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From Abroad

Flamenco is very popular in Spain. The art originated in Andalusia. The historical dance was a way for the poor to express their oppression and culture. It is a combined art of a dancer, a guitarist and a singer. Some shows includes one of each, or a guitarist who sings as well. Here’s a picture of the ensemble I saw.

The dancer contributes sound with the hard strikes of the feet and toe strikes, snapping of the fingers, clapping called palmas and experienced dancers play castanets. Castanets in Spanish are called “palillos”. They are traditionally made of wood and played by wrapping the string around the middle finger and using the others to tap them. This is the Female dancer clapping or making the “palmas” sound.

There are tons of places to see a show. They all have a different quality and offer a little something different. Some are free in a small bar others are a little more pricey for what they would call an “Espectacular Flamenco”, which includes an entire rehearsed show. The show that I saw was not an “Espectacular” show, but it gave the general feeling of what Flamenco is.

There was a male dancer who did a pretty good job as well.