Originally posted on https://rightcasa.com/discovering-flamenco-the-passion-of-andalucia/

Passionate, exciting and exotic: Flamenco dancing may be synonymous with love and romance, but it is also inextricably tied with the rich history of the Andalusian region.

Whether you’re interested in learning to dance flamenco yourself or want to watch the experts show you how it’s done, there’s no better place to be if you have a passion for Flamenco.

Learning more about Flamenco is also a great way to meet your new neighbours if you’re thinking of investing in your own Spanish property. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Flamenco dancing:

The History of Flamenco

Many of the precise details of the origins of flamenco have been lost to the annuls of time, but we do know that Flamenco dancing originated in Andalucia. The modern artform of flamenco, as we know it today, was developed over several centuries incorporating elements from Gypsy, Moorish, Andalusian and other cultural roots.

Despite its ancient origins, the word Flamenco was only actually coined two hundred years ago: the term was used to refer to the song, the dance and the guitar that we now know as flamenco all being used in unison. Between 1765 and 1860, the first Flamenco-schools were created in Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Triana and the art form earnt its place in ballrooms across not only Spain but around the world.

The period 1869-1910 is officially known as the Golden Age of Flamenco when the art was developed across the country in music cafes, at parties and in small intimate salons. At its heart, Flamenco is an intimate art form that is best enjoyed on a small stage: just the voice, the guitar and the dancer sharing their message with the audience.

Flamenco Dancing in Andalucia

Flamenco dancing forms an integral part of many traditional celebrations in Andalucia, and locals and visitors alike won’t have to travel far to find examples of the art form on their own doorstep.

If you are lucky enough to be staying in Andalucía during one of the many fiestas, festivals or celebrations then you’ll see the incredible sight of hundreds of local women and children parading the streets wearing their flamenco costumes. Traditional flamenco dresses are brightly coloured and tend to feature polka dots, whilst the dancers wear their hair in tight and neat buns on the top of their heads. No matter what their age, Flamenco dancers always dance in high heels.

The best places to see traditional Flamenco dancing in Andalucia are:

Bienal de Flamenco, Malaga

Everything other year, Malaga plays host to a month-long international Flamenco festival which attracts some of the very best Flamenco artists in Spain. The festival is held in the heart of Malaga city and many of the events are outside in open-air amphitheatres and arenas, addng to the intimacy of the occasion, and perfect for the time of year.

Tabloa Los Amayas

In the heart of Malaga City, Tabloa Los Amayas is often called the home of flamenco in Malaga. The club plays host to two different flamenco shows everything night at 7pm and 9pm. Here you will see traditional flamenco at its best, with all the flair and excitement you would expect from a high-quality yet intimate flamenco show.  Each of the nightly shows are different and are named Picasso and Flamenco as a tribute to the artist, who was born in Malaga. Admission to the show costs just 25 euros per person, and one drink is included in the price of admission (other drinks are available to purchase separately.)

La Canastera “The Cave” in Granada

La Canastera “The Cave” is widely regarded as the best flamenco show in Granada, thanks to the quality of the performances and the rich history that it encompasses. When performances were first held in this truly unique venue, the cave was home to Maria and her family. Visitors would travel from miles around to see Maria perform thanks to her skill as a dancer and entertainer. The original features of the intimate cave have been preserved, and visitors still travel to see the best flamenco performers for miles around. Seven different performers take to the stage here every night, creating a fully rounded experience unlike anything else you will experience.

Want to find out more about living in Andalucia, or thinking of buying a Spanish property of your own? Why not get in touch with our expert property specialists today: We focus on matching homeowners with the right homes for them.