What is Flamenco?
Flamenco is:
- singing ("cante")
- guitar ("guitarra")
- dancing- for men and women, girls and boys ("baile")
- clapping ("palmas")
- encouraging yelling and shouting ("jaleo" )
- percussion, using cajón (percussion box) and dancers' feet
Flamenco can be fast, happy and cheeky, or dramatic, passionate and moving.
Where does it come from?
Flamenco comes from the most southern province of Spain , called Andalucia.
It has influences from the many people who have lived there- the Gypsies, Moors (Arabs), Jews and indigenous Spaniards.
About 500 years ago, the Gypsies, Moors and Jews were persecuted for their beliefs and traditions by the rulers of Spain and were forced to hide in the hills of Andalucia. Here, their traditions and art forms mingled with each other and with local Spanish folk arts, and flamenco began.
Because of hard times, many of the first flamenco dances and songs were sad and about struggles- but over time, as Spain and flamenco changed, people began to create happy, up-beat dances and music also.
Who does flamenco now?
Flamenco is very popular all over the world - in Japan, U.S.A, South America, Israel, Germany, France, Italy.. and of course Australia! It is still alive and kicking in Spain where many people from all over the world go to study flamenco each year.
Studio Flamenco is grateful for the support of the following organisations:
