The culture and history of Spain has always been influenced by many external factors and the location of the nation is one of them. Flamenco dance is one of the best examples to underline this fact. Flamenco is actually a musical genre, specifically belonging to the beautiful region of Andalusia. Though the etymology of the word flamenco is not very clear, it is said to be derived from the Hispanic-Arabic word fellahmengu, meaning - 'expelled people'. At the end of the Moorish reign, the word was used to refer to the Muslim Andalusian people. Initially, the flamenco dance was performed in and for small groups and that too very secretly. With time, it gained popularity and is now a very famous dance form. A brief acquaintance with Spanish history, is very important if we want to know the facts related to flamenco dancing.
History of Flamenco Dance
Andalusia is the extreme southern region of Spain and lies on the northern shores of the Mediterranean sea. It can be considered as the midpoint, that separates middle eastern Asia from Europe. This location had its own share of lows and highs in the formation of Spanish culture and the history of flamenco as well. The region was constantly exploited by many emperors, starting from the Moorish then Persian, Roman, Greek, Sephardis (Jewish) and finally the nomadic kings. These explorers were accompanied by traders, musicians, metal workers, palmists and dancers, who very conveniently mixed up with the local people. These people constantly moved in groups and were known as gitanos or the gypsies. Flamenco was initially the tradition of the Andalusian gypsy community, belonging to the the Guadalquivir valley.
All this started with the famous 'Reconquesta', that took place in the Kingdom of Castilla. It was a fight to get rid of the Muslim community and to get back the Christian honor in the Iberian Peninsula. It lasted for more than 400 years (from 712 AD - 1238 AD). By then all the Muslims were either expelled from the region or were converted to Christianity. In this time period, Flamenco dance was performed by the gypsies to express their anguish and despair, of what they went through, during 'Reconquesta'. It was the year 1782, when the Leniency Edict of Charles III, gave the gypsies a right to perform the dance in public.
During the Phoenician empire, Hindu dancers were chartered in the city of Cadiz, to entertain the people at the time of religious festivals. This embedded the Indian dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakal and Nianipuri in the flamenco. Flamenco got influenced by these dances and included the turnout leg position, angled body and arms, spread out fingers, rapid zooming turns and the percussive movements of feet along with the flamenco music and clapping of hands!
Facts about Flamenco Dance
The late 18th century was the period when flamenco was on total ascension. Performed at the 'cafés cantantes', it was really the time when flamenco dance was completely professionalized and taken to a newer level. With the passage of time a lot of improvisations happened and now flamenco has more than 50 musical styles, known as 'palos'. These styles are classified on the basis of their rhythmic patterns, modes, geographic origin, chord progression and the formation of stanzas. It was the time when the variegation occurred in the types of performing flamenco. Before it was permitted legally, flamenco was as if a private ritual for the gypsies, who performed the dance hidden from the other people.
Flamenco dance is combination of dance steps with the Andalusian folklore, folk songs and instruments of Mozarabic origin. Instruments like, tambourines, finger cymbals known as 'Castanets' and other tuneful musical instruments are also an integral part of the dance form. Flamenco dance is also greatly influenced by the Moroccan 'Shikhat' and African dance forms. The very first flamenco cante jondo (deep song), was a passionate cry of despair of the poor and marginalized Andalusian peasants. Every performance used to carry a message and it was conveyed through the rhythm of the flamenco guitar along with the chaps of the dancer and also the applauds from the audience. All these make flamenco an extremely passionate dance form, that touches the deepest of human emotions.
One simply cannot tell apart the flamenco music from Spanish flamenco dancing. Flamenco music is the inherent part of the Spanish culture, deeply influenced by various cultures but still totally distinguished. Songs, guitar and the dance are its 3 components. The melodious synthesis of all these integral parts of flamenco makes it a great dance form. The male flamenco dancer is known as 'bailaor' and the female, 'bailaora'. They wear some atypical theatrical flamenco dancing costumes. A bailaor wears a tight black or red tuxedo and flat Cordoban hats, while bailaoras wear a long and beautiful frilled dresses called bata de cola, colored black, white, red, blue and sometimes pink, accompanied with a shawl, high heels and a fan. They also wear a rose behind their ears.
Flamenco fiestas are organized in all the regions of Spain, but Andalusia is still holding the platform. Seville, Granada, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera are the three places famous for flamenco dances in Andalusia, where various flamenco dance shows are organized on the streets. There are numerous penas (flamenco clubs), in which the dance is performed and practiced on a regular basis. The flamenco dance is one of the best tourist attractions in Spain.
The popularity of flamenco dance is touching the skies even in the modern day Spain. Advent of the mass media, has taken flamenco dance, which started as an emotional outburst of the gypsies, to the world. Flamenco, has now become one of the most popular dancing styles in the world. Keeping the facts about flamenco dancing in mind, Venga, bailamos!!!
Showing posts with label Flamenco Dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flamenco Dance. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Flamenco - Passion and Expression in Spanish Dance
The centuries have seen flamenco progress from sombre, home based songs expressing feelings of hardship, to popular stage shows throughout the world. First performed by gypsies, it is an expressive form of dance, which has its roots in Andalucia, Spain.
Flamenco dancing is an expressive form of dance, which has its roots in Andalucia, Spain and more specifically, according to some experts, in Jerez de la Frontera. It originated among Indian gypsies who had arrived and settled in Spain after travelling around Europe in the early part of the 15th century, to later be joined by others who came from North Africa.The gypsies brought with them their own language, Romano, and an oriental style of music never before heard on the Spanish mainland. As the centuries passed, the cultures of the local population of Jews and later the Moors all had an influence on the gypsy music with elements from their musical styles being incorporated.
From their arrival in Spain, the gypsies were classified as outcasts of society and special laws were made specifically for them. Forced to live in camps as they were not allowed to own any property, many took up work in local mines or in the fields of the region leaving those with any sort of skill to make a slightly better living in work such as blacksmiths and jewelers.
The people were treated badly and the flamenco song (the cante) was initially performed at family gatherings as a way to express feelings of depression and misery. During the early years, flamenco is thought to have been entirely a vocal art form, which was accompanied by the rhythmic clapping of hands.
King Carlos III changed the fortunes of the gypsies in the 18th century when he removed their specific laws and gave them the same rights as other Spanish citizens; however, this did not remove the stigma of mistrust that the Spanish people had of them. Due to their newfound freedom, the gypsies were able to improve their financial status and some of the previously out of reach items such as musical instruments became within their means, hence the arrival of the guitar (el toque) and its addition to the cante.
As the flamenco style of music became more popular near the end of the last century, performers began to appear at parties of the richer members of society with professionals staging the music and dance, the most popular of which were the fandangos, at ‘cafes cantantes’.
The ‘opera flamenca’ period followed as the flamenco gained in popularity and began to appear in theatre stage shows. These, however, tended to focus more on the melodic style of music – cante bonito – which did not express the passion as much as the early gypsy styles.
As the Second World War progressed through Europe there was little prospect of performances on stage, but during the 1950s festivals in Andalucian towns such as Malaga, Jerez and Cordoba rekindled public interest producing a new generation of performers.
The motions and facial expressions of the female flamenco dancers can be compared to those of Oriental dancers with the only exception being that they are more forceful. Each style of dance uses a handheld musical instrument - the flamenco dancer, castanets and the oriental dancer, finger cymbals – however; the cymbals used in flamenco are not traditional and have only been in use for the last 100 years or so.
The centuries have seen flamenco progress from sombre, home songs expressing feelings of hardship to popular stage shows throughout the world that continues to be developed.
Written by Mark Buckingham for Rentaccomspain.com. Rent or buy your perfect Spanish retreat direct from the owner.
History of Spanish Flamenco Dance
Think of the fire, the passion and the defiance of those stomping feet, for these are what make the Spanish flamenco dance an integral part of Spain's culture. With its roots deeply embedded in Andalusia, the southern region of Spain, flamenco is a passionate music and dance form, of the gypsies or Spain's outcast populations. Although the origins of the dance form and the etymology of the word itself cannot be deciphered exactly, it is believed that the origin of flamenco stems from the Greek, Roman and then from the Indian, Moorish and the Jewish cultures.
It was during 800 and 900 A.D. that nomadic groups from India, moved to Spain. Believed to be members of the lower castes in India, called the untouchables, this group comprised of musicians, dancers, traders, palmists and metal workers. Referred to as the gypsies, they are said to have initiated and maintained this underground art form. The spread of the dance form can be attributed to the 'Inquisition of Reconquista' during which the Kingdom of Castilla decided to get rid of the minorities living in Spain, targeting specifically the Arabs, Jews and the Indian gypsies. While some people turned to Christianity or left the country, others formed a band of fugitives and fled to the mountainous region of Spain. It was here that the dance form was developed in defiance of the persecution and anguish of the injustice meted out by the government.
It was the 'Leniency Edict' of Charles III in 1782, which restored the freedom to the Spanish gypsies and allowed the dance form to be presented in public. With the intermingling of various cultures with the existing dance and music culture of Andalusia, the present form of the Spanish flamenco dance evolved.
Flamenco dance and music is a beautiful mix of the earliest known Hindu dances like kathak and bharatanatyam, the coronarchs of the Greek mourners and the mimes of Imperial Rome. During the 18th and the 19th century, flamenco saw its golden age, with flamenco fiestas and the day-long social gatherings. Cafes, where flamenco was performed, became widely popular. However, with the advent of the 20th century, most of its traditional roots have been lost with the influences of tourism and entertainment.
There are three facets of flamenco which are the 'toque' or guitar music, the 'cante' or the song and the 'baile' or the dance. Although each of these forms can stand alone, traditional flamenco incorporates all the three. The dance itself is visually arresting with rapid fire footwork, graceful hand movements and sharp turns. One of the most stunning features of this dance is the improvisation by the dancers, who let the music and the rhythm spark the 'duende' or the internal force which inspire the dance to start. Usually, the flamenco is performed solo, however, the duets by a man and woman are the most fascinating ones to watch. The dancers keep their eyes locked on one another, building off one another in a competition which is marked by sexual tension and emotion. The song and dance may be accompanied by 'jaleo' or loud clapping, rhythmic finger snapping and shouting. Most of the elements in the dance, like the out turned leg positions, rapid barrel turns, splayed fingers and foot movements, bear a strong resemblance to the eastern dance forms.
What developed as a form of personal expression by the gypsies and other minorities during the revolution, has now become a highly polished art form with countless aficionados world-wide, with the advent of the mass media. The history of the dance form is a testimony to the change and adaptation process where one culture is influenced by another, each contributing to the beauty of the flamenco dance form.
It was during 800 and 900 A.D. that nomadic groups from India, moved to Spain. Believed to be members of the lower castes in India, called the untouchables, this group comprised of musicians, dancers, traders, palmists and metal workers. Referred to as the gypsies, they are said to have initiated and maintained this underground art form. The spread of the dance form can be attributed to the 'Inquisition of Reconquista' during which the Kingdom of Castilla decided to get rid of the minorities living in Spain, targeting specifically the Arabs, Jews and the Indian gypsies. While some people turned to Christianity or left the country, others formed a band of fugitives and fled to the mountainous region of Spain. It was here that the dance form was developed in defiance of the persecution and anguish of the injustice meted out by the government.
It was the 'Leniency Edict' of Charles III in 1782, which restored the freedom to the Spanish gypsies and allowed the dance form to be presented in public. With the intermingling of various cultures with the existing dance and music culture of Andalusia, the present form of the Spanish flamenco dance evolved.
Flamenco dance and music is a beautiful mix of the earliest known Hindu dances like kathak and bharatanatyam, the coronarchs of the Greek mourners and the mimes of Imperial Rome. During the 18th and the 19th century, flamenco saw its golden age, with flamenco fiestas and the day-long social gatherings. Cafes, where flamenco was performed, became widely popular. However, with the advent of the 20th century, most of its traditional roots have been lost with the influences of tourism and entertainment.
There are three facets of flamenco which are the 'toque' or guitar music, the 'cante' or the song and the 'baile' or the dance. Although each of these forms can stand alone, traditional flamenco incorporates all the three. The dance itself is visually arresting with rapid fire footwork, graceful hand movements and sharp turns. One of the most stunning features of this dance is the improvisation by the dancers, who let the music and the rhythm spark the 'duende' or the internal force which inspire the dance to start. Usually, the flamenco is performed solo, however, the duets by a man and woman are the most fascinating ones to watch. The dancers keep their eyes locked on one another, building off one another in a competition which is marked by sexual tension and emotion. The song and dance may be accompanied by 'jaleo' or loud clapping, rhythmic finger snapping and shouting. Most of the elements in the dance, like the out turned leg positions, rapid barrel turns, splayed fingers and foot movements, bear a strong resemblance to the eastern dance forms.
What developed as a form of personal expression by the gypsies and other minorities during the revolution, has now become a highly polished art form with countless aficionados world-wide, with the advent of the mass media. The history of the dance form is a testimony to the change and adaptation process where one culture is influenced by another, each contributing to the beauty of the flamenco dance form.
Flamenco Dancing Lessons: Flamenco Dance Steps
Flamenco dancing, is an art form that evolved in the Andalusia region of Spain, consisting mostly of the southern part of the country. The dance was mainly a form of expression for the local Gypsies, who are believed to have created the form in harmony with the cultural and nomadic lifestyle of Spain. The dance is typically characterized by a pompous music, singing and dancing accompanied by short claps to differentiate different musical notes, stamping and heel movement in an artistic manner. It is important to understand this context to impart the crucial emotional appeal to the dance. The same dance underwent a revival in the 1950s, when it became more refined, being performed in concert halls, dance auditoriums and acquired a professional character, across the world.
Starting with Flamenco Dancing Lessons
The most important point to begin learning a dance, specially one like flamenco is that, one should not give up. It is not natural for everybody to perform the most graceful movements from the word go. Different people take different time duration, to master the steps. Therefore, relax and remember, trying persistently is the hallmark of a good flamenco dancer. Flamenco dance steps are very rapid, successive movements of the feet, which make that distinctive tapping sound. In order to get those the feet movement should be fast and at the same time each step sound must be clearly distinguished from the other. The best way to achieve perfection in this form, is to break down the steps and master each segment well, before integrating the whole art form.
The most important of flamenco dancing lessons is patience. In flamenco dancing, there is very less scope for a mistake as compared to other forms. The reason is, in flamenco dance, people would notice a wrong step as well as hear a wrong tap. Note, if your steps are out of sync with other dancers. Thus, it may be referred to as a 'double fault'. A correct tap would bring out a distinctive sound, and it will happen only when the heel and toe landing 'flat' together to get that characteristic sound. The tap should be such that the toe should land first, immediately followed by the heel.
Another important flamenco dance lesson is, to balance the body on the hips top and get the right rhythm out of the tapping sequence. The knee movement should be supple and quick, just as in case of the tap dance. A typical flamenco sequence is a series of five taps. For the sake of convenience, these can be called as 'THHTF'. First give a toe tap, followed by the heel. The heel is quickly lifted to give another tap, which is again followed by a tap by the toe which had stayed out on the floor after the first tap. These movements of the feet on regular practice become more graceful and a quite enjoying experience when accompanied by artistic hand and upper body movement.
Flamenco Dance Costumes
A flamenco dancer, both male and female, have a variety of options to choose from in terms of the costume. However, the mood of the sequence whether sad or a zestful one should be exemplified by the dress. A wide brimmed skirt, traditional fans, shawls (typically manila shawls), flower design patterns and castanets are the typical dance wear for a flamenco performance. The dress should be completely matching with that of the partner or fellow dancers. Shoes must match the requirement and must have nails in the heel and the toes. Men can wear sturdy boots. Women need to be more particular about the flamenco shoes. But in the initial stages, regular, strong and sturdy shoes for both the sexes are recommended over the flamenco ones.
Synchronization, in terms of dance movements, dressing styles and partner compatibility are the main constituents of a rousing flamenco performance.
Starting with Flamenco Dancing Lessons
The most important point to begin learning a dance, specially one like flamenco is that, one should not give up. It is not natural for everybody to perform the most graceful movements from the word go. Different people take different time duration, to master the steps. Therefore, relax and remember, trying persistently is the hallmark of a good flamenco dancer. Flamenco dance steps are very rapid, successive movements of the feet, which make that distinctive tapping sound. In order to get those the feet movement should be fast and at the same time each step sound must be clearly distinguished from the other. The best way to achieve perfection in this form, is to break down the steps and master each segment well, before integrating the whole art form.
The most important of flamenco dancing lessons is patience. In flamenco dancing, there is very less scope for a mistake as compared to other forms. The reason is, in flamenco dance, people would notice a wrong step as well as hear a wrong tap. Note, if your steps are out of sync with other dancers. Thus, it may be referred to as a 'double fault'. A correct tap would bring out a distinctive sound, and it will happen only when the heel and toe landing 'flat' together to get that characteristic sound. The tap should be such that the toe should land first, immediately followed by the heel.
Another important flamenco dance lesson is, to balance the body on the hips top and get the right rhythm out of the tapping sequence. The knee movement should be supple and quick, just as in case of the tap dance. A typical flamenco sequence is a series of five taps. For the sake of convenience, these can be called as 'THHTF'. First give a toe tap, followed by the heel. The heel is quickly lifted to give another tap, which is again followed by a tap by the toe which had stayed out on the floor after the first tap. These movements of the feet on regular practice become more graceful and a quite enjoying experience when accompanied by artistic hand and upper body movement.
Flamenco Dance Costumes
A flamenco dancer, both male and female, have a variety of options to choose from in terms of the costume. However, the mood of the sequence whether sad or a zestful one should be exemplified by the dress. A wide brimmed skirt, traditional fans, shawls (typically manila shawls), flower design patterns and castanets are the typical dance wear for a flamenco performance. The dress should be completely matching with that of the partner or fellow dancers. Shoes must match the requirement and must have nails in the heel and the toes. Men can wear sturdy boots. Women need to be more particular about the flamenco shoes. But in the initial stages, regular, strong and sturdy shoes for both the sexes are recommended over the flamenco ones.
Synchronization, in terms of dance movements, dressing styles and partner compatibility are the main constituents of a rousing flamenco performance.
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