Feel the vibrance and verve of the Flamenco…
Craving for some pure Andalusian vibrance? Pining for the real cultural vibe that defines the heart of Spain? Tell you where to find it? It practically oozes from every inch of the ceramic tiled walls of Seville, Andalusia’s 3000-year old capital. If you are a true heritage lover, you can’t avoid falling in love with this medieval city. It is feisty, flamboyant and fun, with unmistakable Moorish influences that entice from every colourful corner. See this article of Lonely Planet magazine and tell me you’re not itching to go…
Once you are done swooning over the city’s magnificent icons like the Seville Cathedral, the Real Alcazar and the Plaza de España, I strongly recommend an adrenaline shot like no other. This essential experience (I forbid you to miss it) is the Flamenco, the traditional Spanish dance form, native to Seville. Ask around, you will find posters and flyers everywhere. Flamenco is to Seville as Opera is to Italy. I urge you to seek it, sense it. And be reborn, with a new energy.
Travel mantra to live by? When in doubt, always go where the locals do. So, we kept it simple by signing up for the show that our hotel concierge suggested. Plus the venue was just a short walk from our hotel.
We were puzzled to reach the address mentioned on the tickets. Here we were, standing outside the door of a graceful Moorish house down a narrow cobbled street, eyes fixed on a modest printed sheet on the wall, announcing that night’s Flamenco! No auditorium, no theatre, no ticket booth, no big banners, no flashing neon lights?
Besides us, there was only one other couple conversing quietly in a nearby corner. This was where the performance would be? In someone’e home, ummm, living room? Credibility crumbled. Had we been duped? Would it be authentic? Or watchable? We stared at our tickets, rechecked the street name, looked at each other, shrugged. The door was shut. No organiser or usher to be found. Have patience, you’ve only just got here. Thankfully, over the next fifteen minutes, a small group had gathered. We reassured each other…we were not in the wrong place. Oh, maybe this was just a meeting place, and someone would guide our group to another venue in a while?
By the way, no one else even seemed remotely concerned. Anyhow, our curiosity had escalated sky-high by now. Stop the guesswork. Its not helping. And then the door opened. A young man appeared from inside and ushered us into a dark inner courtyard, where 12-15 chairs were laid out facing a tiny wooden stage, barely eight square feet in size, and just about a step higher than floor level. It was the inner courtyard of a traditional Spanish house! We seated ourselves in this mini-theatre, waiting for what we now remember as one of the most soul-stirring experiences of our lives.
In a couple of minutes, the performers walked in…two dancers, a guitarist and a vocalist. The intimacy of the tiny stage at just arm’s length from where we were seated made a world of a difference…it seemed like a special show, for a privileged group, the chosen ones. The next hour was a whirlpool of emotions. Nothing could have distracted us…nothing at all, we sat glued to our metal chairs, immersed, truly, madly, deeply. The universe faded invisibly into music and dance. Nothing existed outside of this dimly-lit stage.
The rhythmic foot-tapping and soulful music built up to a deafening crescendo, and we were swept away by high-voltage energy waves of the dance performance by the mature couple. I read the intensity writ large in the furrows of their brows, studied their firm movements and traced the expressions which hardly disguised the passion of their performance. This was a skill perfected over years and the couple had mastered all the moves. They swayed in complete sync, they emoted with their faces, and I felt my feet tapping…the rhythm was carrying me away.
The world was a blur of swirling flouncy skirts, a melting synchrony of seasoned dancers, a solid beat of sturdy heels on the wooden platform. Her hair in a tight bun, white shirt firmly tucked into a high-waisted black skirt. He sporting a casual hairdo, loose locks of his hair falling onto his forehead, his white bandanna mysteriously in place despite the vigorous moves. The gentle strumming of la guitarra (the guitar), and the heart-wrenching sound of el cante (the song) in the background. The words hit a blank, but we could sense the emotion in his voice…there were songs of celebration, heartache, despair, ecstasy…some light as air, some heavy as lead.
We were witnessing the grace and power of the centuries-old dance form live in the heart of Andalusia and it was an unparalleled cultural fiesta. Minutes flew by. We gazed, we absorbed, we felt, we flowed. It felt like a dream, only I had goosebumps…so this was actually happening! And within the hour, it was over. Impressed is an understatement…because the resounding claps from the audience continued even after the performers had exited the room.
Later, over tapas at a small table of a Spanish restaurant at the end of the street, we talked about the Flamenco and its mysterious roots, (possibly from as far as northwest India) between the 9th and 14th centuries, to the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. A journey riddled with years of persecution and marginalisation until the first half of the 19th century, when public performances started in cafes and larger venues…to international recognition in the mid-20th century with the onset of professionalism, innovative choreographies and new musical waves.
Street lamps created silvery grey pools on the uneven paved stone floor beside us…couples occupied tables, glasses filled, cutlery clinked and waiters bustled with trays and dishes. It was 9 pm, there was still a blue glow in the sky and the streets were alive with the sounds of friendly chatter. Seville didn’t want to sleep, and neither did we!
Glad to hear you had such an amazing expperience watching the flamenco dancers. That’s got to be the best venue to see them being such an intimate affair. What a great activity for anyone visiting Seville.
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I would recommend it to everyone! Always!
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What a cool experience! I love how intimate the setting was – that’s got to be one of the best ways to see them! I would have been tapping my foot the whole way through, then pretending to be a Flamenco dancer all the way home 😛
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I did that exactly…out in the street later 🙂
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Yes, I’m itching to go!! I totally agree with you, go where the locals go, you can’t go wrong. You really seemed to have had an amazing experience seeing the flamenco dancers, very intimate, love it!
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If I close my eyes now, I can still see them and their intense expressions.
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What a unique experience. Flamenco down to the utmost basics. Intimate and authentic.
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Yes, unforgettable!
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I’ve seen (and felt) the rhythm of flamenco many times. It never disappoints! Great tips.
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We see eye to eye, then:)
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Looks amazing! Such a different way to see Spain!
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Very different. We try to incorporate some cultural experience in every country we visit.
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I love that this wasn’t in a major theatre. What a wonderful experience. Even just thinking for a moment that this might not have been what it seemed adds to the adventure. Flamenco is such fun.
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Yes, it was one of our most memorable evenings.
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That looks unique. Just watched some youtube videos regarding the same. It really is a unique dancing forms.
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After seeing the videos, I’m sure you can now feel what we experienced.
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I have fond memories of Flamenco That I witnessed in Seville. Made a post on that too. Did you know that there is Indian link to the origins of this dance?
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Yes, I have mentioned the Indian connect in my post too. 🙂
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I was born in the north of Spain, where flamenco is not common at all or even that popular, but I’ve always found this dance and music quite interesting. I can’t believe that I’ve never been to a flamenco show, it looks like a great experience!
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Yes, I believe it is native to Andalusia. You will enjoy it, I’m sure..
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Great ideas! And I love the fact you highlighted real authentic experiences! That dance looks like it would be so interesting to watch in a such an intimate setting!
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Art and culture really teach you so much about a destination.
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Sounds like a fantastic experience. If only I had known about it when I was in Seville, one of my favourite cities ever and a place where I celebrated a special birthday lol
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You must try to catch a performance when you are in Spain next.
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Wow, that was really a good surprise! Flamenco dance is one of the highly expressive dance forms in Spain. It is a difficult dance that takes time before someone could perfect it. So you are indeed privileged for watching the show.
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Yes, I think we are privileged to have access to so much varied art and culture. Every experience enriches you in different ways.
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This is something I’d love to see when I visit Sevilla. Always been intrigued by flamenco, would be great to see it where it’s most popular as well!
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You must! Its a highly energising dance form.
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I did the same thing when I visited Seville–asked my hotel guy where we could catch Flemenco, and he directed us to god-knows-where, a tiny venue where we had a brilliant experience. Anyone visiting Granada as well should catch it–it’s perhaps even more popular there.
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Tiny venues are so great, like tiny restaurants!
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I’ve been to Sevilla and even though it was nice, there are so many other cities nearby that are so much better…! And I am sorry, but I completely hate flamenco. So I was quite biased about the post, sorry (yep, I’m spanish).
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Really? That is the first time I heard someone say that! Why do you hate it?
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I totally agree with you: if you want to have an authentic experience, go where the locals go. I’m glad that you enjoyed your time there!
Elena | http://www.inspiredtoexplore.com
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Its really all about trial-and-error. Sometimes you do end up getting great suggestions.
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I wish i would have had more time to immerse myself in Spanish culture! 48 hours in Barcelona wasn’t near long enough!
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Reason to go back. Southern Spain is where all the real culture is…
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I’ve heard a little bit of flamenco but never imagined seeing it live in Seville! This sounds like such a wonderful experience and I especially like the idea of the small venue like you had.
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Oh, you have? How exciting. Then it should be even more enjoyable to watch a live performance like this.
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Love this! Spain has such a vibrant and exciting spirit, and I think the flamenco embodies that. 🙂
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In more ways than one!
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Those kind of places are always the best aren’t they?! Lovely post. The passion of the art form is best in an intimate setting.
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Cultural experiences heighten the travel experience multi-fold.
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This looks like such a cool experience–love all the details and description! I would love to check out Flamenco, especially in Seville. It’s cool that the performance was in such an intimate setting. Great find!!
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I still remember the performance and it gives me goosebumps.
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Ah, I also watched a Flamenco show in Seville and it was AMAZING. I love the liveliness and the vibrancy and the sounds. This brings back some great memories.
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Wasn’t it just fabulous?
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I also went to see this a couple of years ago when I lived in Spain. I liked to see it, but I feel like that I didn’t get it by watching a performance onde
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Really? We just went with the flow and it was great.
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That’s something I still have to tick off my list. I’ve seen many flamenco shows all over the world, but never in Andalucia. Such a beautiful and feisty dance!
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If this is is your one reason for visiting Spain, believe me, it is enough of a reason!
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I used to dance Flamenco during my college years, and I like it a lot. I think I need to relive that hobby again 🙂
-blairvillanueva
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Beautiful post about one of the most beautiful dances ever. I am glad you got to see the dance in such a cozy and personal space rather than in a commercial spot. I’ve witnessed it a few times over the years, but never in such a wonderful and intimate setting. Did you get to interact with the dancers afterwards?
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Yes, it was an ideal setting. We were lost in a trance. No, unfortunately we didn’t get to interact with the performers.
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I’ve always been fascinated with the Flamenco! I find it to be so full of passion, so expressive and just mesmerisingly beautiful. It would definitely be up there at the top of my list when I mage to visit Spain.
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I’m sure it will exceed your expectations!
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I love watching Flamenco dancing (though I’ve never seen it in–and have never been to–Seville). It looks like it was such an amazing experience!
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If you love it so much, the live performance will certainly thrill you!
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This sounds like a fantastic night, full of new experiences, a snippet into some history and paired with good Spanish food? What more could you want? I think if I were to try any sort of dancing I will need to limber up my stiff and awkward body. Would love to join in the fun. Glad you enjoyed!
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It was a perfect evening in every way. And we had completed a day trip to Granada earlier that day.
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It must be a good experience, it seems you had a great time 🙂
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Yes, it was enthralling!
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i have sent some clients to watch flamenco show but really i was not aware they show it like the way you explained.
i always think i would be like a big stage and hall but nothing matter when you see the performance.
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Sometimes seeing such a performance on a smaller stage is so much better.
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This is so much fun!!! I love dancing and I love when such travel-dancing events happen. Started learning Salsa just for fun after coming to Seattle for the same reason 😀
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Dance and music have universal languages…one just flows along.
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I can imagine, feeling the energy flow of the flamenco. Nice story!
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Thank you!
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What a fun experience! I would love to be able to experience in person. I absolutely love the cut of her dress!
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Seeing it in person, of course, makes a world of a difference.
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I would love to see the flamenco….such a vibrant dance. Your pictures have got me curious. I wish I could see a video too.
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You can check out flamenco videos on youtube.
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We don’t get much to read about the culture and authentic experiences of Spain, Flamenco Dance experience sounds like an amazing experience.
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Yes, it is a one-of-a-kind experience.
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I remember the first time I saw flamenco… It was in Seville, and it was exactly as you described! I loved this trip down memory lane, thank you for sharing!!
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It is an experience that just touches your soul very deeply.
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What a beautifully written post! It sounds like a great night. I also really enjoy watching the flamenco dancers!
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Thanks for your comment!
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I also attended my first flamenco show in Sevilla, in a very small place, sipping a fresh glass of sangria. And what I remember most, apart from the emotion of the dance, was a great paella we had after the show 🙂
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Yes, the emotional angle is quite strong, I noticed that especially. It was evident from the expressions of the performers.
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It is always nice to explore any destination like locals and learn about its culture by exploring places where locals visit. I bet, watchingFlamenco Dance would be an ultimate experience!
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Oh yes, Flamenco is the ultimate, you said it!
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Well this sounds like a fun experience to do in Seville. All these Spanish dances are so sexy! Would love to try it with my man
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That would be fun! Flamenco-ing away the night…
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Knowing a place through its culture–like dancing and other traditional forms, is one way to know more about the place and its people. It’s nice to discover things like these if you are done with sight-seeing and all.
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Exactly. It helps you integrate and blend in better.
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This sounds amazing! I love to watch Spanish dancers and you got to experience it and how! Woah! It’s definitely one of the best things to experience in Seville.
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Undoubtedly. Have you seen a performance?
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Such a wonderful experience. I still find myself tapping my feet whenever I watch any Flamenco dance vids. I am such an admirer of this form of dance. you are lucky to have witnessed it live
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Yes, it was certainly an experience that we will never forget.
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Sounds like it was an amazing experience! I’m usually not very interested in theatre performances, but this actually got me a bit more interested in checking them out! Great article!
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This one is not to be missed!
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To hear and see flamenco is a powerful experience. There is such energy and soul on the performers that you can’t help to feel contagiated.
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Can’t agree more. Its an experience that energises!
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That was a rocking experience I must say. The fact that it was such a small place with a small audience must have enhanced and given the whole experience a personal touch. Dance is a great peephole into the culture and heritage of a place and I am sure the performance was an unforgettable experience.
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You said it…art and culture is the best way to immerse oneself deeper in a new destination.
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Absolutely beautiful. Flamenco is my favorite form of dance, it is deep inside my soul. Viva el Flamenco!
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The most energy=filled dance of them all!
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