Que{ es Flamenco?
Cante | Baile | Toque
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CANTE- SONG
is the vocal expression of flamenco, sung by men and women, preferably seated, with no backing singers. The gamut of feelings and states of mind – grief, joy, tragedy, rejoicing and fear – can be expressed through sincere, expressive lyrics characterized by brevity and simplicity.
BAILE- DANCE
is a dance of passion, courtship, expressing a wide range of situations ranging from sadness to joy. The technique is complex, differing depending on whether the performer is male (heavier use of the feet) or female (gentler, more sensual movements).
TOQUE- MUSICIANSHIP
or the art of guitar playing has long surpassed its original role as accompaniment. Other instruments, including castanets, hand-clapping and foot-stamping are also employed.
What is Flamenco?
Flamenco is a passionate and seductive dance form, a mysterious culture that has been burning in Andalucía, Spain for hundreds of years. Today, flamenco has thousands of aficionado's worldwide.
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The evolution of Flamenco is a source of great debate with no accepted explanation of how flamenco resulted from the cultural influences of such diverse regions. The art form developed over several centuries from Gypsy, Moorish, Andalusian, and other roots.
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Flamenco isn't just dance, it's an orchestra of art. The role of the guitarist is different as it is his/her job to hold the performance together, the guitar being more of a percussive accompaniment than in modern day pop or rock music. He/she will also need to have extensive knowledge of all the styles of song and dance, almost to the extent of being able to sing and dance them himself.
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“Here is an art based on convergence. A mixture of East and West of Greek methods and African drums, of Andalusian folk music and Castilian ballads, of gypsies and coloured people, of joy and pain, of theatre and festivity. Born in Andalusia and citizen of the world.”
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Museum of Flamenco. Seville, Spain.