Flamenco Dance History

Series Summary

The flamenco tradition originated has a musical outlet of the poor and oppressed in Spain. As a mixture of four cultures, there is no denying flamenco is a true artistic endeavor. The collaboration of singing, dancing, and guitar are weaved together into a melodic and rhythmic mood that sends chills up and down the spine. Though this historic art form is thought to have evolved from the sixteenth century, many modern day enthusiasts have revived the flamenco tradition. Thousands of people have dived into this cultural hodgepodge of Spanish decent. The flamenco dance is one of the most culturally popular Spanish dances. Originating over three centuries ago, the flamenco dance maintains its classic style yet blends in modern dance steps as well. Pounding out dance steps to the music, the flamenco dance takes skill and rhythm. It seems that there is nothing more beautiful than the grace of a female flamenco dancer. In this free video series, learn how dance the flamenco. An expert dance instructor and choreographer will demonstrate the basic foot work for the flamenco, and gives tips for adding arm movements. Learn how to accent dance steps with the rhythm of flamenco music. Interested in learning the flamenco dance? Get a free dance lesson with tips on flamenco music and dance steps in this free video series.

Video Transcript

"In this clip, we're going to discuss a little bit about history of Flamenco and it's influences on world dance. Flamenco as we know it today is a form that originated in the south of Spain, in the region known as Andalucia. Cities in Andalucia have beautiful names like Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Herrez, Cadiz and Malaga. And if you travel to any of these cities on an evening out, you might find yourself in a Spanish restaurant where part of the activity for the evening will be a Flamenco show. What makes Flamenco particularly interesting is the influences of other dance forms that have helped to create it. We know that the earliest settlers in Andalucia, came, not only from the Middle East and from North Africa, and besides the Persians, the Moors and the Arabs, there was a strong immigration of people who came in from the North of India and we call them the gypsies."