One of the unique dances today is the Flamenco. This dance is rooted deeply in the cultures of Spain, though it is mostly centered in Andalusia, yet included in almost every social event in both European and Spanish countries today. This type of dance is closely followed by the rhythm and tempo of a guitar and the staccato clapping of the audience. Today, it is one of the most celebrated dances in the known world.
History
The Flamenco’s history dates back to the Golden Age of the gypsies, though historians only found vague records in regards to where the dance actually came from. Studies show that the Flamenco is actually more into the category of music than a dance. The music, though its original composition was lost in history, are said to contain influences from Muslim and Christian cultures.
Many researchers believe that the Flamenco did not exist before 1780. Gypsies who were known to dance the Flamenco during their social gathers, mostly in secret, does not know when or where the dance came from — only that it was passed on from generation to generation.
Music
According to research of renowned historians and dance critics, the Flamenco started off as an impromptu dance following a steady beat — mostly staccato clapping of the audience. Later, it was modified its repertoire of movement to follow the complicated harmony produced by the “togue” (flamenco guitar), as well as the rhythmic clapping and stamping of the audience or the band. The dance was later termed as the “baile” — a common social dance of those with Spanish decent.
Live Performance
The Flamenco dance went into the public scene later in the 1869. Due to its popularity, many have utilized its unique and appealing music and dance maneuvers to attract customers to public events and roadside cafes. Later, the dance was introduced as paid performance enjoyed by Spaniards and foreigners.
The year 1869 to 1910 is considered to be the Golden Age of Flamenco. The dance and music evolved as new inspirations and cultures were introduced into the mix. In the 19th Century, Flamenco was introduced in romantic theatrical plays that depict a woman seducing their partners into a web of romantic palette that is a favorite pastime in European countries.
Live Lessons
There is no fixed class in regards to how Flamenco is passed to the next generation. Gypsies passed the culture through watching and listening — inviting their sons and daughters to social gatherings to educate them to the music and body interpretation that resulted in the dance.
This is one reason why the dance routine has shed its traditional form and has succumbed to the changes of modern world. Music critics shed light to the Flamenco being a dance of unlimited possibilities — the creativity and personal interpretation of individual performers and musicians giving light to new maneuvers and techniques that shows the modern Flamenco we know today.
