What’s flamenco? How did it come to be that a dancer in a long ruffled dress became one of Spain’s most recognisable symbols? And, most importantly, where can you watch flamenco for yourself when in Spain?
What is flamenco?
Flamenco is made up of 3 elements: dance, singing and music. The whole should create a duende, or a state of extraordinary expression and authenticity. The best flamenco shows should move the audience, make them cheer and clap not because of a custom but because they just feel it.
Many experts believe that flamenco has its roots in the Hindu dance of the kathak. It arrived in Spain in the 15th century with the gipsies. Their music mixed with the culture of the Moors and Andalusian Jews formed the groundworks for flamenco to blossom out of. The name flamenco has been in use since the 19th century, but the origin is not fully known. In 2010, flamenco was recognised by UNESCO and found itself on the World Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
What does a flamenco dance look like?
The most characteristic part is the dancers themselves. They’re dressed in wide, ruffled dresses or skirts, a corset, a colourful headscarf and even flowers pinned to their hair. To add more of an expression to their dance, they may also use additional elements like a flower fan or a comb. Gestures and movements express emotions and tell a story through dance.
The dancers are accompanied by singing and music. The most common accompaniment is the guitar. The singers beat out the rhythm with claps, finger snaps or castanets. Flamenco shows take place in venues called tablaos.
Where to see flamenco in Seville?
You’ll see flamenco shows all over Andalusia. However, the heart of flamenco is in Seville. You don’t even need to pay for a show, as many small pubs host amateur performances, though you often wouldn’t be able to tell they’re amateurs. Flamenco can even be seen on the streets, on the Plaza de España, for instance.
Where else to watch flamenco in Seville?
Flamenco Dance Museum (Museo de Baile Flamenco)
This museum was founded by a famous dancer, Cristina Hoyos. There you will learn the whole history of flamenco, see costumes, props, photographs and recordings. You can also sign up for a dance course and the museum organises its own flamenco shows.
How to get there?
The museum is at c / Manuel Rojas Marcos, 3 in the Santa Cruz district.
How much does it cost? A ticket to the museum costs €10, and if you also want to see the show alongside the tour, it’d be €26.
El Palacio Andaluz
El Palacio is a very elegant place. The building has several floors and areas decorated in the Andalusian style. In the main hall, you’ll see a large stage. On the ground floor, called ‘La Bodega Museo’, is the ‘Museo del Flamenco y Arte Andaluz’, where you can see costumes, photographs and other elements of Andalusian culture. Shows are held daily and last for 1.5 hours.
Where is the El Palacio Andaluz?
The venue is located at C. Matemáticos Rey Pastor y Castro 4, on Isla de la Cartuja.
How much does it cost? This depends on the type of show you’d like to see: there are three variants, one for €26, one for €48 and one for €75. You can see the details about each here: https://elflamencoensevilla.com/en/reservas-online/.
Where to see flamenco in Madrid?
If you think that a good flamenco performance can only be seen in Andalusia, you are mistaken. For centuries, the best male and female dancers have performed in the capital.
Naturally, they were tempted by the prestige of showing off in front of a royal court (and, of course, it paid really well). As in Seville, you will come across flyers all over the place offering flamenco shows in Madrid. For instance:
Corral de la Morería
This is one of the most famous tablaos in the world. The artistic director is the world-famous dancer and winner of the National Flamenco Award, Blanca del Rey. The performances here last 70 minutes and you will see an ensemble of 9 artists: male and female dancers, a female singer, male and female singers and 2 guitarists.
The show is immensely elaborate and detailed with renowned artists on stage.
The show itself is immensely elaborate and detailed while the actors performing on stage are all usually renowned. The place has a great atmosphere, so we certainly recommend it when in Madrid.
How to get there?
Tablao is located in the centre of Madrid, at c/ Morería, 17, near the Opera metro station.
How much does it cost? Performances take place twice a day and a ticket costs just under €50.
Cardamomo
Cardamomo is a small tablao, but that’s what makes it more magical. The shows last 60 minutes here and you will see 10 artists on stage, including some of Spain’s best dancers, singers and musicians.
How to get there?
Cardamomo is located at Calle Echegaray 15, near Plaza de Santa Ana.
How much does it cost? Performances take place 4 times a day and you will pay €39 minimum, usually around €50 for a ticket.
Jerez de la Frontera – Flamenco shows and horses
If you’re in Andalucia, be sure to stop by Jerez de la Frontera for flamenco performances. They’re also combined with the Jerez horse festival held in May!
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