Flamenco Technique {How to open a flamenco fan}

One of the many fun things we get to do as flamenco dancers is work with various accessories and the fan or abanico is one of them. In this post I wanted to show you how to open your fan while you are dancing.

Like everything in flamenco you need to be able to control your fan so that you can dance with it and use it to mark compás. In effect it becomes and extension of your arm and should look and feel completely natural.

First of all you should be using a fan that is specifically made for performing. It will be light, comfortable to hold and easy to open and close. The trick to opening the fan is in the flick of your wrist. If you've already been practicing wrist exercises you will be gaining strength so this should be no problem. If you are just starting out, it's ok! Practicing with a fan will make your wrist stronger.

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What's happening with Flamenco Bites?

Hi guys,

I wanted to do a quick post to update you on a few things happening around here. I'm very busy working on getting the first podcast ready. It's taken a while to figure out exactly how I want to structure the podcast as I'd like it to be a short snippet giving you a little technique or exercise that you can practice by yourself. It was also important to me to have the video look good so its enjoyable to use. I hope when it finally launches you will get a lot out of it.

The first few podcasts will have an emphasis on good posture and good basic technique. With out a strong technical foundation as a dancer progressing your dancing can be quite a challenge, that won't be a problem for you though as you will be able to use these podcasts as much as you need to!

If there is anything you would like to see covered or you have any questions you can send me an email to renae [at] flamencobites [dot] com.

See you back here soon,

Renae

Music for practicing flamenco dance

Finding the right music for dance practice can be difficult. It is important to listen to as much flamenco as you can but generally the music with flamenco singing that you find on amazon is not suitable for dancing. I've compiled a list below of some music you can use. All the links are affiliate links for Amazon mp3 downloads. The small comission will help keep this site going. If you do decide to purchase some music after clicking a link below, thank you very much!

Soleá

Flamenco Sólo Compás - Soleá

Escuela de Flamenco - Soleá CD 1

Escuela de Flamenco - Soleá CD 2

Alegrías

Alegrias

Solo Compas - Alegrias II y Cantinas

Escuela de Flamenco - Alegrías y Escobillas CD 1

Escuela de Flamenco - Alegrías y Escobillas CD 2

Tangos

Sólo compás - Tangos y rumbas II CD 1

Sólo compás - Tangos y rumbas II CD 2

Flamenco Sólo Compás. Tangos,Tanguillos y Rumbas

Bulerías

Solo Compas - Bulerias

Solo Compas Flamenco - Bulerias II

Escuela de Flamenco - Bulerías

Tientos

Sólo compás - Tientos II. Baile por tientos CD 1

Sólo compás - Tientos II. Tientos sólo compás CD 2

Flamenco Sólo Compás. Tientos

Soleá por Bulerías

Flamenco Sólo compás. Soleà por Bulerias

Farruca

Solo Compas Flamenco - Farruca

Escuela de Flamenco - Farrucas y Escobillas CD 1

Escuela de Flamenco - Farrucas y Escobillas CD 2

Tarantos 

Sólo Compás - Tarantos

Escuela de Flamenco - Tarantos CD 1

Escuela de Flamenco - Tarantos CD 2

Ritmo Flamenco Rhythm 1: Tangos/Tarantos

What I wear to flamenco dance class..

What I have worn to do flamenco dance over the years has evolved quite a bit. When I first started in Australia I went to Spanish Dance Institute exam classes as well as general flamenco classes and the exam classes had a specific uniform (similar to ballet exam classes) that had to be worn. This post refers to what I wear when I am going to class as a student, if I'm teaching I have to change things up a bit and I won't bother you with that here.

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Spanish for Flamenco {La Guitarra}

Its been a while since I've done a spanish for flamenco post. Today I thought i thought we should get familiar with the language of Flamenco Guitar. 

As dancers we need to be able to communicate with all the other artists we work with and the guitarist is someone who can really help you! 

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Bulería de Cai

Bulería de Cai (or Bulería de Cádiz) is a form of Bulerías which originates from the city of Cádiz. As a dance this particular style of Bulerías is performed at the end of Alegrías. The songs are very complicated and take an incredible skill to be able to sing. 

The Cantaor Miguel Poveda has released the first single from is new album 'ArteSano' (which releases on the 27th of March, 2012) and it is the song of Bulería de Cai. The song is called ¡Que Disparate! and it a really great track. Especially great for dancers who wish to practice listening to cante. 

Click on the image to be taken to Amazon so you can download the mp3 file.

Disclosure: the link on the image is an affiliate link that will earn me a commission if you purchase the song. If you do, I absolutely appreciate it and if you have any questions please contact me!

Structure of a Flamenco Dance {Alegrías}

I thought it might be useful to provide a basic analysis of a full dance to try and explain what the different terms mean in the context of a performance.  I hope to do a few of these for various palos but for now I'd like to start with Alegrías. The dancer in this video is Pastora Galván, she is one of my favourite dancers and here she is wearing a bata de cola.

It is important to remember that although most flamenco dances follow a similar structure they are open to interpretation and can vary. This is just meant as a basic guide or jumping off point to get you started. I should also ad the disclaimer that I have based this on my knowledge and so should not be taken as a definitive version of this alegrías. Like everyone involved in flamenco I am still learning and this is meant only as a jumping off point for your own questions and exploration.

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Flamenco Shoes

Flamenco shoes are an important part of flamenco dance. A flamenco dancers feet are used as a percussive instrument and therefore it is important to have the right shoe to create a clear and crisp sound.

The best flamenco shoes are hand made by artisans in Spain using quality materials to ensure the shoe is robust enough to stand up to constant use. The shoe also helps to protect the feet of the dancer from injury. For an insight into how flamenco shoes are made please read this excellent blog post about a trip to the Senovilla shoe workshop north of Madrid.

It is now possible to buy flamenco shoes from Spain over the internet and have them sent all over the world although if you are planning a trip to Spain it is best to be able to try them on before you buy them. As an alternative I would try to find a local supplier so you can try the shoes one or keep an eye out for some second hand shoes.

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Flamenco on Film

The theatre or tablao is not the only place you can see flamenco. We can watch everything on youtube now of course but there are many films that have been made that feature flamenco. Here are my favourites.. 

From director Carlos Saura;

Flamenco the 1995 film that featured the great artists of the day.

Flamenco Flamenco (2010) - 10 years later, this is the sequel to Flamenco released last year and now available on DVD

Bodas de Sangre (1981) - The first of Saura's flamenco trilogy this film is a depiction of the poet Lorca's Blood Wedding by a flamenco dance company led by Antonio Gades.

Carmen (1983) - Life imitates art when a group of dancers re-enact the story of Bizet's Carmen in their personal lives.

El Amor Brujo (1986) - A film based on 'El Amor Brujo' by composer Manuel de Falla

Other Films;

Los Tarantos (1963) - A film starring Carmen Amaya with Antonio Gades it tells a tale inspired by Romeo and Juliet of a love story between two gipsies from different families.

Latcho Drom (1993) - a documentary film about the Romani people and their journey from Northern India to Spain. 

Do you have any favourite flamenco films that you think are worth mentioning? Let me know in the comments.

Moraíto Chico {A Phenomenal Guitarist}

Moraíto Chico (Manuel Moreno Junquera) passed away in his home town of Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz) on the 10th of August 2011 after a battle with a serious illness. He was 55 years old.

It was a sad day for the flamenco world, Moraíto Chico was an amazing guitarist and was known for accompanying the singer José Mercé as well as many other great flamenco singers. He produced two albums 'Morao, Morao' and 'Morao y Oro'. He will be missed.

Here he is with José Mercé singing Alegrías..