Flamenco. First Session

The flamenco workshop welcomes 2019 with plenty of joy, which is the only way to dance tanguillos from Cádiz and jaleos por fiesta. Tanguillos, predecessors of popular songs in the Cádiz carnival, are known for their humourous lyrics and vivacious rhythm. The jaleos are considered parents of cantiñas, soleares, as well as bulerías, although they have a more repetitive rhythm. As a style, jaleos fell into oblivion due to the success of the palos that originated, but was later “resuscitated” by the gypsies from Extremadura.

The palos taught this term will allow learners to familiarise themselves with the use of the campero suit (trousers instead of the skirt) and the Cordovan hat, a typical outfit in tanguillos and jaleos. The use of such elements will also allow participants to work in a correct posture and pay closer attention to their footwork. Both styles have an elegance that dancers will learn to incorporate to the choreography the group will prepare during the term. As usual, we will study the technique of tapping, arm and hand movement and rhythm. The rich history behind the different styles will also be covered.