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Flamenco Dance
Definition
Powerful footwork executing complicated rhythms and graceful arm and hand movements define this dance form. A tradition known to have been born in the southern region of Spain - Andalusia - flamenco embodies influences from Andalusian, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalusia prior to and after the Reconquest.
History
There is no single accepted history of the early beginnings of flamenco. Due to lack of documentation prior to the 18th century, the origins of flamenco remain debated by historians and scholars. Some speculate that predecessors of the form can be found dating as far back as 40-104 BC in the poetry of Marcial. The form we know of today as flamenco is attributed to the Gitana (Roma/Gypsy) people who arrived in the cultural mosaic of Andalusia, Spain in the 1400s. It is thought that influences from the various cultures residing there, in combination with their own traditions, gave birth to what we know of as flamenco. The early influences particularly of Hindu, Arabic and Castilian cultures present at the arrival of the Gitana people are still very evident in the art form today.
Flamenco has always remained tied closely to its roots, but has never existed in a vacuum. It continues to evolve today. Influences from Latin America gave birth to the flamenco forms such as guajiras, colombianas and rumbas, which became widely popular in the 20th century. Today, you will find flamenco music intertwined with Jazz, and more recently Hip Hop and Rock. In addition, it has also become common for dance artists to integrate aspects of modern dance into their performance. However, much of the "flamenco fusion" genre is debated in flamenco communities. Flamenco has also grown popular around the globe and its international appeal continues to expand.
For Furthermore information about Flamenco Dance Visit:Flamenco World
Flamenco Dance
In Nova Scotia Flamenco has emerged in the past ten years as a staple of Halifax's performing arts scene.
Evelyne Benais brought flamenco to the Maritimes in 2000 with her troupe El Viento Flamenco. She established her group in Halifax and founded El Viento Flamenco School of Dance. Evelyne now currently resides in Paris, France.
In 2010, dancer Megan "Azulita" Matheson of El Viento Flamenco founded her own company Compañía Azul with El Viento musicians and other flamenco artists. Megan teaches at Halifax Dance, as well as from her own studio in Cow Bay.
The Maria Osende Flamenco Company and school were founded in 2004, followed by the Flamenco Festival Atlantic by the troupe's director Maria Osende. The Flamenco Festival Atlantic brings international artists from Spain yearly to Halifax.
For a list of flamenco dance links click here.
Definition
Powerful footwork executing complicated rhythms and graceful arm and hand movements define this dance form. A tradition known to have been born in the southern region of Spain - Andalusia - flamenco embodies influences from Andalusian, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalusia prior to and after the Reconquest.
History
There is no single accepted history of the early beginnings of flamenco. Due to lack of documentation prior to the 18th century, the origins of flamenco remain debated by historians and scholars. Some speculate that predecessors of the form can be found dating as far back as 40-104 BC in the poetry of Marcial. The form we know of today as flamenco is attributed to the Gitana (Roma/Gypsy) people who arrived in the cultural mosaic of Andalusia, Spain in the 1400s. It is thought that influences from the various cultures residing there, in combination with their own traditions, gave birth to what we know of as flamenco. The early influences particularly of Hindu, Arabic and Castilian cultures present at the arrival of the Gitana people are still very evident in the art form today.
Flamenco has always remained tied closely to its roots, but has never existed in a vacuum. It continues to evolve today. Influences from Latin America gave birth to the flamenco forms such as guajiras, colombianas and rumbas, which became widely popular in the 20th century. Today, you will find flamenco music intertwined with Jazz, and more recently Hip Hop and Rock. In addition, it has also become common for dance artists to integrate aspects of modern dance into their performance. However, much of the "flamenco fusion" genre is debated in flamenco communities. Flamenco has also grown popular around the globe and its international appeal continues to expand.
For Furthermore information about Flamenco Dance Visit:Flamenco World
Flamenco Dance
In Nova Scotia Flamenco has emerged in the past ten years as a staple of Halifax's performing arts scene.
Evelyne Benais brought flamenco to the Maritimes in 2000 with her troupe El Viento Flamenco. She established her group in Halifax and founded El Viento Flamenco School of Dance. Evelyne now currently resides in Paris, France.
In 2010, dancer Megan "Azulita" Matheson of El Viento Flamenco founded her own company Compañía Azul with El Viento musicians and other flamenco artists. Megan teaches at Halifax Dance, as well as from her own studio in Cow Bay.
The Maria Osende Flamenco Company and school were founded in 2004, followed by the Flamenco Festival Atlantic by the troupe's director Maria Osende. The Flamenco Festival Atlantic brings international artists from Spain yearly to Halifax.
For a list of flamenco dance links click here.
(above) Clip of Compañía Azul
(above) Clip of Maria Osende Flamenco Company