Flamenco is a unique and vital cultural art form. Recognized as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO in 2010, Flamenco is a powerful tool to encourage cultural sensitivity. With its roots in Romani, Sephardic, Arabic, African and Andalusian traditions and its Latin American influences, Flamenco carries the message of inclusion and community. It is truly multigenerational, open to all regardless of age, race, gender or ability. Many Flamenco traditions are passed down through families, and in its most quotidian form it is practiced at family gatherings.

With its base in sung poetry and complex rhythmic structure, Flamenco for many years was considered the dominion of Andalucian Gypsies*. As Flamenco began crossing the Spanish borders in the 40’s and 50’s, and found its way to the big stage and the silver screen, the evolution of Flamenco styles began to take root. From the ‘Ballets Flamencos’ to the purist aesthetic of the Farruco family dynasty - Flamenco found enthusiastic audiences all over the world. Since then, a variety of styles have managed to coexist and flourish both in and out of Spain.

Aspiring flamencos (in dance, guitar or cante) are encouraged to develop their personal style along with a solid understanding of the basics. This includes the various flamenco styles and their corresponding rhythms, improvisational skills and strong musical communication. The most intriguing and elusive aspect of Flamenco is the level of improvisation that occurs between dancers and musicians. Even when a number is highly choreographed, each artist is poised to capture the nuance of their fellow performers. Flamenco artists pride themselves on their ability to adapt to changing musical circumstances and improvise on the spot. This experience of being completely in the moment gives rise to the ‘duende’ or spirit of Flamenco.

*The word Gypsy is used here as a direct translation of ‘Gitano’  the preferred term of the Spanish Roma in self reference.

Key Elements 

The key elements in flamenco are cante (song), baile (dance), guitarra (guitar), compás (rhythm). The cante is widely considered to be the basis of Flamenco and the origin of the art form. Rooted in the cultural melting pot of Andalucia, some believe that the cante developed as a sort of social protest in the years following the Inquisition. One thing is certain - it is a song of lament or of celebration  -  the simple, profound poetry of everyday living. Flamenco is a part of everyday life in Andalucia, particularly in Gitano communities. There is a generous spirit of community and sharing (mucha fiesta!!!) in flamenco culture. 

Originally, artists (whether they were singers, dancers or guitarists) learned primarily from a family member or through artists in their communities. It wasn’t until the 1940’s that Flamenco was taught in studios. By the 1990’s a few formal schools with a curriculum followed by multiple instructors were established. Prior to that there were (and still are) flamenco studios where multiple teachers impart classes in their own way. Many Spanish instructors travel worldwide regularly to teach workshops and some take up residence in places where flamenco has large followings like the US and Japan.

The learning style in Flamenco has always been more apprenticeship than coursework. There isn’t a set standard for teaching which can make it complicated to understand at the beginning. Each flamenco seeker finds their own unique learning path, choosing the maestros that speak to them. This is part of the beauty and mystery of Flamenco. 

Dance Basics

Flamenco dancers are trained in the following basic skills:

• Posture - how to hold the body for dancing (colocación)

• Arm movements (braceo)

• Hand movements (floreo)

• Footwork (zapateado)

• Marking steps (marcaje)

• Musical understanding - rhythm, structure, singing styles

• Handclapping (palmas)

• Turns (vueltas)

• Other special skills include working with props like bata de cola, castañuelas (castanets), abanico/pericón (fans), bastón (cane), mantón (shawl), etc.

Palos (Flamenco Styles)

The word palo in Flamenco refers to a musical style. The styles are differentiated by the cante (song) and the compás (rhythm). The cante can be divided into six main groups:

Soleá

Siguiriya

Toná

Tango

Regional Folklore

Folklore/Fandango

From these main groups you have subcategories. For example, the soleá family includes soleá, soleá por bulerías, bulerías, alegrías, etc.

The rhythms you find in Flamenco can be divided into three main groups:

12 count 

8 count

6 count

The word compás refers to rhythm in general and is also used to refer to one measure of 12 beats, 8 beats or 6 beats as the case may be.

Introductory Vocabulary list

Baile - dance

Bailaor/bailaora - flamenco dancer

Bailarín/bailarina - dancer

Cante - the sung poetry at the heart of Flamenco

Colocación - posture (bien colocado/a - good posture)

Compás - rhythm, also one measure

Eje - axis, center of the body

Escobilla - footwork section

Floreo - hand movements

Golpe - whole foot striking the floor

Jaleo - words of encouragement given to flamenco performers

Llamada - call used to make a transition, often to bring in the singer

Marcaje - marking steps

Palmas - rhythmic hand clapping

Palo - flamenco style

Planta - ball of foot striking the floor

Punta - toe of foot striking the floor

Remate - a close/finish of a musical idea

Tacón - heel striking the floor

Vuelta - turn

Zapato - shoe

Zapateado - footwork