La historia del baile - Flamenco

Summary

Flamenco, originating from Andalusia in Spain, is a passionate art form combining guitar, singing, dance, clapping, and traditional costumes. Once considered a dance of the oppressed, today it transcends social classes and is a vibrant part of cultural life. Flamenco expresses deep emotions, from sadness to joy, through intricate movements and rhythms. While rooted in centuries of cultural influence, it has evolved over time, incorporating instruments like the guitar, cajón, and flute. Flamenco has become a global phenomenon, with its rhythm and energy capturing hearts worldwide, especially in places like Japan, where it has become a second home.

Takeaways

• 😀 Flamenco originated in the Andalusian region of Spain and combines guitar, singing, dancing, Palmas, and beautiful traditional costumes.
• 😀 Historically, flamenco was considered the music of the poor and oppressed, but today it transcends class boundaries and is embraced as a lifestyle by its practitioners.
• 😀 Flamenco is driven by passion, with dancers like the bailadora captivating audiences with their gaze, hand movements, arm swings, and foot stomping.
• 😀 Once viewed as a vulgar and low-class dance, flamenco is now regarded as one of the most exclusive art forms and is recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2010.
• 😀 Daniela Geller, a professional dancer, explains that flamenco's origins are deeply tied to the feelings and experiences of those who created it, with songs expressing emotions such as sadness, solitude, and joy.
• 😀 Flamenco has influences from various cultures, including Romans, Greeks, Muslims, and Turks, which is reflected in its diverse styles.
• 😀 Flamenco can be divided into two main categories: 'cante jondo' (deep song) which deals with emotions like sadness and solitude, and 'fiesta cante' (festive song) which includes lively styles like alegrías and bulerías.
• 😀 While flamenco is traditionally a solo dance, it can also be performed in 'fergas flamencas,' where dancers gather to experience the flamenco spirit together.
• 😀 Flamenco is not just a dance but an emotional expression—bailadoras convey their feelings through movements, translating emotions like sadness or happiness into their dance.
• 😀 The flamenco guitar, initially accompanied only by voice and hand clapping, has evolved with the addition of instruments like the cajón and flute, although the flamenco guitar still leads the performance.
• 😀 Flamenco music is classified into different 'palos' or styles, each based on unique rhythms and time signatures, such as sevillanas, alegrías, and tangos.
• 😀 Flamenco is an adaptable, living art form that resonates globally, with Japan becoming a significant center for flamenco culture, even hosting more academies than Spain itself.

Q & A

What is the origin of flamenco?

Flamenco originated in the region of Andalusia, Spain. It combines guitar, singing, dancing, clapping (Las Palmas), and traditional costumes.

How was flamenco traditionally perceived?

Flamenco was traditionally known as the music of the poor and oppressed. However, today, it is not associated with any particular social class and is practiced by people from all backgrounds.

What makes flamenco a unique form of expression?

Flamenco is characterized by its passion, with the dancer (bailadora) expressing emotions through her gaze, hand movements, arm gestures, and footwork, creating a full, immersive cultural experience.

How has flamenco evolved over time?

Flamenco, once considered vulgar and low, is now considered one of the most exclusive forms of art and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2010.

What role does the emotional aspect play in flamenco?

Flamenco conveys deep emotions such as sadness, solitude, and joy through its lyrics and music. The dancers express these feelings during performances, making flamenco not just a dance but an emotional and artistic expression.

What are the two types of cante in flamenco?

The two types of cante in flamenco are 'cante jondo' (which conveys sadness and solitude) and 'fiesta cante' (which expresses joy).

What are some influences on the development of flamenco?

Flamenco has influences from various cultures, including the Romans, Greeks, Muslims, and Turks, contributing to its rich and diverse heritage.

How is flamenco performed?

Flamenco can be performed individually or in a group setting, such as a 'ferga flamenca,' where dancers gather to share the experience and express the art form together.

What is the significance of the guitar in flamenco?

The flamenco guitar plays a central role in the performance, guiding the dancer through the rhythm and pace. While flamenco began with just the voice and clapping, guitar, cajón, and other instruments were gradually incorporated.

How is flamenco practiced outside of Spain?

Flamenco has spread worldwide, with Japan being one of its largest centers outside Spain. In fact, Japan has more flamenco academies than Spain itself, highlighting its global appeal.