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Flamenco is a fiery, sensual dance, full of energy and temperament. For many who came into contact with it, it has become a lifelong passion. Maybe because flamenco is a great way to maintain not only good physical condition, but also mental balance.

Theflamencoconsists of dancing, but also distinctive music and singing. If, under the influence of these pulsating, thrilling rhythms, you feel that you want to dance right away, be sure to sign up for classes. There are practically no age or he alth restrictions, what counts is enthusiasm, because flamenco is not about perfecting your movements, but about expressing your own emotions.

Contents:

  1. Flamenco dance history
  2. Characteristics of flamenco dance
  3. Basic steps and flamenco outfit
  4. Flamenco music
  5. Advantages and effects of flamenco dancing

Flamenco dance history

Flamenco comes from the Gypsies living in the southern region of Spain - Andalusia, who most probably came to this area in the 16th century. Over the centuries, the flamenco style has evolved, and in the form it is today, it took shape at the end of the 19th century. You can still see in it, among others, the influences of Hindu, Arab, Jewish, Persian and Latino cultures, where not only the legs play an important role in the dance, but also the expressive movements of the arms, hands and fingers, arranged in a characteristic way.

It is not entirely clear where the very name of flamenco came from. Some say that it comes from the Latin word "flamma" (flame, fire), others see a connection with the flamingo (Spanish for "flamenco"), a species of bird whose graceful and graceful movements, especially during the mating season, are compared for flamenco figures. There is also a theory that it comes from the Arabic language and refers to the singing of the landless peasants, which would directly indicate a connection with the Andalusian Gypsies.

Regardless of the origin of the name itself, flamenco, in common perception, is associated with temperament, expression, strong, both positive and negative or difficult emotions.

Characteristics of flamenco dance

Flamenco is a lively dance in which improvisation is allowed. Its permanent element is rhythm and palos (flamenco styles,which stands out depending on the music). The rest of the arrangement depends on the dancer and his expressive power, as well as the willingness to emphasize individual dance fragments.

Flamenco is mainly danced solo, but you can also dance in pairs, in a group, depending on what configuration you feel best in.

Characteristic elements are also dynamic turns not only of the whole body, but also of the head itself, a typical flamenco twist of the body and a special movement of arms, hands and fingers, especially in dancing women, thanks to which the dancer can express her innermost emotions. Palmas are hand-to-hand strokes that allow him to accentuate the rhythm, and pitos are finger snaps that emphasize the movements you are making.

The rhythm in flamenco is beaten with feet, and such a steady stomp is called zapateado, while emphasizing a selected element of singing or music is called punteado.

Both a woman and a man dancing flamenco are expressive, sensual, they can express a whole range of feelings, from joy to great sadness. Professional flamenco dancers are able to combine perfect technique with the ease of expressing emotions, thanks to which they are able to tell a whole story with dance that will move the audience.

The more spontaneous and authentic the dance, the greater the chance of achieving the so-called duende, i.e. a sublime experience related to flamenco, which is compared to a catharsis that purifies the soul.

Watch a flamenco dance show

Basic steps and flamenco outfit

By signing up for beginner classes, dancers first learn step techniques, hand movements, proper body alignment and the simplest steps.

An important element is the outfit - women are dressed in dresses (often in red, black or red and black), with frills, and there are also accessories: a colorful scarf, a fan, flowers. The clothes of men are more modest - they put on trousers and a shirt, sometimes a vest, or a small scarf. On the other hand, both men and women dance in high heels to beat the rhythm better.

Flamenco music

A characteristic element of flamenco is the music to which the dancers dance. It is mainly performed on the guitar. There are many styles of flamenco, the most popular are, among others solea (quite slow pace), zambra (more sensual), alegria (fast pace), petenera (melancholic), boulevard (exuberant). Often, both dancers and musicians use castanets.

Advantages and effects of flamenco dancing

It is believed that flamenco is not a simple dance to learn (especially when dealing withwith a more complicated rhythm), but as the instructors emphasize, the most important are willingness and enthusiasm. You don't have to dance perfectly to experience all the benefits of flamenco dancing.

On the one hand, the physical condition improves, the muscles of the legs and back are strengthened. On the other hand, it is difficult to ignore the psychological aspect - thanks to gaining awareness of your own body, self-confidence increases, ladies dancing flamenco often emphasize that they feel more feminine. It is also easier to forget about the hardships of everyday life, to relax, and thanks to the fact that dance is so expressive, you can also throw out all negative emotions. Flamenco adds energy and stimulates to action.

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Category:

Dance