Spain - amazing country, which has an interesting unique culture and history. The life of every Spaniard is thoroughly imbued with the customs of their ancestors. Main legacy southern people- flamenco. This dance and music genre is a symbol of Spain. He is known to all the inhabitants of the planet. It is not known for certain how this unique creation was created - a combination of singing, dancing and music. However, it is clear that the style appeared in the soul of the Spaniards who lived in the south of the country in Andalusia.
The history of the origins of Flamenco
There is no exact date for the appearance of flamenco. However, historians put forward the version that flamenco dance in its usual form appeared about two centuries ago. It was the result of the collective creativity of European and eastern peoples. As for music and the genre of art itself, they are much older. Historians believe that the heart of flamenco was the Spanish city of Tartessus, where very educated people lived who knew how to play musical instruments. Many authors note that even the laws of the city were written in verse. It was there that flamenco music originated. And the formation of singing was influenced by the Catholic Church in the 2nd - 10th centuries. The melodic notes of religious chants were imprinted in the soul of the people. Already in the 8th century, “Andalusian music” developed in Spain. She was greatly influenced by the visiting Arabs. Applying Spanish musical genres to their melodies, they created new rhythms that began to be distinguished by brightness, a sense of passion, and heat. And in the 15th-16th centuries, the Gypsies joined the Arabs. They adopted local musical traditions and remade them in their own way. For almost 300 years, flamenco, along with the gypsies, was in exile. By the flames of the fire, the melodies of the guitar, the gypsies sang about their difficult fate- orphanhood, loss, isolation from the world and complemented sad stories with faith in a happy future, which was expressed by love.
Many people believe that flamenco is the creation of the Andalusian gypsies. And they are right, thanks to these people, exactly the dance that we know now was formed. A straight back, raised arms in a bend, a moment of immobility, heels clearly beating the rhythm, a sharp turn, plastic and sharp movements - this is the magic of flamenco.
Later, art gained freedom and began to appear in taverns and cafes. Researchers have found that the first public performances in the flamenco style took place in establishments in Madrid in 1853. The performers were professionals in their field. It is believed that the art was passed on from master to student and did not tolerate improvisation. The specific technique and complex rhythm were within the power of few. Of course, there were opponents further development and the spread of style. They fought for the purity of art and did not want the flamenco genre to appear on the stage. However, by that time many had already learned about the Spanish tradition, and in the 20th century more than 50 varieties of the genre appeared. For example, such as flamenco-jazz, flamenco-pop, flamenco-rock, gypsy rumba.
Flamenco today
Many believe that the true flamenco style has disappeared, and instead of purity of tradition, performers strive for spectacular performances. However, there are many who believe that flamenco is still “living”, and its varieties are the best works in musical genre. Flamenco today is the lifestyle of the Spaniards, their movement of the soul and revelation of the heart.
Young people enjoy attending classes, honing their skills. The love of style is in their blood. All Spaniards can dance Flamenco. And those who don’t know how to learn quickly. Many members of the older generation enjoy dancing at home and on dance floors, trying to repeat traditional movements, while young people reproduce the dance, adding new, modern elements, at parties. Residents of Spain say that there is no feeling that flamenco cannot convey!
Flamenco is a Spanish musical style that combines singing (usually few words in songs), dancing and musical accompaniment (usually danced to a guitar, clapping and heels performed according to a predetermined tempo).
What is flamenco?
Today, Spanish flamenco dance is very popular. Many true connoisseurs of flamenco have come up with many branches and varieties in its style.
It was shaped by the rich historical heritage to which Spanish soil was exposed. Arabs, Byzantines, Hindus and Greeks, Gypsies and Spaniards have minted aspects and images of flamenco for centuries.
The history of flamenco goes back to the distant past - about 500 years ago. But special role played by the gypsies. In the 15th century they arrived on the Iberian Peninsula from Asia. Having settled in the historical region of Andalusia, the Byzantine gypsies mixed with the local population over many years.
Since the gypsies are famous for their ability to sing and dance, some of the gypsy music and dance was mixed with Spanish, which eventually grew into something similar to today's flamenco. But only after 3 centuries in this style a guitar was added, without which today's flamenco is unthinkable.
Spain is always open to tourists and travelers who are partial to music, dancing and singing. This country can truly amaze with its charm and charm, and ancient folklore can lure you headlong into the pool of passion and madness, because flamenco is not just a dance, it is folklore mixed with music, as well as the feelings of the dancer and his soul.
Where can you see flamenco in Spain?
Spain provides the opportunity to see live show dance (there you can try all the variety):
- Twice a year, the festival is called “Bienal de Flamenco” (free admission). The festival lasts 28 days. The history of this festival goes back 35 years, but it has already gained popularity in many corners of the Earth as the most luxurious and grandiose flamenco festival in Spain;
- In addition to the festival in Seville, in local tablaos (a tablao is a bar where flamenco dance is performed), you can experience flamenco at any time of the year. The most popular tablaos: Casa Anselma (starts at 24-00, daily, free entrance), Los Galos (starts at 20-00, daily, entrance 35 euros per person), Auditorio Alvarez Quintero (starts at 19-00 , daily, entrance 17 euros per person).
In other cities, Spanish flamenco dance is also popular and in demand among tourists and travelers:
- in Jerez – the festival “Fiesta de la Buleria” takes place once a year, the date must be checked on the city’s website;
- in Cadiz - you can visit the local tablaos of the city and feel the beauty of flamenco;
- in Barcelona - the autumn flamenco festival takes place in the Cordobes tablao (min. cost of admission 45 euros per person), where the best Catalan flamenco performers perform;
- in Granada - in local tablaos of the city;
- c – in the tablao Villa Rosa (min. cost - 32 euros per person), tablao Corral de la Moraya (min. cost - 39 euros per person);
- in Cordoba - in local tablaos of the city.
Flamenco in the caves of Granada.
In addition to festivals and tablaos, flamenco has deep roots in , where local gypsies dance zambra in the caves of Mount Sacromonte. Granada is considered the birthplace of Zambra, as this dance originated here, in which guitar motifs are closely intertwined with singing.
Spanish gypsies in Granada have been keeping the secret of performing real flamenco for 5 centuries, which is kept secret and passed down only from parents to children.
If they really want, true flamenco connoisseurs can visit Granada and the Sacromonte caves in September from anywhere in the world, because today any tourist organization offers a wide range of tours and pleasant discounts for tourist groups.
While in Spain or Granada, visiting the caves and performing Spanish flamenco dance will be free.
And you say that...
Over the course of its long history, Spanish flamenco dance has acquired legends, amazing stories and interesting facts. The most notable events include the following:
- almost until the end of the 19th century. the gypsies performed the dance barefoot;
- the ambassador of all Roma to the EU is the dancer J. Cortes;
- flamenco guitar made of cypress;
- the amazing sound from playing the guitar is obtained thanks to the short and strong blows of the guitarist on the strings;
- The performer usually comes up with the words of the song right away, without much preparation or pre-planned context;
- Usually the guitarist in flamenco is considered the most important link and the most revered among the entire dance group;
- almost 90% of flamenco guitarists do not know sheet music;
- There are varieties of flamenco: flamenco rock, jazz and pop;
- until the end of the 18th century, flamenco existed only in a narrow circle of gypsy families;
- in every spanish city there is a type and form of flamenco;
- most major festival, dedicated to flamenco, takes place in Seville;
- In Barcelona, a restaurant and museum have been opened in honor of the dance.
Flamenco is the national Spanish dance. But this is too simple and exaggerated a definition, because flamenco is passion, fire, bright emotions and drama. It is enough to see the spectacular and expressive movements of the dancers once to forget about keeping track of time. And the music... This is a separate story... Let's not bore you - it's time to plunge into the history and specifics of this dance.
The history of flamenco: the pain of exiled peoples
The official date of birth of flamenco is 1785. It was then that Juan Ignacio Gonzalez del Castillo, a Spanish playwright, first used the word "flamenco". But these are formalities. In fact, the history of this trend goes back more than 10 centuries, during which the culture of Spain changed and developed with the participation of other nationalities. We invite you to feel the atmosphere of bygone years in order to better feel the energy and character of the dance.
Our story begins back in 711 in ancient Andalusia, located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Now it is an autonomous Spanish community, but then power on this land belonged to the Visigoths, an ancient Germanic tribe. Tired of the arbitrariness of the ruling elite, the population of Andalusia turned to Muslims for help. So the peninsula was conquered by the Moors or Arabs who came from North Africa.
For more than 700 years, the territory of ancient Spain was in the hands of the Moors. They managed to turn her into the most beautiful European country. People from all over the continent flocked here to admire the magnificent architecture, learn about science and understand the sophistication of oriental poetry.
The development of music does not stand aside either. Persian motifs begin to take over the minds of the inhabitants of Andalusia, forcing them to change their musical and dance traditions. Abu al-Hasan Ali, a Baghdad musician and poet, played a huge role in this. Art critics see in his work the first traces of flamenco and give him the right to be considered the father of Andalusian music.
In the 15th century, Christian states located in the northern part of the peninsula began to displace the Arabs. Where the Spanish Moors disappeared is a mystery that historians are not yet able to solve. Despite this, Eastern culture became part of the worldview of the people who inhabited Andalusia. But for the emergence of flamenco, the suffering of another ethnic group persecuted around the world is not enough - the gypsies.
Tired of constant wandering, the gypsies came to the peninsula in 1425. These lands seemed like paradise to them, but local authorities They hated foreigners and persecuted them. Everything associated with gypsies was considered criminal, including dancing and music.
Bloody persecution did not prevent gypsy folklore from uniting with eastern traditions, which by that time had already taken root among the local population of Andalusia. It is from this moment that flamenco begins to emerge - at the junction of several cultures.
Where does history take us next? To Spanish taverns and pubs. It is here that the local population begins to perform a sensual dance, attracting more and more curious eyes to it. For now, flamenco exists only for a narrow circle of people. But approximately mid-19th century style goes outdoors. Street performances or fiestas are no longer complete without passionate and emotional flamenco dance moves.
And then a professional stage awaits the dance. Flamencologists note that the peak of the genre falls on the second half of XIX century, when the Spanish population was crazy about the work of singer Silverio Franconetti. But the age of dance was fleeting. By the end of the century, flamenco had become a common form of entertainment in the eyes of young people. The history of dance, filled with suffering and pain of various nationalities, has remained in the background.
The musician Federico García Lorca and the poet Manuel de Falla did not allow flamenco to be equated with low-grade art and to allow the genre to leave the cozy streets of Spain forever. With their easy support, the first Andalusian festival took place in 1922. folk singing, where the melodies beloved by many Spaniards sounded.
A year earlier, flamenco became part of Russian ballet thanks to Sergei Diaghilev. He organized a performance for the Parisian public, which helped the style spread beyond Spain.
What is flamenco now? An endless number of varieties in which you can discern features of jazz, rumba, cha-cha-cha and others dance styles. The desire to unite different cultures has not disappeared, just like the basis of flamenco - sensuality and passion.
What is flamenco?
Flamenco is an art in which equal importance belongs to three components: dance (baile), song (cante) and guitar accompaniment (tok). These parts are inseparable from each other if we are talking about a dramatic type of style.
Why exactly guitar became the main musical instrument? Because it was played well by the gypsies, whose traditions became an integral part spanish culture. The flamenco guitar is very similar to the classical one, although it weighs less and looks more compact. Due to this, the sound is sharper and more rhythmic, which is what is required for real flamenco performance.
What comes first in this style, baile or cante, dance or song? Those who are barely familiar with flamenco will say that baile. In fact, the main role is played by the song, which follows clear musical rules. The dance acts as a frame. It complements the sensual component of the melody and helps retell the story through body language.
Is it difficult to learn to dance flamenco? Watching videos of girls impressively waving their arms and rhythmically clicking their heels, it seems that everything is simple. But in order to master basic movements genre, a person without proper physical training will have to make efforts. The hands become very tired, and difficulties arise in maintaining balance.
What's interesting: flamenco dance is pure improvisation. The performer simply tries to keep the rhythm of the music, performing various choreographic elements. To learn to dance flamenco, you need to experience the culture of Spain.
We list the characteristic movements that will not allow you to confuse flamenco with any dance style:
expressive plasticity of the hands, especially the hands;
shot with heels;
sharp lunges and turns;
clapping and finger snapping, which makes the music even more rhythmic and energetic.
Interesting Facts
- There is a whole science of studying flamenco. It’s called flamencology. We owe its appearance to Gonzalez Clement, who published a book of the same name in 1955. And two years later, a flamencology department was opened in the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera.
The six-string guitar is the national Spanish instrument, without which flamenco performance is unthinkable.
Traditional female costume of a flamenco performer - long dress to the floor or bata de cola. Its mandatory elements are a tight-fitting bodice, many frills and flounces along the edge of the skirt and sleeves. Due to the peculiarities of the cut, spectacular movements are obtained during the dance. Doesn't remind you of anything? The clothes were borrowed from gypsies and became a symbol of femininity and attractiveness.
Flamenco is involuntarily associated with the color red. But professional dancers see this only as a national stereotype. Where did the myth of the red dance come from? From the name of the style. Translated from Latin, “flamma” means flame, fire. These concepts are invariably associated with shades of red. Parallels are also drawn with flamingos, whose name is so consonant with a passionate dance.
Another stereotype is associated with castanets. This percussion instrument in the form of two concave plates, which are put on the hands. Yes, their sound can be clearly heard during the dance. Yes, dancers use them. But in traditional flamenco, girls’ hands should be free. Where did the tradition of dancing with castanets come from then? Thanks to the public, who enthusiastically accepted the use of this musical instrument.
The nature of the style largely determines the dancers' shoes. The toe and heel of the shoes are specially tacked with small nails to obtain a characteristic sound when performing the roll. It’s not for nothing that flamenco is considered a prototype tap dancers.
The Spanish city of Seville is considered one of the most significant in the development of flamenco. There is a museum dedicated to this dance here. It was opened by Cristina Hoyos, a famous dancer. This city is also popular thanks to its literary characters: Don Quixote And Carmen.
With the names of which dancers is flamenco associated? These are, of course, Antonia Merce i Luca, Carmen Amaya, Mercedes Ruiz and Magdalena Seda.
Popular melodies in flamenco rhythms
Como El Agua performed by Camarón de la Isla. This Spanish singer with gypsy roots is considered the most famous flamenco performer, so it is impossible to ignore his work. The presented song was recorded in the early 80s of the last century and won the love of the public love lyrics and Camarón’s emotionally intense voice.
"Como El Agua" (listen)
"Macarena" or the well-known “Macarena” - another bright “representative” of the flamenco genre, although the song was initially presented as a rumba. The composition belongs to the work of the Spanish duo Los del Río, who presented it to the public in 1993. Following dance music, a dance of the same name arose. By the way, the title of the song is the name of the daughter of Antonio Romero, one of the members of the duet.
"Macarena" (listen)
"Entre dos aguas" is a story told through a guitar. No words, just music. Its creator is Paco de Lucia, a famous virtuoso guitarist in whose hands the traditional Spanish instrument began to sound especially melodic and beautiful. The composition was recorded in the 70s and does not lose relevance among fans of the genre to this day. Some admit that they became inspired by flamenco thanks to Paco’s work.
"Entre dos aguas" (listen)
"Cuando te beso" is a bright and fiery song performed by the no less bright Spaniard Niña Pastori. The woman began singing at the age of 4 and from that moment on she has not parted with music and flamenco, not being afraid to combine the genre with modern rhythms.
“Cuando te beso” (listen)
"Pokito a Poko"- one of the famous compositions of the Spanish group Chambao. What is remarkable about their work? Its participants combined flamenco with electronic music, this ensured the popularity of the trio. The presented song captivates with beautiful vocals, a light and exciting melody and passionate dances, which are presented in the video.
"Pokito a Poko" (listen)
Flamenco and cinema
Do you want to get to know the art of flamenco better? We suggest setting aside a few evenings to watch films in which this particular dance plays the main role.
“Flamenco” (2010) tells the history of style through the eyes of famous dancers. The film was shot in the documentary genre.
Lola (2007) tells the story of Lole Flores, who is remembered by the public for her passion for performing flamenco.
"Snow White" (2012) is a black and white silent film where all the drama is expressed through dance.
Emotional. Passionate. Rhythmic. Flamenco is a path that leads to inner liberation and joy, although outwardly it is saturated with sadness and compassion. With every beat and every movement, flamenco seems to want to get something out of the depths of the human spirit or, on the contrary, to reliably hide...
Wriggling arms, proud posture, rhythmic clicking of heels, piercing gaze, passion and fire... Sensual Spanish dance of inner liberation, with a clear rhythm and beautiful guitar music - this is flamenco.
To understand the essence of flamenco, it is not enough to even master the technique of dancing and playing the guitar at a professional level, having studied all the shades and features of it. musical styles. You need to be able to feel the spirit of flamenco, this art that has been formed over centuries and peoples. Few people actually realize that the flamenco path, with its special inner values, can be religious. And at the heart of this path lies an appeal to oneself, to the knowledge that lies dormant inside, but can be awakened by a deep experience: a song that comes from the heart and gives rise to a storm of feelings in the soul, and zapateado - the rhythmic tapping of heels.
In modern flamenco there are three main components - cante(cante - song, Spanish), baile(baile - dance, Spanish) And toke(toque - musical game, Spanish).
Cante jondo
Tirelessly
the guitar is crying,
like water through the canals it cries,
like the winds under the snow - she cries.
Don't beg her for silence!
So the sunset cries for the dawn,
like an arrow crying without a target,
so the hot sand cries
about the cool beauty of camellias.
This is how a bird says goodbye to life
under the threat of a snake's sting...
The musical and emotional basis of flamenco is cante jondo(cante jondo - deep singing, Spanish) - ancient Andalusian singing. Nothing compares to the beauty and soulfulness of these tender and mostly sad songs. cante jondo- this is the true art of expressing the inner state, deep experience.
...This inheritance has no price, and it matches the name with which our people christened it, - cante jondo, deep singing. It is truly deep, deeper than all the abysses and seas,
much deeper than the heart in which it sounds, and the voice in which it is resurrected - it is almost bottomless. It comes from immemorial tribes, crossing the burial grounds of centuries and the falling leaves of storms.
It goes from the first cry and the first kiss...
F. G. Lorca. From the lecture “Cante Jondo”
Traditionally the appearance cante jondo associated with the ancient musical systems of India and the gypsies who roamed the world and transferred this knowledge to Spain from Rajasthan (northwest India) in the period from the 9th to the 14th centuries. This influence can be traced in many versions of the simplest (from the point of view of musical notation tradition) melody. Many technical nuances and shades of the sound palette are a distinctive feature of the “gypsy school”. The same reference notes can be performed in infinitely different ways. Such a wide variability in the sound of one phrase was an expression of a three-dimensional vision of the world, which allows one to correlate flamenco knowledge with Vedic philosophy. Other character traits This style is polyrhythmic, bright, emotional performance, accompanied by shouts.
In addition to the gypsies, on the formation of flamenco and cante jondo how its foundations influenced many other traditions. The emergence and development of this art affects several time and cultural layers, each of which we will consider separately.
Where it all started
Flamenco arose from the fusion of cultures of the peoples of medieval Andalusia, which united Arabs, Jews, Gypsies, and Christians on its lands under the “patronage” of Muslims who were quite tolerant of other traditions. During this period, the three religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism - entered into closer and, probably, more productive interaction with each other than in all subsequent times. It was a period of general search: knowledge was exchanged between people of different faiths. Practical experience was placed at the forefront, but at the same time, human life was viewed very symbolically. Although spiritual values were interpreted differently by different religions, they were respected by everyone equally. Flamenco as a symbol of the era was formed at the crossroads of cultures, absorbing and synthesizing the knowledge of various traditions.
Influence of Islam and Sufism. Arabs
Sufism emerged from Islam as a direction for which the independent experience of a person was especially important, the search for knowledge within, and not outside, oneself. The 13th-century Sufi mystic Ibn al-Arabi (1165–1240), born in Andalusia and living there for about 25 years, already in his youth systematized the art of understanding the human spirit and called the human path the mystical experience of living various rhythms, perhaps becoming, without even realizing it, knowing, the main ideologist of flamenco of his time.
He pointed out three journeys made by man: from Allah through different worlds to the earthly world; to Allah - a spiritual journey that ends with merging with the world essence; in Allah - unlike the first two, this journey is endless. Every journey is guided by feeling. Knowledge about feelings, as well as their correspondence to actions, was the object of study of all Arab alchemists who were looking for ways to transform energy.
During the time of Ibn al-Arabi, intuition, feelings and sensations were almost visible, material, weighty. Modern dance, full of expressiveness and emotionality, has in many ways become selfish and insensitive; it does not have that inner glow for the sake of expression of which, in fact, it was created. Flamenco strictly follows a given external rhythm: externally the rhythm is not free, but in order to achieve internal freedom when performing it, real concentration and tension are required. This is a condition of dance that makes it possible for a person to live and transform his internal energy during dance.
So, we can assume with reasonable confidence that in the art of expressing depth cante jondo the concepts of inner awareness, correspondence and connections were taken from Sufi mystics.
In the systematization and development of flamenco, the great role of the Persian poet Ziryab (789–845/857), an Arab singer, virtuoso lutenist, poet and composer, theorist and teacher, whose name (“Black Bird”) was given to him because of his “dark” color and the melody of his enchanting voice. Ziryab became the founder of the first Andalusian school of music and singing. This music center, located in the city of Cordoba, studied singing traditions in different cultures. In all likelihood, the Ziryab school should be considered the first basic center of flamenco theory. F. G. Lorca wrote about him at the beginning of the 20th century:
Chu, I hear Malegen sounds.
Deep singing, I hear verses.
Cante chico- also art,
What is sung under the southern sun.
No, these lines are not about sweet love
And not about strong male friendship.
In the southern night the song of the Bird is heard -
Black Bird, arrived from the East...
Ziryab designed musical instruments and created the original model of the lute, improving the al-ud (the Spaniards called it la-ud), adding a fifth string to it, and thus creating a lute that was later used both in Christian Spain and in North Africa. It is interesting to note that Ziryab laid certain foundations not only in the performance of music, but also in its study. He streamlined the education system, equating performing arts with strengthening personal qualities musician. His attentive attitude to everyday actions and etiquette (it was Ziryab who was the legislator in matters of etiquette for receiving guests, and we also owe to him the long-established order of serving three courses: first - soup, second - fish, and third - drinks and dessert) created a whole art of movements and pauses, which can be seen in art cante jondo.
Ziryab’s actions intersect with the Muslim mystical art of immersion in a state of ecstatic experience, which allowed the performer not only to more voluminously represent the art, but also to be filled with it, that is, to be in a state of ecstatic experience, which in flamenco is expressed in the concept duende(spirit, Spanish).
The influence of Christianity. Templars
An interesting fact in the history of Andalusia is associated with the discovery of traces of the Templars, who formed their order here in 1253–1258. In all likelihood, it was the Templars, as keepers of Christian secrets and collectors of various knowledge, who were credited with bringing Christian religious rhythms into flamenco.
Dance as an art form had a special meaning and performed sacred functions, conveying a certain character of movements, principles of body structure and the internal rhythm of action. Dance was a mirror - an exponent and keeper - of knowledge about the rhythm of life and remained so until the Renaissance, when it became only part aesthetic education person.
Islamic Andalusia was a special place for the development of various abilities and knowledge, and the search for them was one of the tasks of the Templars. The unique form of music and movements, aimed at transforming the internal state and experience, certainly could not go unnoticed by them.
One of the secrets of the Templars was the knowledge that Jesus and Muhammad used. They were associated with the rhythm of a syllable of Scripture or prayer. These rhythms used a microtone, which determined the frequency of the sound series. In connection with the use of such rhythms, knowledge about the laws of its construction and influence is clearly visible in flamenco - Rhythmic structures of different frequency and complexity influence consciousness accordingly, determining the “level of rhythmic living”. The use of microtones and semitones creates a form of special power that can be used both for effective internal comprehension and for conscious influence on external space.
The variety of shades of polyrhythmic flamenco gives the performer the opportunity to change the emotional and energetic content of the dance at any time. Consequently, dance also becomes deeply personal, because real, and not imaginary, technical perfection is required from the dancer. Flamenco resembles a game in which you need to learn different rhythms, enter into resonance with them, leading all participants in the action into a single ecstatic experience.
One of the classic Christian motifs introduced by the Templars into flamenco is the Songs of Saint Mary (Сantigas Santa Maria, Spanish), which were created in the 13th century for Alfonso X the Wise, King of Castile and Leon.
Africans. Iberians. Greeks
Africa- the cradle of humanity, the treasury of the rhythms of the Earth, could not but influence the deeply musical, passionate and rhythmic art of flamenco. Representatives of the African continent appeared in Europe during the European colonization of Africa and Latin America. There is a reasonable assumption that the original African step, which emerged from tribal African dances, added fire to the sensual flamenco.
Traditional Kenyan dances are based on close contact of the feet with the ground. Tanzanian dances, numbering more than a hundred types, are also tied to the earth. Almost the entire continent notes the special importance of perceiving rhythm with the feet. Thus, in Ugandan ritual dances associated with the initiation of young men, strong kicks to the ground are used, which symbolizes the opening of new strength, power associated with the formation of masculinity in young people.
Footwork is a special ability to maintain a connection with the ground, as if listening to its rhythm. The rhythmic forms of modern flamenco, created by the clicking of feet and heels and called zapoteado, most likely came from Africa and were used mainly by men. Women worked more with their hands. Today, these differences are difficult to identify, since the movements of men and women in dance have become similar.
Iberians, ancient population of the Iberian Peninsula, at the end of the second millennium BC. founded the state of Tartessus on the territory of Andalusia. Some researchers consider the Iberians to be natives of Africa, others as heirs to the knowledge of the pre-Indo-European population of Europe, with whom they interacted in any case. Regardless of the actual origin of the Iberians, probably the most ancient layer of knowledge of the art of expressing depth is associated with them - Madre del cante(Madre del cante - mother of singing, Spanish) is the basis of singing, based on the ability to express sound. This tradition goes back to the tribal customs of the Iberians, for whom sound was related to the primordial effort from which all things came.
Sound is fundamentally the result of man's deepest conscious effort. That is why its impact on the consciousness and even the subconscious of people is so great. But the ability to find this depth and express it is a complex art, on which Sufi mystics, Arab alchemists and Christian orders worked.
Greeks, who controlled southern Spain before the Celtic invasion, flamenco owes its debt to castanets, which are used to provide rhythmic accompaniment to the dance. The Greeks called them crotals and were made of metal, which indicates another connection with India and the cult of the god Vishnu, whose adherents to this day accompany ritual kirtans (chanting, Skt.) playing on small metal plates - kartals.
...And, of course, the gypsies
Flamenco is perhaps most closely connected with the gypsies, a mysterious and restless people. In the Middle Ages, gypsies migrated from India to Islamic Andalusia, bringing into the emerging living art of flamenco not only the traditions of the Indian vocal school, which had a decisive influence on the formation of the song basis of flamenco cante jondo. The gypsies also showed special footwork in dance, which they took from kathak- sacred dance of northern India associated with the cult of Vishnu. Dance was an obligatory component of the religious ritual, accompanying the story of Krishna's games. An important feature of this dance is the perception of the body as an instrument for expressing divine energy. The appearance of the dance component in flamenco is apparently connected specifically with kathak. Its elements added inner strength and emotional tension to flamenco, and also introduced a variety of footwork techniques.
In passing, we note that on the issue of leg movements for women there was special knowledge in all the mystical systems of the world, since if a woman works her legs incorrectly, then she disrupts the physiological and energetic functions of the uterus, which accordingly leads to the destruction of not only her personal nature, but also her offspring. First of all, footwork in dance increases muscle load, which can interfere with the achievement and expression of inner depth. But since today dance has become more external than internal, external effects are perceived naturally.
Cante jondo And Cante flamenco
In its modern, most familiar form to us today, flamenco arose in the 18th century, but had already largely lost touch with its original source - cante jondo, the art of deep experience expressed through singing.
It should be noted that the term “ cante jondo» Flamenco researchers call it ancient way of deep experience, and the oldest group of styles directly flamenco, indicating their relationship. Thus, there is a double meaning of the concept " cante jondo" - one means ancient art expressions of depth, the second - directions or group of flamenco styles.
It was ancient flamenco that seriously changed at the end of the 18th century. In dance movements, a special technique of footwork, sharp movements of the lower back, etc. appeared. In all likelihood, the plasticity of the dance remained unchanged. A gap arose and began to grow between those who perform flamenco and those who watch it. Actually art cante fell into decline at the end of the 18th century, and a new art was born - flamenco. It was the new that was born, and not the old that came to life, as many believe. The “emergence” of flamenco was accompanied by the development of many musical styles, called in the old fashioned way cante flamenco, but in reality they are strikingly different from cante jondo- its ancient, sacred basis.
Flamenco researchers use different principles for classifying numerous styles, but they are all somehow divided into the oldest cante jondo And all the rest". That is, everywhere cante jondo stands out especially as a fundamental and almost independent art.
Modern flamenco styles
In modern flamenco there are three levels, three directions or, if you like, three genres, reflecting the depth and tonality of the performance. This cante jondo, cante intermedio(intermedio - intermediate, Spanish) And cante chico(chico - small, Spanish).
In ancient times, depth (jondo) was expressed only by singing (kante) without accompaniment; music and dance were added later. For cante jondo As a genre, flamenco is characterized by dramatic poetry and music; the guitar is used as a spare, unadorned accompaniment. This is the level deep singing, music and dance.
In broad daylight
The wind cried because it was getting dark
In my heart.
Cante chico- in contrast cante jondo- a light and cheerful genre, as light and cheerful as it can be in the art of flamenco, simple in form and character of the images. In styles cante chico the guitar often plays solo, and the criterion for assessing the guitarist’s skill becomes primarily technical perfection, and not the ability to discover, to point with one’s art to something non-verbal that one is striving for cante jondo at its best. cante chico- the youngest direction of flamenco, its appearance is associated with the changes that have occurred in flamenco over the past centuries.
Dance in front of the people
alone with yourself.
After all, the dance goes on the waters
and it doesn't light up
on fire.
Cante intermedio- category of intermediate forms between cante jondo And cante chico. The dramatic mood in the intermedio cant can be replaced by fun, and the guitar melodies sound more and more diverse and move from the nature of accompaniment to soloing.
Each direction includes a group of flamenco dance styles, characterized by a special rhythm and manner of performance.
Solea por buleria- one of the main and most popular flamenco styles. This is a dance in minor colors, which is characterized by slow movements of the arms and body interspersed with fast zapateos and turns, as well as an acceleration of the rhythm at the end of the dance. In Solea por buleria the song is performed without following a rhythm.
Buleria- fast dance style. It is characterized by a mixture of syncopated rhythmic patterns, expressed in zapateo, clapping hands, knees and chest, and other clear and dynamic movements. It can be performed in both major and minor keys.
Alegrias- a cheerful and cheerful dance style. His homeland is the city of Cadiz. The appearance of alegrias is associated with the Spanish victory over Napoleon. The Arragonians came to the aid of the besieged residents of the city and together they managed to defend the city. Alegrias couplets often tell about this event. This style of dance is cheerful and at the same time a little tough, triumphant. Performed in a major key.
Tangos- a cheerful, active and most often fast style of dance, performed at holidays, fiestas and having a simple but clear rhythm. In tangos, there are often movements of the hips and shoulders, the body and arms are very flexible, which is most likely due to the African origin of this style.
Farruk- male style of dance. Solemn, majestic and proud.
Less known, but no less popular styles of flamenco performance.
Singing tones. Creates a special volume in performance, as it is sung without a guitar to a given rhythm. This is one of the oldest flamenco styles and is performed at a free tempo. This style is conducive to particularly deep experiences.
Saeta- “flamenco prayer” style. Saeta hides the religious mysticism of Islam and Christianity. Saeta- the connecting link between a person and his destiny.
Style debla(goddess, gypsy.) was practically forgotten by the middle of the 19th century, but it was once one of the main styles cante jondo. Along with the kanya, it is considered one of the most difficult to perform. Perhaps this is why debla is on the verge of extinction. Debla lies at the base cante jondo and forms one branch with Martinete and Carceleras.
Martinete and Carceleras- nature cante jondo. If Martinete is subordinate to a certain state of everyday life and accordingly expresses it, then Carceleras expresses the state of striving for freedom. Actually, it originated in the places of its deprivation. At the same time, both styles represent a certain form of communication that expresses human states.
Nanas- “first birth” style, representing original purity, childhood, communication between a mother and her child.
Style cantes de trilla, or simply trileras, completes the formation cante jondo. This is a style that correlates with the end of certain processes and the transition to a different quality. This original style seems to switch consciousness and allows for internal transformations.
The varied styles of flamenco, studied and practiced today not only in Spain but also in other countries around the world, although not given enough attention, link modern flamenco to its Andalusian roots. Each of them individually contains the key to understanding the depth of dance, but together they open access to the spirit of the mystical and beautiful art flamenco, to what the Spaniards call the word "duende".
...These sounds are a secret, roots that have grown into the swamp, about which we all know, about which we know nothing, but from which the main thing in art comes to us... Duende, an angel and a muse are in any art and in any country. But if in Germany the muse almost invariably reigns, in Italy - the angel, then the duende invariably rules Spain...
F.G. Lorca. From the lecture “Duende. Theme with variations"
Duende - the spirit of flamenco
Flamenco today is an egregor art, which is formed by spiritual knowledge and traditions various peoples medieval Andalusia and focuses on:
- to strengthen the spirit through emotional experiences;
- filling with movement, color, sound and sensations;
- unification of various forms of cognition in a single rhythm;
- bringing consciousness to harmony and balance.
And it's all tied together inner strength flamenco, its spirit - duende.
Without duende, flamenco loses its deep and subtle content, its inner essence. In duenda one should look for the true art of dance, and not its emotional form. Today, many people strive to find inspiration in dance, but this is the peculiarity of flamenco, that without inspiration it is not worth trying to dance this dance, because duende is a force, without which the dance becomes only a weak improvisation on a flamenco theme. If it is not there, then an attempt to find it or imitate it is only an emotional substitute form, and this is the difference between true art and fictional art.
How to find the key to understanding the spirit of flamenco? This question excites the mind and heart of everyone who studies this dance. Any beginner masters dance vocabulary in several stages. First, positioning the body, then studying the positions of the arms and legs, carefully practicing the movements of the hands. Then important stage work - staging the impact of the foot and heel, the so-called zapateado (a real flamenco dancer can make five different sounds with his heel). Particular attention is paid to the position of the head and gaze, since it is these elements that give the performance the proper character. The dancer also has to understand the campas (rhythmic patterns characteristic of each form of flamenco) and master the jaleo clapping. All that remains is to learn to feel the music and let yourself go into improvisation, weaving together technique and innate temperament.
But this is not enough for duende! Duende requires a special state of mind, inspiration, which, as we know, is very unpredictable.
Who else but Federico García Lorca, a Spanish poet and musician who grew up in folk songs cante jondo, who has absorbed Spanish melancholy and the depth of sensual experience of the art of flamenco - to know what duende is.
“...Duende, like a blooming rose, is like a miracle and awakens almost religious delight. In Arabic music, be it song, dance or lament, the duende is greeted with a frantic “Alla! Allah!” (“God! God!”), and in the Spanish South the appearance of the duende is echoed by the cry of the soul: “As the Lord lives!” - a sudden, hot, human feeling of God with all six senses..."
“Duende sweeps away the cozy, rigid geometry, breaks the style; It was he who forced Goya, the master of silver, gray and pink tints of the English school, to rub black varnish into the canvases with his knees and fists...”
In Spain, connoisseurs of the art of flamenco are very discerning spectators. Their exclamation “No tiene duende!” (There is no fire in it!) is akin to a death sentence for a flamenco performer. Lorca liked to tell the story of how, at a dance competition in Jerez de la Frontera “The first prize from young beauties with bodies as ebullient as water was snatched by an eighty-year-old old woman.” She defeated the young beauties with just the feeling and inner strength with which she “she raised her arms, threw her head back and hit the stage with her heel.” “But all these muses and angels who smiled and captivated could not help but give in and gave in to the half-dead duende, who was barely dragging the rusty blades of his wings.”
"Golden Age" of flamenco
From the end of the 18th century, the art of flamenco began to play an important role in Spanish society; its era began mass distribution. From that moment on, flamenco began new story, within the framework of which it, having become public, has perhaps ceased to be a path of internal search and development. At the same time, the loss of the knowledge on which flamenco relied began. The year 1842 can be called a turning point in the history of dance: the first specialized club opened in Seville, from which the flamenco industry began to gain momentum.
Mass popularity of the dance came during the so-called “golden age” of flamenco, which occurred at the end of the 18th century. early XIX century. Its main figure is Silverio Franconetti. On the one hand, this is an extraordinary person who, having plunged into flamenco, presented it as special art. But on the other hand, the problem was that any art must mature in the minds of not only a few, but at least a dozen people. Flamenco was simply doomed to false development when Silverio's followers turned it into a competition, turning the sacred art into a kind of sport, which would inevitably lead to its downfall.
So the “goldenness” of this period is very doubtful. And although the great cantaores of that time gathered around Silverio, they could no longer reach the former, original depth of flamenco.
Among the cohort of his students, one can only note the appearance of Antonio Chacon, who surpassed his teacher, creating conditions for the emergence of many new styles and varieties, which primarily enriched the external, performing form of flamenco.
Songs began to be divided into those accompanying the dance ( atras) and just for listening ( alante). But without internal filling, the external form could not last long, and by the middle of the 19th century flamenco was experiencing another decline. As a business product, it had to undergo certain changes, and as a deep art, it had to wait for new researchers and followers of the original meaning. Business brought imitation of feelings to flamenco, which made it close only to those who welcomed outwardly understandable forms and were oriented towards consumer attitudes.
In the homeland of flamenco, Spain, this dance is not danced everywhere. Or rather, they dance everywhere, but they probably live only in places where traditions are still strong. In any village in the south of Spain, no special occasion is needed for the holiday - day or night, morning or evening, alone or in the middle of the central square, under good mood they just put on costumes and dance. A woman dancing flamenco is beautiful and graceful, temperamental and seductive, flirtatious and unapproachable, proud and confident.
This dance is deeply individual, sometimes its character borders on irresistible loneliness, a state that actually determines a person’s personality, his inner wealth. Flamenco turns to some invisible source and expresses itself emotionally very freely, directly - from crying and screaming to love and some kind of special joy. Flamenco teaches a person to communicate with himself. This experience is not for the sake of external effect. It is feelings that generate that vibration inside the body, which is then reproduced outside.
Judging by the emerging trends, flamenco has a certain aesthetic future, a successful one. external development. But any new external styles will not replace the true experience of ancient flamenco, rooted in the treasury of traditions of many peoples and cultures.
In order not only to learn to dance, but to know Any dance, be it flamenco, Arabic belly dance or hopak, you need to understand its roots, trace its history and rely not on external effects, but on your inner sense of rhythm. And then modern dance will open its ancient secret, imparting knowledge about our inner essence, about the real us. Ancient art cante jondo expressed the deepest experiences of a person and at the same time was a means of maintaining connection with this depth. This makes flamenco even more valuable, because gaining connection with your inner, real world is especially important today.
The article quotes poems by F.G. Lorca in translations by M. Tsvetaeva and A. Geleskul.
Questions and answers
Is Duende a unique spirit or are there situations where a person, say, is forced to manifest this spirit? Is every human action a consequence of an experienced feeling? A. Melnik
Duende is experiencing with rhythm; this is the essence, the idea of flamenco, when the dancer goes deep into his nature. Of course, every human action is not an experience of feeling, since his consciousness has not been taught to control and guide the action. Here you need to look at what level you can operate with your condition. In general, they are divided into rough, low, high and human. At the same time, they create various groups and schemes. Well, in order to manifest a higher experience, you need to learn and develop this. Although, of course, a situation is possible when some action, situation or place reveals us. But all the same, it becomes fleeting, since you still need to be able to operate with it.
Are you aware of scientific research? works about the sacred essence of flamenco? I would like to get to know this topic more deeply. However, the Internet is replete with only invitations to various dance schools and I have not found a more sensible answer to my question than your publication.
Flamenco has a lot of oral tradition. I didn't specifically study flamenco. I simply study ancient cultures, which allowed me to form my view of this dance and my understanding of it. I have not seen any serious research and I don’t think there will be any, since in flamenco there are few sensible people who can analyze, there is too much emotion.
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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 fluffy skirts flutter in rhythm with her 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. The best performers are 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 spilled out in soul-tearing music, songs and passionate dances. 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 toque, traditionally performed on the guitar, soulful cante singing 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
Famous performers made flamenco famous throughout the world. 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 brought 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 at one of the dance competitions the main prize was won by an 80-year-old 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 go basic course flamenco 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 of a 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 the unrestrained sea waves, then tongues of burning flame. 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 position in life, to free up a piece of the sky for himself. 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 with deep meaning and contains the wisdom of centuries. Anyone who knows the language of dance can tell the world his 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 The best way do it beautifully and with dignity.