Flamenco Dancing

Flamenco dancing was originated in a region calledperforming the flamenco dance along with the
Andalusia in Spain. This type of dancing is nativecastanet.
to the Andalusian people. In addition, it is influencedTraditionally, this type of dancing is performed to
by other cultures such as Sephardic, Moorish, anda small group of people. Modern dancing is
Byzantine. The influences of the different culturesperformed to a larger audience. The flamenco
in the flamenco dance happened during the 1400festivals are held during the summer in Andalusia.
A.D.During the flamenco festival, the local people will
The term flamenco was not mentioned in anydance spontaneously.
archaeological source until the 18th century.When performing this dance, the women wear
Flamenco dancers are well known among thedifferent kinds of costumes. Th costumes are
gypsies in Andalusia. The gypsies that lived inusually black or red in color. Some women also
Andalusia are also known as the Gitanos. Thewear white and navy blue dresses. The dresses
people that live with the gypsies are also familiarare equipped with many ruffles and high heel
with this dance. The contribution to theshoes. The men will wear tuxedo and stretchy
development of the flamenco dance happens inpants during the flamenco performance.
Extremadura and Murcia. This type of dance alsoThere are three types of this dancing including
incorporate influence from culture that belong toguitarra, cante and baile. The cante and baile
countries outside Andalusia including Cuba. Manydance styles have many similarities. Many
musical dances and styles are derived from theflamenco schools were established during the
Jewish and Moorish societies.1800 in Seville.
The golden age of flamenco took place inThis type of dancing is not accompanied by music
between 1869 - 1910. During this period, this typeinstruments. Instead, the people would sing and
of dance was performed at the cafes. Peopleclap the hands. In this type of dancing, the dancer
who want to watch the flamenco dance are haveperforms the dancing steps based on his or her
to pay for the ticket charges. Later, more andemotions. The dancers may shake their body or
more cafes that offer the flamenco dance showkick their feet high to express their emotions.
are opened.Sometimes, the dancer may lose control of their
This type of dancing is very popular during theemotions through this dancing. Nevertheless, the
Roman Empire. Roman writers such as Pliny andflamenco dancing is always performed with grace
Strabo made many statements about the Cadizand precision.