
Where can you see flamenco in Spain.
Spain provides the opportunity to see a live dance performance (there you can also try all the variety):
- 2 times a year, the festival is called "Bienal de Flamenco" (free entrance). The festival lasts 28 days. The history of this festival is 35 years old, but it has already gained popularity in many parts of the world as the most chic and grandiose flamenco festival in Spain;
- in addition to the festival in Seville, in local tablaos (tablao is a bar where flamenco dance is performed), you can get acquainted with flamenco at any time of the year. The most popular tablaos are: Casa Anselma (starting at 24:00, daily, admission is free), Los Galos (starting at 20:00, daily, admission 35 euros per person), Auditorio Alvarez Quintero (starting at 19:00) , daily, entry 17 euros per person).
In other cities, Spanish flamenco dance is also popular and in demand among tourists and travelers:
- in Jerez - the festival "Fiesta de la Bulerie" takes place once a year, the date must be specified on the city's website;
- in Cadiz - you can visit the local tablaos of the city and feel the beauty of flamenco;
- in Barcelona - the autumn flamenco festival takes place in the Cordobes tablao (minimum entry fee 45 euros per person), where the best Catalan flamenco performers perform;
- in Granada - in the local tablaos of the city;
- c - in the tablao Villa Rosa (min. cost - 32 euros per person), tablao Corral de la Moreia (min. cost - 39 euros per person);
- in Cordoba - in the local tablaos of the city.
Flamenco in the caves of Granada.
In addition to festivals and tablaos, flamenco has its roots deep in, where local gypsies dance zambra in the caves of Mount Sacromonte. Granada is considered the birthplace of the Zambra, as this dance was born here, in which guitar motifs are closely intertwined with singing.
The Spanish gypsies in Granada have been keeping the secret of performing real flamenco for 5 centuries, which is kept secret and passed only from parents to children.
With a strong desire, true connoisseurs of flamenco can visit Granada and the Sacromonte caves in September from anywhere in the world, because today any travel organization offers a wide range of vouchers and pleasant discounts for tourist groups.
While in Spain or in Granada, visiting the caves with the performance of the Spanish flamenco dance will be free.
And you know that...
Spanish flamenco dance over its long history of existence has acquired legends, amazing stories and interesting facts. Among the most notable events are the following:
- almost to the end of the 19th century. the gypsies danced barefoot;
- the dancer J. Cortes is the ambassador of all gypsies in the EU;
- a flamenco guitar made of cypress;
- an amazing sound from playing the guitar is obtained due to the short and strong blows of the guitarist on the strings;
- usually the performer comes up with the words of the song right off the bat, without much preparation and a pre-planned context;
- usually the flamenco guitarist is considered the most important link and the most revered among the entire dance team;
- almost 90% of flamenco guitarists do not know the notes;
- there are varieties of flamenco: flamenco rock, jazz and pop;
- until the end of the 18th century, flamenco existed only in a narrow circle of gypsy families;
- each Spanish city has its own kind and form of flamenco;
- the largest festival dedicated to flamenco takes place in Seville;
- in Barcelona, in honor of the dance, a restaurant and a museum were opened.
Spain, Flamenco. What kind of dance style is this, which is known far beyond the borders of its homeland and does not leave anyone indifferent ... Originating in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, combining emotional dance, guitar, percussion and singing, flamenco won the souls of many ... Read more about the history of flamenco read this article...
Flamenco is represented by many varieties, it is dance, musical accompaniment in the form of a guitar and percussion (kijon, castanets and rhythmic clapping of hands) and emotional singing. Since 2010 this dance has the status of a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).
The flamenco dancer is called bailaora, and the traditional dress in which she dances is bata de cola (bata de cola), the length of which reaches the floor, with frills and frills, which resembles the attire of gypsies. The hem of the dress is gracefully used during the dance, as is the shawl with long tassels, which is an important part of the female flamenco dance. Bailaor is a flamenco dancer wearing a white shirt with a wide belt and dark trousers.
History of flamenco
The roots of flamenco go back to the distant past - during the reign of the Moors and the appearance of gypsies in Spain, however, it is difficult to say the exact date of the emergence of flamenco. It is also believed that the emergence of flamenco in its classical form was played by Jewish and Christian cultures, gypsy and Spanish. Each culture has brought something of its own to this emotional dance. And in the 20th century, flamenco absorbed Cuban melodies, jazz motifs, and some elements of classical ballet appeared in the dance.
There are two main categories of flamenco:
- Cante jondo (Kante hondo) is the oldest branch of flamenco. It includes the following forms of flamenco (palos) - Toná, Soleá, Seguiriya, Fandango.
- Cante flamenco (Cante flamenco), which includes alegrías, bulerías, farruca.
In both categories, there are 3 types - singing, guitar and dance, however, in the ancient types of flamenco there is practically no musical accompaniment. In modern types of dance, one can often find a variety of musical instruments - from the violin to exotic instruments of Latin America, such as Cajon, Darbuca, Bongo.
Flamenco festivals.
Once every 2 years, in Seville, you can visit the most significant flamenco festival - Bienal de Flamenco, which began to be held in 1980. However, other flamenco and guitar festivals take place throughout Spain every year. The main cities of holding are Cadiz, Cordoba, Jerez,
