Z is For Zambra

The last posting for the April A-Z Blogging Challenge. The letter is Z. My theme is Flamenco.

Z is For Zambra

Zambra has two meanings. It means a party with dancing entertainment held in the caves in Sacromonte, Spain and it is also used for the name of a dance. The caves used to be divided into homes for the Gypsies but no longer serve as dwellings. Now, they are modernized and turned into restaurants and theaters for entertainment. Because the terrain is steep, a taxi lets the tourists off and they take a little walk up to the theaters.

There exists a common root between belly dancing and Flamenco, with belly dancing being lighter and more seductive. The one dance link between the two is the Zambra. The original was a Moorish dance, dating back to the 15 century. With the lights flickering on the walls of the caves, the Zambra can be an impressive festive dance.

The photo above is taken inside one of the theater caves. Performances provide an income for the Flamencos as tourists are entertained and can return home with photos. Dancing is light and colorful and the atmosphere is an exhilerating menory.

A video of the Zambra, a fusion dance between Flamenco and Belly Dance. It

always looks more Belly than Flamenco to me but you judge. Adios Amigos

Y is For Yearn

Posting daily in April for A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is Y. My theme is Flamenco.

Y is For Yearning

A Yearning permeates pure Flamenco song and dance. Hondo song is filled with deep, raw emotion for a return to a home the Gypsies never knew. They have no roots, no common language or legal documents to even prove that they were born.

My first contact with Gypsies was during the three year Korean War. Franco was then in power and trying to expell all Gypsies from Spain. I had a very dear Gypsy friend whose family taught me Flamenco while they were living on the beach outside of Algiceras. They were ordered to leave and we never saw each other again. I often have my own yearnings for her and her family and wonder if she ever found a home and a stable life. So many times I've wanted to tell her how much our time together affected the rest of my life.

Below is a video of Rosio Ponce, Flamenco dancer who teaches in California.

X is For Xavier

Posting daily in April for A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is X. My theme is Flamenco.

X is For Xavier (Cugat)

If Flamenco music sounds too foreign, you may want to listen to transitional music. Xavier Cugat's Latin band from the 40's and 50's might be just the sound to ease your listening ear into a Flamenco Rumba. Traditionally, rumba is not considered pure Flamenco but a Latin-type Rumba is often danced at Flamenco performances. The rumba is one dance that is lively with lots of hip movement. You can have fun with it.

W is For Warm-up

Posting daily for the April A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is W. My theme is Flamenco.

W is For Warm-up

Every dancer needs to warm-up the muscles before starting to dance. Flamenco dancers use arms, hands and shoulders throughout a dance so we strengthen and lengthen the muscles. In the video below, I am the one in the long pants leading a student. The music is an original modern Flamenco piece by Paul Renslow, guitarist.

Warm-ups are repetitive and rather boring. You are welcome to click on the video for a few seconds or not at all if you're in a hurry to get to blogs.

V is for Verdiales

Posting daily in the April A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is V. My theme is Flamenco.

V is For Verdiales

A member of our troupe

Verdiales are ancient, lively, folk dances, perhaps the oldest of the Fandangos. The song was thought to be named after a tiny village, Los Verdiales. Each province in Spain still adheres to their original folk songs and dances. Folk dances are lighter, bouncier dances and you will see smiles from the dancers. The general public, who is unaccustomed to Flamenco, is usually more comfortable with the Folk dances. Many of the classical Spanish dances are choreographed around the folk dances and often danced in ballet slippers. I say it's for the young with it's leaps and spins and fast turns. I'll pass on leaps these days, thank you.

I had to dig for this short vid of the folk dance, Verdiales.

U is For Ugly

Daily April post for the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is the letter U. My theme is Flamenco.

U is For Ugly

There are moments during a Flamenco dance when intense emotion can make even the most beautiful face, Ugly. Ugly is not a kind word but it is the opposite of pretty and a Flamenco dance expression is rarely pretty. The raw emotion that has been stored inside a dancer now comes to life in her facial expression, hands and head movement. A good Flamenco dancer is long remembered after her performance.

I am not referring to the dances that have roots in folk dances but this is meant for pure Flamenco.

Beginning dancers strive for that Flamenco look. If they don't feel the music, the look on their face betrays them. My advice to beginners, "It takes a long, long time. Only took me 20 years. Be patient, it will come." :)

The Farruquito family has always been a favorite of mine. Pure Flamenco.

T is For Tangos

Daily post during April from the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is T. My theme is Flamenco.

T is For Tangos

Tangos, one of the oldest basic songs, is of unknown origin. Some of the music is frivolous but the words of the songs are melancoly so speculation is, the Tangos may have had a serious past. Mostly it is danced with flirtatous hips and lighter movements.

A Flamenco Tangos is not to be confused with the Argentine Tango or the English Ballroom Tango. The dances may share a common root but each is a distinctive dance that has it's own characteristics. Tangos is a sensuous dance and easy on the eyes.

Below is an example of Flamenco Tangos