So the role of a flamenco dancer is basically interpret with her body the lyrics and the rhythm. As a matter of fact, you will see how the dancer’s facial expressions change throughout the performance to show the explosion of emotions that go along with the music and the lyrics. Then, she will start her intense dance increasing the passion as the cantaor singing rises the emotion. She will spend the first minutes absorbing the strums of the guitar, the clapping, and the singing until the inspiration hits her. In a flamenco show the dancer, whether its a woman or a man, may start the performance standing motionless. She has to be capable of expressing feelings and emotions through the body and of expressing the dance’s alma when dancing and moving, but also when touching, grabbing or caressing her partner if she is dancing with a man like a couple would do. Therefore, the dancer’s body and face expressions are crucial.

It must truly reflect the dance’s essence. Obviously, the duende depends completely on the expression and attitude of the palo that is being performed. They are all extremely important and represent what is traditionally known as the duende of flamenco dancing. Arrogant, strong and masculine movements by the bailaor.Natural, sensitive and flirtatious movements by the bailaora.Sensitivity and profoundness of the movements.The following are flamenco dancing characteristics, and should be respected by the dancers: However, the personal expression of the bailaor (or bailaora) must adhere to the strict framework of flamenco music’s traditions and rhythmic patterns. In this sense, the dancer must follow the music and the singer’s emotions at each moment of the performance. In fact, depending on the criteria of mood intention, the set of melodic phrases and the cultural traditions behind each song, flamenco dance actually can be expresses through more than 50 distinct palos…įlamenco as a whole (singing, music and dance) involve a great deal of personal improvisation. While the common denominators of passion are always present, there is no one single flamenco dance. In other words, the posture of the dancer, the aesthetics and the representation of the dance are essential elements of the performance.

They are, in fact, absolutely necessary for its correct execution. Therefore, it’s obvious that rhythm and expressing feelings are the two most important aspects of this type of dance. As a matter of fact, flamenco dance is the artistic demonstration of very intense emotions. Here is a complete list with all the places where you can see flamenco dancing in Spain.įlamenco dance is the demonstration of a state of mind and of a different way of life. Flamenco is considered as a manifestation of the culture and language of the Andalusian and gypsy populations.

In 2010 flamenco reached a status that no one ever thought possible when it was named as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.Īll types of dance truthfully reflect culture and society and, as you can imagine, flamenco is no exception. It originates from popular and marginal roots that have developed throughout time. Flamenco dance is an art form which was born from the necessity of a group of people to express itself.

Flamingo dance