Flamenco (Spanish pronunciation: [flaˈmeŋko]), in its strictest sense, is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain, developed within the gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia
In 2010, UNESCO declared flamenco one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
El baile flamenco is known for its emotional intensity, proud carriage, expressive use of the arms, and rhythmic stamping of the feet.
“Classical flamenco” is the style most frequently performed by Spanish flamenco dance companies. It is danced primarily in a proud and upright manner. For women, the back is often held in a marked back bend. Unlike the more gitano-influenced styles, there is little movement of the hips, the body is tightly controlled, and the arms are long, like a ballet dancer.
Modern flamenco is a highly technical dance style requiring years of study. The emphasis for both male and female performers is on lightning-fast footwork performed with absolute precision.
The singer recounts daily life stories that reflect an outcast subculture’s experiences. The dancer is the protagonist of the singer’s narrative and its interpreter. The baile is a sensuous display of fluid motion, stylized yet highly personal, involving movement of the arms and upper torso, hand and finger movement, footwork, and heelwork.
Male dancers usually perform intricate footwork, whereas female dancers, traditionally wearing elaborately ruffled dresses, emphasize the hands and upper torso. The guitarist keeps the rhythm (compás) necessary to the dancer’s rhythmic cadences.
I’ll leave you with this virtuoso dancing performance.
Visit Southern Spain, which includes the Andalucia & Costa del Sol regions, if you want to see live flamenco performances & so much more.
If you’re lucky, the dancers may invite you to dance with them on stage!
#tbex #tbexmarbella #tbexandalucia
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