The Definition of Flamenco

Flamenco is a popular art which embodies joy and pain at the same time and refers to: singing (cante), dancing (baile) and the guitar (toques).

The Origins of Flamenco

Flamenco has its roots in three different cultures which are : the Muslim, Jewish and Andalusia cultures. Even if the origins of the flamenco remains uncertain, some experts acknowledge that Triana (Seville’s neighborhoods) is the birthplace of the art of Flamenco. It is indeed in this city that poets and musicians flew to / found refuge in around the 16th century.

The Evolution of Flamenco

It is only in the late 18th and 19th century that Flamenco began to be recognized and had a social and cultural role first expressed in working places, between friends, during family meetings or even in the tablaos (the old cafés concert). However, Flamenco will soon lose its deep substance and become unpopular.

The 1950’s saw a renewed interest in flamenco. This art will then become more and more popular. We can distinguish between the traditional and the modern schools (inspired by jazz and Latin American music).

Where does the word "Flamenco" come from?

Many different theories exist on the origins of the word flamenco. The most popular one from Blas Infante stated that flamenco derives from an Arabic etymology“felah mengus” which means exiled peasants.

Flamenco Styles

Flamenco embodies several traditional dancing styles characyerized by rhythm or compass.

Flamenco falls into different categories : cante jondo or cante grande (which Soleares and Peteneras belong to), the cante intermedio (with Granadina, Buleria and Tango) and the cante chico (with alegrias and sevillana for example).

Flamenco Artists

Among the most famous flamenco artists are Antonio Ruiz Soler, Joaquin Cortès, Antonio Gades, Sara Baras and Cristina Hoyos.

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