Spanish art of dancing and singing. What is flamenco? Spanish flamenco dance Such flamenco flamenco Spanish flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional music and dance style originating from Andalusia (Spain); it is a fusion of musical accompaniment (toke), singing (kante) and dance (baile).

The style is represented by several dozen varieties (more than 50).

Flamenco dances and songs are usually accompanied by guitar and percussion: rhythmic clapping (palmas), playing a percussion box (cajon); sometimes - castanets.

Flamenco performers are called "bailaor" (dancer) and "cantaor" (singer), "tocaor" (guitarist).

Origin

The origins of flamenco should be sought in the Moorish musical culture. Gypsy music also significantly influenced this style - many consider the Spanish gypsies to be the main, true carriers of the style.

In the 15th century Gypsies arrived in Spain from the collapsing Byzantium and settled along the southern coast of the country in the provinces; according to their custom, they began to adopt and reinterpret local musical traditions, such as Moorish, Jewish and Spanish proper; and from this alloy musical traditions, reinterpreted first by the gypsies and then by the Spaniards, flamenco was born.

For a long time, flamenco was considered a “closed art”, since the gypsies lived as an isolated group; flamenco was formed in narrow circles. But at the end of the 18th century. the persecution of gypsies stopped, and flamenco entered the stage of taverns and cantante cafes and gained freedom.

At the end of the 20th century. flamenco begins to absorb Cuban melodies and jazz motifs; and, in addition, elements classical ballet They acquired their permanent place there.

The most famous flamenco dancer is Joaquin Cortez, who updated the concept of flamenco dance, freed it from the “canonical standard” and introduced a new liveliness and expressiveness into it.

The improvisational nature of flamenco, complex rhythm and specific performance techniques often prevent accurate musical notation of flamenco melodies. Therefore, the art of both the guitarist and the dancer and the singer is usually passed on from master to student.

Attributes of flamenco dance

An important element of the dancer's image (bailaora) is a traditional dress called bata de cola - a typical flamenco dress, usually floor-length, often made of multi-colored material with polka dots, decorated with frills and flounces.

The prototype of this dress was the traditional attire of gypsies. An integral part of the dance is the graceful play with the hem of the dress.

The traditional clothing of a bailaor is dark trousers, a wide belt and a white shirt with wide sleeves. Sometimes the edges of the shirt are tied at the front of the waistband. A short bolero vest, called a chaleco, is sometimes worn over a shirt.

A Spanish shawl with very long tassels is one of the classic attributes of female flamenco dance: the shawl either twists around the dancer’s figure, emphasizing the slender female silhouette, or falls from the shoulders, forming the silhouette of a large, beautiful, restless bird.

Another classic female flamenco attribute is a large fan. There is an opinion about castanets as an indispensable attribute of flamenco dance.

But most often the rhythm is beaten out by heels (zapateado), snapping of fingers (pitos) or clapping of palms (palmas). The purest forms of flamenco avoid the use of castanets, as they limit the ability to play passionately and expressively with the hands.

Today, flamenco is of particular interest to modern choreographers, because they see in this art great opportunities for creativity, for introducing innovations into choreography.

Style classification

Flamenco styles (palos) differ in their rhythmic patterns. The most popular palos - tones, solea, fandango and seguiriya (Toña, Soleá, Fandango y Seguiriya) - belong to the category of cante jondo (cante jondo, the most ancient core of flamenco, dating back to the most ancient musical systems of India). The second category is cante flamenco (cante flamenco, includes singing, dancing, and playing the guitar).

Flamenco has had a great influence on many dance and musical styles all over the world. Recent decades mixed varieties of flamenco and other styles appeared: flamenco-pop, flamenco-jazz, flamenco-rock, gypsy rumba and others.

There are adherents of flamenco who honor its traditions, which has both positive and negative sides.

Strict adherence to tradition makes it impossible to deeply understand flamenco.

Flamenco styles (singing, dancing, melody) are like a living organism, which requires their constant development, and without development there is no life.

But along with the developing flamenco, there is also “flamencology” (a book with that title was written by Gonzalez Clement in 1955 and gave the name to this section of art criticism); scientists in this direction are studying the origins of flamenco and its “true” style, traditions, etc. .

Until now, along with supporters of the purity of the flamenco style, there are also adherents of its new forms and sounds.

Flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortés is the Roma Ambassador to the European Union.

"Duende" is the soul of flamenco, also translated from Spanish as "fire", "magic" or "feeling". “There is only one duende he is not capable of - repetition. Duende does not repeat itself, like the appearance of a stormy sea.”

Up to the second half of the 19th century V. Gypsy women performed flamenco barefoot.

Photo gallery

Useful information

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Flamenco festivals

Among the most significant cities where flamenco exists today are Cadiz, Jerez, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Barcelona and Madrid. Each of these cities has its own musical specifics, its own traditions and characteristics.

In Spain

One of the most authoritative, the largest flamenco festival in Spain takes place once every two years in Seville under the name “Bienal de Flamenco”. This festival was founded in 1980. True flamenco lovers come here from all over the world to see the best artists: bailaors, cantaors and guitarists.

Held annually in Cordoba International festival guitars “GUITARRA”, with the performance at which the glory of talented young guitarists Vicente Amigo and Paco Serrano began.

Annual cante grande festivals, cante flamenco festivals and others take place throughout Spain. More information about festivals in Spain and beyond can be found on the special news site www.flamencofestival.info.

In Russia

1- Russian Festival Flamenco "Flamenco en Moscu" - held for the first time in 2011. The festival will bring together only the world's leading flamenco stars.

Flamenco Festival “¡VIVA ESPAÑA!” in Moscow - an annual event in the world of Spanish musical culture (since 2001).

It takes place in St. Petersburg annual festival called "Northern Flamenco".

In the world of modern guitar music, the annual festival “World of Guitar” has been running in Kaluga since 1997, the participants of which are various flamenco groups from Russia and Spain, and many bright names of foreign guitarists, from the world famous, such as Al di Meola (2004) , Ivan Smirnov (“mascot” of the festival), Vicente Amigo (2006), Paco de Lucia (2007), etc.

In other countries

Every year since 2004, the London Flamenco Festival is held in February. One of the largest flamenco festivals outside Spain has been taking place in the American city of Albuquerque, New Mexico for more than 20 years.

Famous flamenco artists

• Niña de los Peines, Lola Flores, Fosforito, Niña de La Puebla
• Carmen Amaya
• Ramon Montoya Sr., Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Manolo Sanlúcar, R. Riqueni, Paco Serrano, Rafael Cortes (Rafael Cortes)(guitar)
• Antonio Gades and Mario Maya (dance)
• Camaron de la Isla and Enrique Morente (singing)
• Blanca del Rey Del Rey)
• Antonio Canales
• Antonio el Pipa, Javier Martos (dance)
• Jose Reyes (guitar, singing)
• Gipsy Kings (guitar, singing)
• Santa Esmeralda (disco, plus guitar)
• Rocío Marquez
• Lena Hernandez
• Eva La Yerbabuena

- country of the richest cultural traditions, bright and living history - everything that makes this country a pearl European civilization. Speaking about the country of Don Quixote, one cannot lose sight of flamenco - a phenomenon that has long become an undeniable symbol of Spain, its soul, a reflection of its colorful culture and sultry temperament. Flamenco is not a traditional dance for Catalonia. Andalusia is considered the birthplace of flamenco. However, back in the 18th century, this type of art began its triumphal march through Barcelona and continues to delight audiences on the stages of the city.

When coming to the capital of Catalonia, do not miss the opportunity to admire one of the most vibrant, Spanish-style passionate and exciting performances - the flamenco show in Barcelona. Incendiary dance, rhythmic sound of guitar, girls in long beautiful dresses with frills and real Spanish macho - all this is more than just a dance, it is a virtuosic and unforgettable art that combines various musical and dance styles. The enchanting melody of the action will touch and warm the most hidden strings of your soul. We guarantee that you will not only not remain indifferent, but will also take with you a piece of Spain that will always be with you! There are many places to watch flamenco in Barcelona, ​​but we offer you an overview of the best flamenco clubs in Barcelona.

Where to watch flamenco in Barcelona?

There are many dances in the world. Each nation has its own rhythms and music. But in modern world There is hardly a person who has never heard of Spanish flamenco.

Woman dancing flamenco

Perhaps the most famous performer in the world, with whose name flamenco is associated, is the famous Carmen. A burning beauty with a bright rose in her long black hair. Her image has become a symbol of dance for all times.

A woman dances to the enchanting sounds of a guitar, accompanied by soulful singing. Her full skirts flutter in time with the movements. Her arms curl like the wings of a fairy bird. Her eyes are full of passion and fire. Her sexuality attracts men like the light of a lantern to moths in the darkness of the night. She knows how beautiful she is and is proud of it. But this woman is not cheap, she knows her worth, and only the best can win her heart.

Flamenco - passion, fire, expression of feelings and emotions. There is nothing feigned or fictitious about it. He is life itself. It is impossible to perform it without inspiration. Top Performers- those who put their soul, passion and body awe into flamenco.

Dance directions

There have long been two styles of flamenco, which differ from each other in style. The ancient cante hondo (translated as deep) is a historically established cult dance. It expresses the sacred essence of the rushing soul.

The second direction is cante chico (lightweight). This is modern flamenco, which has lost its spiritual component and has become a dance for everyone. There are over 50 varieties in both classes, the differences between which can only be understood by an experienced specialist.

Origins of dance

Flamenco is a dance that originated in ancient times. Its origins lie in Moorish culture. In the 15th century, streams of refugees from Byzantium poured into Andalusia. Among them were gypsies, Jews, blacks and other peoples. They all lived as outcasts, inferior people. All the pain of the people splashed out in soul-tearing music, songs and passionate dancing. Each people contributed part of their own to flamenco cultural heritage, a piece of your soul.

In the 18th century, the situation improved, the persecution of Gypsies stopped, dancers took to the squares and performed in taverns. Art, which for so many centuries was considered sacred and forbidden, was released and gained popularity. Spanish flamenco became a symbol of newfound freedom.

Already in the 20th century, Cuban melodies and jazz tunes were organically intertwined with traditional Spanish and gypsy elements. The dance was supplemented with elements of classical ballet.

Fusion of genres

Spanish flamenco dance, in fact, is not only the fiery movements of a dancer or dancer. This is a symbiosis of the musical accompaniment of toke, traditionally performed on the guitar, the soulful singing of cante and the baile dance itself.

Flamenco is bailaora, cantaora and toraora. In the traditional performance, each of them can start their own part. And the rest are supportive. Any one of the three can come out first and set the topic. And the rest will pick it up with musical, dance or song improvisation. When one of the performers comes to the fore, the others stay in the background to allow the performer to express his emotions. But during the performance the roles change. And only at the end they unite in the apogee of a dance united by a common fire.

Complex rhythms

The musical rhythm of flamenco is difficult to adopt or translate into sheet music. Each time during performance, the same melody can be played faster or slower, transitions and modulations are added. The true art of dancing (Spain) flamenco is passed on from teacher to student.

Performers

Made flamenco famous throughout the world famous performers. As soon as the persecution of gypsies was abolished and the Spaniards learned the beauty of life-affirming dance, it became extremely popular. Already in 1842, the first flamenco school was opened in Seville. It was from this time that dance became an industry; it lost its sacredness and mystery.

At the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, the performer Silverio Fronconetti was famous, who carried this ancient art to the masses. His performances were always full of passion and fire. But numerous followers turned flamenco from a sacred dance into a sports one, where performance technique stood above spiritual depth. It is this option that has become generally accepted throughout the world.

But at home, in Spain, there are true connoisseurs. There, the phrase “There is no fire in him!”, said about a flamenco performer, is a “death sentence” for the dancer. There is a known case when on one of dance competitions The main prize was won by an 80-year-old woman. She outshone the young performers with her inner fire and passion, reflected in her dance. After all, as the Spaniards say, you need to dance as if death itself was holding you by the shoulder.

Learning process

Flamenco is very popular dance. In almost every city there are schools where they teach it. The flow of those wishing to learn the secrets of mastery does not dry out. And this is not surprising, because it is flamenco that reveals the feminine essence. You can’t be modest in life and perform moves on stage with fervor. Having started training, a woman changes internally, she frees herself from complexes, gets to know herself, and opens up like a bud. You can start training at least at 6 years old, at least at 86. There are no restrictions.

In Spain, everyone is offered to take a basic flamenco course for beginners, consisting of 10 classes, held 2 times a week. You can learn the basics of dance in less than a month, but to become a professional it will take years of work.

A good teacher, first of all, will make a woman love herself. After all, only a woman who is proud of her beauty will be able to adequately present herself in dance.

The main pose is a pose of complete self-satisfaction. The proud beauty has no complexes, does not see flaws in herself, and certainly will not tell others about them. After this, feminine gestures, steps, and turns are worked on. The dancer is a queen, and the audience, looking at her with admiration, sees an unearthly woman in her.

Why you should learn flamenco

Every girl, regardless of the date of birth on her passport, should try herself in flamenco. Learning this dance reveals hidden reserves in a woman. After just a few months of training, she will understand that in life there is no place for pretense and fears. A woman is strong and beautiful, she cannot be broken by everyday difficulties. She loves and is loved.

In addition, regular training significantly improves your figure. The main requirement for all dancers is a straight back as a symbol of unbending character. You can forget about scoliosis and stoop after the first lessons.

Important elements of the dance are beating the beat with your feet. Honing these exercises makes the leg muscles toned and elastic, and the legs slender and beautiful.

The dancer's hands should flutter like wings. Masters teach how to bend them beautifully and gracefully.

Regular exercise will inevitably lead to an improvement in your figure, tightening of all muscles, and improving their relief. Beautiful posture is another important advantage from classes. Well, self-confidence and getting rid of the inferiority complex will be a pleasant bonus.

Flamenco treats problems of this kind better than any psychologists.

Dance clothes

Flamenco is a dance with gypsy roots. The dancer's clothing resembles the traditional dress of a representative nomadic people. The floor-length skirt is made of multi-colored fabric. It can be multi-layered or decorated with frills and flounces. While moving, the dancer seems to be engulfed by the waves of her own dress. An integral part of the dance is playing with the hem, which resembles either uncontrollable sea waves or tongues of scorching flames. This dress must be bright and catchy - no pastel colors!

A shawl with long tassels is another element of a woman's costume. It can be tied at the waist, emphasizing the slender silhouette, or thrown over the shoulders. In this case, it forms the silhouette of a soaring bird in motion.

Often dancers perform with a fan, literally hypnotizing the audience and keeping them in suspense until the last moment. Each attribute seems to come to life while moving to the music, adding its own additions to the performer’s story.

An important detail of the costume is shoes with heels, with which the performer taps out the rhythm. The hands may contain castanets, which make clicks and set the tempo for movements and music.

Men performing flamenco (photo in the article) dress in dark trousers with a wide belt and a snow-white shirt. You can complement the outfit with a short vest. The performer's image is laconic and strict. This is the very embodiment of masculinity and stature.

Important elements

While performing flamenco, the dancer does not hover above the ground; on the contrary, he stands confidently, as if taking a firm, life-affirming position. This is a symbol of safety and security. He took his place, it belongs to him by right, at least for the duration of the dance.

The movements of each part of the body reveal a story about life, a story about what worries everyone individually and everyone together. Experiences, resentments, love and sadness come from the chest. The dancer’s shoulders speak of the weight of responsibility and centuries-old oppression. The hands tell the story of feelings; they are the most expressive part of the performer’s body. Widely spaced elbows seem to allow him to take a firm life position, free up a piece of the sky for yourself. The spine is the basis of the dance. It symbolizes inflexibility of character, fortitude and perseverance.

The movements in flamenco are simple, there are not so many of them. But each of them is filled deep meaning, conceals the wisdom of centuries. Language proficient dance can tell the world its story and make all viewers empathize. This is the path that leads to inner liberation and joy, although outwardly it is filled with sadness and pain.

New forms

Throughout history, flamenco has changed and experienced ups and downs. And even today connoisseurs say that this type of art is dead, but interest in it has not faded. On the contrary, new types and movements are emerging, based on traditional performance and complemented modern forms. This is how flamenco pop, flamenco rock, flamenco jazz and gypsy rumba appeared. Each of them has the right to life and finds fans and followers. But it remains a favorite!

It is difficult for a beginner to understand these currents. But everyone can find something they really like. The main thing is to understand the spirit of dance, to comprehend deep meaning movements and put feelings into the execution of each step.

When you see an advertisement for a flamenco school, you shouldn’t pass it by. Perhaps it is fate itself that is giving a sign that it is time to change your life, open up and fly. And dance is best way do it beautifully and with dignity.

Origin

The origins of flamenco should be sought in the Moorish musical culture. Gypsy music also significantly influenced this style - many consider the Spanish gypsies to be the main, true carriers of the style. In the 15th century, gypsies arrived in Spain from the collapsing Byzantium and settled along the southern coast of the country in the province of Andalusia; according to their custom, they began to adopt and reinterpret local musical traditions, such as Moorish, Jewish and Spanish proper; and from this fusion of musical traditions, reinterpreted first by the gypsies and then by the Spaniards, flamenco was born.

For a long time, flamenco was considered a “closed art”, since the gypsies lived as an isolated group; flamenco was formed in narrow circles. But at the end of the 18th century, the persecution of gypsies stopped, and flamenco entered the stage of taverns and cantante cafes and gained freedom.

In Russia

International Flamenco Festival “¡VIVA ESPAÑA!” The largest flamenco festival in Russia, held in Moscow (since 2001).

1- Russian Flamenco Festival " en Moscu"" - held for the first time in 2011. The festival will bring together only the world's outstanding flamenco stars.

An annual festival called “Northern Flamenco” takes place in St. Petersburg.

In the world of modern guitar music, the annual festival “World of Guitar” has been running in Kaluga since 1997, the participants of which are various flamenco groups from Russia and Spain, and many bright names of foreign guitarists, from the world famous, such as Al di Meola (2004), Ivan Smirnov (“mascot” of the festival), Vicente Amigo (2006), Paco de Lucia (2007), etc.

In other countries

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See what "Flamenco" is in other dictionaries:

FLAMENCO, the same as Kante flamenco... Modern encyclopedia

- (Spanish flamenco) in music, see Cante flamenco... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

- [Spanish flamenco] music Spanish performing style, as well as music, songs, dances associated with southern Spanish art. Dictionary of foreign words. Komlev N.G., 2006. flamenco (Spanish flamenco ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Noun, number of synonyms: 2 style (95) dance (264) ASIS dictionary of synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Dictionary of synonyms

flamenco- flamenco. Pronounced [flamenco]… Dictionary of difficulties of pronunciation and stress in modern Russian language

FLAMENCO- Southern Spanish musical, song and dance style of gypsy origin. Developed in Andalusia in the Middle Ages. Singing and dancing are solo, accompanied by playing the guitar, castanets, and snapping fingers. From the middle of the 19th century. spreading... Ethnographic Dictionary

Temperamental, fiery flamenco will not leave anyone indifferent. Your legs will move to the beat of passionate music, and your palms will tap out an expressive rhythm.

Flamenco culture developed in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, mainly in Andalusia. In general, flamenco culture includes musical art. It's largely guitar-based vocal art, dance, theater and characteristic style clothes. The term “flamenco” is closely connected with the culture and life of the gypsies; in Andalusia for 150 years it meant precisely this people. There are other versions of this term: in Spanish, flamenco, in addition to gypsies, also meant “Fleming” and “flamingo”. A possible version of the origin of the term is from the Latin flamma - fire. Obviously, each interpretation partially corresponds to the truth, and, taken together, they create complete image the entire flamenco culture.

History of the dance

For a long time, the gypsies were considered the only carriers of flamenco culture. They arrived in Spain in the 15th century from Byzantium, and began to absorb local traditions music and dance. And in Spain there was a strong influence of Arab and Moorish culture. Thus, the gypsies, having absorbed Spanish, Arab, and Jewish traditions, and combining them with their own original culture, created such a unique phenomenon as flamenco. They lived in closed, isolated groups, and for a long period flamenco was an isolated art. But in the 18th century, with the end of the persecution of the Gypsies, flamenco “came to freedom” and immediately gained popularity.

In the 20th century, flamenco was enriched with Cuban traditions and jazz variations. Spanish movements classical dance also began to be used in flamenco culture. Now flamenco enjoys well-deserved popularity: it is danced by professionals and amateurs, flamenco festivals are regularly held, and there are numerous schools of this type of dance.

What is flamenco?

The basis of all Spanish dances is folk art. Flamenco dances are often performed to the accompaniment of castanets, hand claps - palmas, and blows on a percussion box (cajon). It is impossible to imagine flamenco without traditional attributes - a long dress, a fan, and sometimes a shawl, which the dancer either wraps around her waist or untwists. An indispensable moment of the dance is the dancer’s play with the hem of her dress. This movement recalls the gypsy origins of flamenco.

The melody of a Spanish dance quite often has time signature 3/4, but can also have a bipartite size of 2/4 or 4/4. Flamenco is characterized by the movements of sapadeado - tapping the rhythm with heels, pitos - snapping the fingers, palmas - clapping the palms. Many flamenco performers refuse castanets, as they do not provide the opportunity to fully express the expressiveness of their hands. Hands work very actively in Spanish dance. They give the dance expressiveness and grace. The movement of the floreo - turning the brush with its opening - is simply mesmerizing. It resembles a flower that gradually blooms.

Species

Many Spanish dances are united under the general name flamenco, including allegrias, farruca, garrotine, bulleria and others. There are many styles of flamenco, differing in rhythmic patterns. The most famous of them:

• Palos
• Fandango
• Solea
• Segiriyya

The cantre flamenco style includes dancing, singing, and playing the guitar.

The art of flamenco, being synthetic, uniting the culture of East and West, influenced the formation of musical and dance styles all over the world. Formed modern views flamenco:

• gypsy rumba
• flamenco-pop
• flamenco-jazz
• flamenco rock and others.

Features of flamenco

Flamenco dance and music are characterized by improvisation. Complex rhythmic patterns, abundance of melismas and variations make accurate musical notation and recording difficult dance moves. Therefore, in the art of flamenco important role assigned to the teacher, through whom original culture passed on from generation to generation. Flamenco influenced Latin American music and jazz. Modern choreographers and choreographers see in the art of flamenco great scope for self-realization and the introduction of new ideas.