Flamenco dancing is one of the three essential elements of the flamenco art form. It originated in what is now Spain, and was heavily influenced by the local gypsy population, the Gitanos. A large portion of the musical stylings and dance movements are derived from Jewish and Moorish cultures.
The guitarra, or guitar playing, cante, or song, and baile, or dancing, are the three main forms of flamenco. It’s difficult to distinguish between the cante and the baile because they both draw on similar traditions and complement one another. Flamenco dancing has been traced back to the second half of the eighteenth century. Around 1800, a number of flamenco schools sprang up in Seville, each with its own unique take on the art.
Originally, only singing and toque de palmas, or hand clapping, were used to accompany the dancing. Although the guitar and other instruments have been introduced, some contemporary flamenco dancing still follows this tradition. Palos is a musical style that encompasses a wide range of cultural and social contexts, as well as simple rhythmic and stylistic variations. Depending on whether the dance is intended to entertain, pursue a lover, or comfort those in need, the actual dancing may take on a variety of styles.
Flamenco dancing is a highly emotional dance form in which the dancer strives to express his or her feelings through movement. Sharp movements and facial expressions are more prominent in this style of dance than in many others, reflecting the desire to express one’s deepest feelings. To convey the desired emotion, the dancer may clap their hands, kick their feet, snap castanets (small handheld percussive instruments), or jerk their body abruptly. Simultaneously, losing control is never an option, and this fiery display is always tempered by maintaining the highest levels of grace and precision in movement.
The most successful flamenco dancers display a quality known as duende, which translates to “fairy” or “goblin,” and denotes a mastery of the art’s emotive flow. At this level of mastery, dancing is a visceral experience that draws the audience in as if they were participants.