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Flamenco, Gipsy, ladino Spanish, Andalucia, latino, bulerias, rumba, Tex mex, Mexican, Gypsy, Sephardic, latin america.
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Credit: Miguel Moreno, Luis Perez
a style of dancing characteristic of the Andalusian gypsies; vigorous and rhythmic with clapping and stamping of feet
Flamenco
today consists of the song (cante), the dance (baile), the
guitar(toque) and extra elements of rhythmic accompaniment,
such as (handclapping)(palmas), finger snapping (pitos), tongue
clicking and even knuckle bashing on a tabletop. Castanets-
a Spanish-classical influence - are also played in some dances
and performers often shout words of encouragement known as
jaleo. During quieter moments and with a bottle of sherry
on the table, there may be recitation of poetry with or without
guitar accompaniment. The modern influence is to add still
more instruments, such as flute, bass guitar and drums.
The important thing to bear in mind is that, at its source,
Flamenco for the Andalucians is a way of life, rather than
simply a folk art. It does not have to be staged. It can just
happen. With his friends at the bar, an Andalucian might break
into song perhaps singing, a verse of his favourite Fandango,
and immediately an atmosphere is created which, if a guitarist
is present, would turn into a little party or juerga.
