Flamenco+Dance

=Flamenco=

Flamenco is a triple art form originating in Andalusia. Combining singing, dance, and the Spanish guitar - along with rhythmic clapping and foot stomping - Flamenco is thought to be a blend of music from many different cultures, including the gypsies, the Moors, the Jews, and the native Andalusians. Its one of the most characteristic elements of Spanish Culture especially in the southern region.

By the 1800s, cafes were opened to bring the music to the public. People of all walks of life could attend a performance in one of these cafes, seeing the dance, hearing the singers, and being amazed by the guitar. Over time, great flamenco guitarists became the stars of the show and were in great demand.

The flamenco dance is an expressive dance done alone and characterized by hand clapping, foot stomping, and delicate hand, arm and body movements. Like the music, flamenco dance has basis in many different cultures: Indian, Arabic, and Spanish. Flamenco dancing was originally never taught formally. People learned from watching friends and family dancing and copying their movements. Some dancers still learn this traditional way, but now it is more common to be professionally trained. Flamenco dancers practice for years to perfect difficult dances. Some of their movements are personal, independent, and try to portray many different emotions. Even though there isn't one particular choreography for flamenco, the dancers do follow a basic set of rules and patterns for their movements.