Ladies in long flowing skirts and Spanish shoes with sturdy heels take centerstage. Minutes later, you’ll see them clap their hands and stomp their feet in perfect harmony with the guitar accompaniment that finally break the ear-deafening silence. With rhythmic moves, you now see them with raised arms, swaying and literally drowning in the crescendo-building guitar music. Interpreting the singer’s joy or sadness (or whatever emotion the song depicts) is key to the overall performance.
That is flamenco dancing—very passionate, sexy and definitely mysterious.
Characterized by its sensual allure and appeal, flamenco is truly a dance that exudes a gamut of emotions. It consists of the song (cante), the dance (baile), the guitar (torque) and extra elements of rhythmic accompaniment such as handclapping (palmas), finger snapping (pitos), tongue clicking and even knuckle bashing on a tabletop. In some dances, castanets (a Spanish classical influence) are part of flamenco, with some dances and performers also incorporating shout words of encouragement (jaleo).
Brief historical background
Flamenco, based on online sources, can be traced back to the religious dances of the Hindus. The body movements and emotions found in Indian dances are close to the more serious dance forms in flamenco. Then, there were nomadic tribes that traveled from India across Europe and Africa. Later on, these tribes settled in southern Spain (Andalusia); with gypsy tribes also joining in the rush to Andalusia from Africa with the Moors. The Moorish dance then mixed with Hindu dances and gypsy facility for rhythm. This then formed the early influences of flamenco that developed to its modern form today.
Flamenco, as the gypsies say, is in their blood. But Spain’s famous poet and writer Fredrico Garcia Lorca called flamenco “one of the greatest inventions of the Spanish people.” Some disagree though. But the tragic lyrics and tones of flamenco clearly reflect the sufferings of the gypsy people.
Flamenco in the Philippines
Locally, flamenco is also very much present here. With almost 300 years of Spanish colonial rule, Hispanic influences are very predominant among many Filipinos’ cultural dances which are performed even today.
At present, flamenco is being promoted and taught at the Fundacion Centro Flamenco, a Makati-based private group that teaches flamenco (all levels), palmas and cajon (flamenco rhythm), Spanish classical dance with castanets, Spanish guitar (classical and flamenco), Baile Latino, Capoiera (Brazilian martial arts), Pilates and
jazz.
Apart from other schools/groups, Centro Flamenco is truly serious in propagating flamenco dances. Recognized by Instituto Cervantes, Centro Flamenco prides itself in the continued development and training of its in-house teachers, even bringing to the country world-class professional maestras like Clara Ramona. Fundacion Centro Flamenco president Emma Estrada said: “we want to be known as the primary movers of flamenco in the country.”
In line with its present objective of honing its students’ raw talent and skills, Centro Flamenco has, among others, celebrity students such as Dante Silverio and Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Dante Silverio on expressive movements
A motor racer in the 70s, renowned PBA coach/player and painter, Dante attends classes at Centro Flamenco thrice a week, with Emma as his instructor. He prefers Bulerias, with Tangos and Alegrias among his list of favorite flamenco dances.
Dante says flamenco “is very de-mystifying. There is an attraction to flamenco that you cannot explain. The movements are so expressive. It’s a beautiful dance and art to learn.”
Lucy Torres-Gomez on gypsy dancing
For Lucy, flamenco has helped her to slowly overcome her shyness and enjoy something that allows her to maintain her weight.
But more than that, Lucy looks at flamenco as a rich art that she wants to immerse herself into. “I like the discipline. It really involves training and practice. I like the idea that I actually know a dance that is a part of some culture; some old world charm and old world culture,” she enthused. Lucy attends classes at Centro Flamenco twice a week and particularly likes the Tangos and Bulerias.
More than the get-up though
Indeed, flamenco can be learned by anyone with or without a dance background. Flamenco is not just wearing Spanish mantons, printed tops, flowing skirts and shoes with heels. The real artistry of flamenco is imbibing the multi-faceted rhythm into your spine, your very being that initiates you to move and render steps that are emotion-filled. This way, you’ll be one with the story, the music and culture that’s distinctly flamenco.
