Flamenco: First Session

This term we will familiarise ourselves with the songs of the miners and we will introduce the typical songs associated with the tillage of the fields. We will be immersed in the profound sense of dancing by Tarantos; its rhythm, essence and its expressive form, with the aim of creating choreography.

The Taranto is a dancing style originated in the Taranta, a type of tango from the mining areas characterised by its binary rhythm which sets it apart from the other typical songs from the East of Spain. It’s a traditional song from the mining areas in Almería such as Garrucha  and Cuevas del Almanzora. Its dance is an essential part of any flamenco dancer’s repertoir, and enriches flamenco with a palo or style of great beauty that allows for physical expression of the colour of these miners’ songs. The songs or coplas have four or five octosyllabic verses and the themes are usually either love or the life in the mines.

As usual, we will study the technique of tapping, the use of the skirt as a means while dancing, posture in flamenco, arm and hand movement and rhythm. The rich history behind the different styles will also be covered.

New students and beginners welcome. Course fee: €150 (10 weeks). More info: bookings.dublin@cervantes.es.