DANCE FLAMENCO DC

The evolution of flamenco is bound up with the history of Andalucía, where over the centuries Europe has mingled with Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. Multicultural by definition, Flamenco evolved from Moorish, Jewish, Spanish, and Gypsy (now also called Roma) communities which coexisted for centuries in the southern region of Spain, or Andalucía. 

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Flamenco is an art form that inspires, educates and entertains, attracting people on many levels due to its intensity and vibrancy. There is the mournful voice recounting tragic tales of hardship in the face of adversity. There are words which weave together stories of love won and lost, playfulness, of passion unbridled, and even of death. Other influences - poetry, popular songs, and Andaluz folklore - as well as a Judaic and Catholic influence can be found. And of course there is the Arab tradition, a legacy of the 700-year Moorish occupation of Spain.

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Largely improvised, Flamenco meshes cante (song), baile (dance) and compás (rhythm) together to create an eruption of emotion, individual expression, and collective artistry. From the sad song (cante jondo) to the more light and improvised nature of the Bulería, we are reminded of life filled with pride, passion, honor, love, sorrow and ultimately — rejuvenation.

 

In a traditional show each performer clearly communicates his or her own specific style to the audience, not unlike a jazz session. Artists may improvise to impress each other, using this mysterious language, a spontaneity and a camaraderie to truly captivate the outside observer.