Spanish Dance Rhythms

Compiled by Flora Krasnoshtein

Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section
Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish Dance
at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera,
Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

1
Table of Contents

HISTORY OF SPANISH DANCE ........................................................................................................ 4

Bailes Folkloricos .............................................................................................................................. 5
Flamenco ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Escuela Bolera .................................................................................................................................. 5
Classical Spanish Dance ................................................................................................................. 5
TRADITIONAL REGIONAL SPANISH DANCES (BAILES FOLKLORICOS).................................. 6
Jota Aragonese ................................................................................................................................. 6
Sardana ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Muñeira .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Zambra............................................................................................................................................... 7
Bolero ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Fandango........................................................................................................................................... 8
Paso Doble ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Spanish dance style ...................................................................................................................... 9
Ballroom style ................................................................................................................................ 9
FLAMENCO ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Video Examples of Selected Flamenco Styles............................................................................. 11
Mix of Different Flamenco Pálos (Rhythms) ............................................................................. 11
Alegrias ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Bulerias ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Caña ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Caracoles..................................................................................................................................... 13
Fandangos ................................................................................................................................... 14
Farruca ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Guajiras........................................................................................................................................ 15
Malagueña ................................................................................................................................... 15
Martinete ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Peteneras .................................................................................................................................... 16
Seguiriyas .................................................................................................................................... 16

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

2
 Solea ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Tangos ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Tarantos ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Tientos ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Zambra ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Flamenco-themed Films by Carlos Saura .................................................................................... 19
SEVILLANAS ...................................................................................................................................... 20
SOURCES........................................................................................................................................... 22

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

3
HISTORY OF SPANISH DANCE
Disclaimer: The content in this section is written in my own words and/or paraphrased from the website
content cited in the source below.

Source: http://www.enforex.com/espanol/cultura/historia-baile-espanol.html

When people hear “Spanish dance”, in their mind they immediately picture images of a
strumming guitar, stomping heels and bright costumes. While they right away connect
Spanish dance to flamenco, the latter is only one part of what constitutes Spanish
dance, and originates in the southernmost region of Spain, called Andalucia. There are
many different regions in Spain, and each has its own traditional dance or dances,
which together make up the tapestry of the long history of Spanish dance. How many
people imagine a visit to Spain, and to hear the sounds of bagpipes and tambourines?
Yet, this is the music that accompanies the traditional Spanish dances in northern
Spain.

The distinction between the different musical genres started to occur in the fifteenth
century. Free and public dances gained their popularity, and serious and measured
bailes (dances) became outdated. During the Renaissance, popular and folk dancing
continued to develop in the history of Spanish dance, gaining international
recognition. These were developed as regional dances which were used to create new
styles by either performing them alone or mixing with other dances. This mix and match
contributed to the development of a variety of regional dances. In Catalonia region
alone there are over 200 different traditional dances.

During the Baroque period the Gypsies arrived in the Iberian Peninsula. The popularity
of their music, song and dance – flamenco – grew and joined the history of Spanish
dance, becoming both a national and international sensation. As flamenco became
more popular, the popularity of regional dances plummeted. This decline of regional
dances became more pronounced during the twentieth century, when the dictator
Franco banned all regional traditions ― dancing, music and languages were among
them. However, in today’s Spain, there has been a renewed pride and practice of
traditional regional Spanish dances, and they are here to stay.

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

4
Spanish dance encompasses a variety of styles, and can be divided into four
categories:

Bailes Folkloricos

 Traditional folk dances that originate in different regions of Spain each having
unique costumes, instruments and props. Their origins are diverse, and include
Greek, Phoenician, Celtic and Moorish influences. Examples are Jota de Aragon
from Aragon, Muñeira from Galicia, Sevillanas from Seville, Reja from Granada,
and Tanguillos from Cádiz.

Flamenco

 The art of Spanish Gypsies (gitanos) with its expressive, fiery intensity has strong
Arabic, Jewish, Byzantine, Egyptian, Moorish and East Indian influences.
Traditionally flamenco is improvised and danced solo, however when adapted to
theatre it can be choreographed for individuals and groups. Percussive footwork
(taconeo) is an essential element of flamenco. The props used in flamenco
include Córdoban hats, fans, shawls, and bata de colas (dresses with a long
train).

Escuela Bolera

 This style of classical dance dates back to the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries, and was influenced by the ballet from that period. Danced in soft
shoes, it combines classical ballet elements with Spanish arm movements and
castanets.

Classical Spanish Dance

 This style combines flamenco footwork and folkloric steps with Classical Spanish
music, and was first introduced in Spanish operettas (zarzuelas). The props used
in classical Spanish dance include fans, shawls, and bata de colas (dresses with
a long train). Original choreographies are produced to the music of composers of
classical Spanish music such as de Falla, Albéniz, and others.

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

5
TRADITIONAL REGIONAL SPANISH DANCES (BAILES FOLKLORICOS)
Disclaimer: Paraphrased from the English translation of the original Spanish content.

Source: http://www.enforex.com/espanol/cultura/historia-baile-espanol.html

Jota Aragonese
This traditional dance originated in northern Spain, particularly Aragon. It is fast-paced;
couples dance with arms held over head while playing castanets. The dance has the
Arabic influence, probably because its origin is attributed to an Arab poet who was
expelled from Valencia in the twelfth century.

Video Examples of Jota

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idIidx2dYI0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maZhWn4IHKg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Ew9_wU64o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XAimVzXiu0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLwZgZXv0VY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CansCohXdWs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSkPj1eIykM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_DOipPSmKk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maZhWn4IHKg

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

6
Sardana
Danced in a group; several couples hold hands and dance in a closed circle in this
traditional Catalan circle dance.

Video Examples of Sardana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGqoYk_cuBQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZH9Cwr-yyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKirU_LycB4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukhYNgXJ-nY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhK0BIZoyac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGnV1vGzMyw

Muñeira
Danced in either pairs or solo to the sound of bagpipes. This "Danza del Molinero"
(miller’s dance) is typical of Galicia and Asturias.

Video Examples of Muñeira

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlCrFXjRfVE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2lD0PH971g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLzlD6PRgR8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4OZOYr11bg

Zambra
The Zambra was originally an Arabic dance, but with the reconquest of Spain by the
Catholic Monarchs, Arabs were able to keep this dance adapting to the customs of
Spanish dance.

Video Examples of Zambra Flamenca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz7AN7ehP-U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKCo97vxfT4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sS3GZYrvjw

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

7
Bolero
One of the oldest and most traditional dances in the history of Spanish dance, the
bolero is a fast dance with sudden pauses and turns.

Video Examples of Traditional Bolero

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrS6a-x4wHM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0NBbOGEnvo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7mHPFvSsxc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb7UBhYTEEQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEwY5e_eHY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkR2zq0maa8

Video Examples of Escuela Bolera Style

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_Z3uTIETng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2ljI2Wqzgc

Fandango
At one time it was one of the most famous dances of Spain; the fandango is a merry
and animated dance, danced in pairs.

Video Examples of Fandango

Extremaduran traditional folk dance by Folk Esemble 'Tierra de Barros'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ZMOX2WveQ

Interpretation of a folk dance that originates from Majorca.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xGGkKQNXMs

Other Fandangos from various regions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX-RjvoUtbk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky3NZq6tZ7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xzu_NzIVxo

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

8
Paso Doble
A Spanish march associated with bullfighting; quick one-step dance (2/4 time or 2
beats per measure musical phrase).

Video Examples of Paso Doble

Spanish dance style

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy8gOaQKX3M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt1bOQ20V3M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Do0sXgiKoE

Ballroom style
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGvyix_esxo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGHd9Q79ACU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9t4mDV3HtE

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

9
FLAMENCO
Disclaimer: The content in this section is written in my own words, based on my own experience, as well
as the sources cited at the end of this document.

Note: Flamenco is not just one “dance” or “dance style”. While each flamenco style has its own, fixed
musical signature and sound, the guitar compositions and choreographies are infinite.

Flamenco, originating in Andalucia, the region in the South of Spain, is not one rhythm
or one dance style but an umbrella under which many rhythms fall. Examples of some
flamenco rhythms or pálos: Alegrias, Bulerias, Fandangos, Farruca, Guajiras,
Malagueñas, Martinete, Petenera, Romances, Solea, Seguriyas, Tangos, Zambra,
zapateado, and many many more. Essentially there is no flamenco without singing
(cante), and everything is build around the song and its musical structure and mood.
The song (cante) came first, then dance (baile), and the guitar (toqué) was added last.

The rhythms are varied, and are based on a song (cante) style which is further
subdivided into 3 categories: deep/serious (cante grande or cante jondo), intermediate
(cante intermedio), light/lively (cante chico). For example, alegrias and bulerias fall
under the cante chico category, fandango to cante intermedio, and petenera, solea,
seguiriya to cante jondo. Within each style, there is a variety of lyrics organized by
verses. These verses can be mixed and matched to form a new song within a particular
flamenco style or adapted to a different style . Some verses sung for bulerias can be
adapted to be sung in a solea style (both styles are based on a 12-beat musical phrase
compás or musical phrase.

Based on the cante, from which dance developed (if one is dancing a choreography to
the solea, it would be based on the song sang in a solea style (lyrics various); in
addition to the guitar, other instruments are now used in contemporary flamenco
including cajon (percussive drum), flute, violin, and piano.

Any of these flamenco rhythms can be performed with a singer and guitarist only, or
with guitar and dance accompaniment, or all three. Originally, flamenco was purely
improvisational form, danced to a structure of a particular cante in an intimate
atmosphere of a club among close family and friends. However, gaining popularity and
worldwide appeal, flamenco numbers are choreographed for stage performances in
large theatres.

In November 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), declared flamenco as a World Heritage Treasure ― one of
the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

10
Video Examples of Selected Flamenco Styles

The flamenco rhythms presented below are just a “tip of the flamenco iceberg”, and only
used as an example to illustrate a mosaic of rhythms that flamenco encompasses.
There are many more rhythms with distinct musical structure and rhythmic character,
but they are beyond the scope of this presentation.

Mix of Different Flamenco Pálos (Rhythms)

Video Examples

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXqiN4XTIiA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCca6d2ceI0

Alegrias
Cheerful style; the finale of Alegrias is usually Bulerias (see below); musical
structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase). Other related rhythms are Romeras,
Cantiñas, Mirabrás and Caracoles. While all Alegrias have the same musical
phrasing, there are differences in the structure of a song and style of dance
between Alegrias originating from different parts of Andalucia. Alegrias from
Cádiz differs from Alegrias from Córdoba, Seville or Jerez.

Video Examples of Alegrias

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCGDv8GVKZY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUJd53z9Y4E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCS-JXGFPs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51rYuCOBDl4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRdHKjJwSoI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz1hfI7sneU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW_DpxCyX9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp7mxTDfytI

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

11
Bulerias
Fast, energetic, playful, festive style, usually the “life of the party”; may be danced to the
accompaniment of different patterns of rhythmic clapping (palmas) and/or encouraging
shouts (jaleós); musical structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase).

There are different styles of Bulerias, depending on the place of origin. For example, the
Bulerias de Jérez is a particular style originating from Jérez de la Frontera. This style of
Bulerias is different than that from Seville, Córdoba, etc., but the musical structure is the
same; usually danced and sang in festive social settings, and at the end of shows
usually referred to as Fin de Fiesta (end of the party).

Video Examples of Bulerias

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDPkkND9pPQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY92PU4fMIM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwraEHtxMA8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHd63vKcwJo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKogmNGkGHE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJQ_7hjCPgA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw2z955DXZA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_96EyYvF1Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWfE7YiBzMg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY4AP2nKFR8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aPv05XAT-U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThhMhoAbKGM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vi9PtffjUo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ-ie12Eqck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP3Gho5qe4Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6SaEwJ0ABw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=960VBZ_DhTw

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

12
Caña
Serious, solemn rhythm; the finale of Caña is usually Bulerias (see above); musical
structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase); belongs to the Solea family.

Video Examples of Caña

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaRi2A6iPaY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTx0ZpYey7U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zhBNtDjC_8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fHU3gtl3Ew

Caracoles
Belongs to Alegrias family; musical structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase); danced
with a fan (women). Shawl can be used to accentuate the choreography. The
movement of the fan resembles snails (caracoles).

Video Examples of Caracoles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4HePguwAn0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egmcVqrhU9w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIjdxkYP168

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVroCy_yN6U

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

13
Fandangos
Danced in flamenco or classical Spanish style with castanets, not to be mistaken with
traditional regional fandangos that are danced in pairs; musical structure 12-beat
compás (musical phrase); different fandangos exist based on songs from different
regions including Alosno, Granada, Huelva and Lucena.

Video Examples of Fandangos

15 different song styles of Fandangos de Huelva

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJYvwSEnQs0

Fandangos de Huelva danced in flamenco style

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzkuKoG0KK4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAyYJy7EIdE

Fandangos de Huelva danced in Classical Spanish Dance style

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV0GTW5d52Q

Farruca
Masculine dance, with its prominent zapateado (footwork) originally performed only by
men, but now also danced by women (usually performed in pants); musical structure 8-
beat compás (musical phrase).

Video Examples of Farruca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OJT3GebUgg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDvmpIMA64k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFYAlpHg3io

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cmw8E9yP4g

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

14
Guajiras
Guajiras have a Cuban flavour as Spanish brought it from Cuba back to Spain. Usually
danced with a fan (women); musical structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase).

Video Examples of Guajira

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgitRq_0410

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAzpF7I9dRI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxSf9SJdXa4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhc5QaiwNyw

Malagueña
Originated from the old fandangos de Málaga. Like the fandango, the musical structure
of malagueña has many variations.

Video Examples of Malagueña

Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru-Gu-jSKpg

Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vaTm2xUtPs

Martinete
Serious, solemn rhythm; musical structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase); related to
Seguriyas (see below), in both only 5 of 6 beats in half the phrase are accented.
Sometimes canes are used to accent the rhythm. Originated from the sound
blacksmiths made when hitting the hammer against the metal.

Video Examples of Martinete

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUiHJJuGu10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7mp8cdxl_k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZlUmfgikvs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJVqifHGK04

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

15
Peteneras
Slow, general mood of sadness, usually danced with a shawl; musical structure 12-beat
compás (musical phrase).

Video Examples of Peteneras

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2cjb56hW84&list=RDq2cjb56hW84#t=23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AwZe2plSXk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJoBmy12CMo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f67igtrSZLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZx8XS1jXok

Seguiriyas
Serious, solemn rhythm; musical structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase), related to
Martinete (see above), in both only 5 of 6 beats in half the phrase are accented.

Video Examples of Seguriyas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njoiyUez3U8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ4P4trxWPo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu-gwHQmtXw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PTPw5Y4n2k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eXK-4w-_zY

Solea
Serious, solemn rhythm; musical structure 12-beat compás (musical phrase); the finale
of Solea is usually Bulerias (see above).

Video Examples of Solea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHA1NC3KWFE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LqbyPf5hU8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZErj4L9-Q6s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Y5ZFKkSF0

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

16
Tangos
Light to Intermediate mood rhythm; musical structure 8-beat compás (musical phrase).
Also referred to as tangos gitanos or gypsy tangos, it is important to note that they were
not influenced by the tango argentino. Tango gitano originated in Cádiz, Seville, Jérez
and Málaga. Various styles of song exist based on the region of origin (e.g. Tangos de
Málaga, Tangos de Triana, Tangos de Cádiz, etc.).

Video Examples of Tangos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GQ-tJUhMvs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzF8v0wdBjY

Video Examples of Tangos de Málaga (i.e. from Málaga)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF20KHIGMUU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENeTjH1KzBs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxeAWxlpBok

Video Examples of Tangos de Triana (i.e. Tangos style originating from Triana,
a flamenco neighbourhood in Seville)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx8xHHsM3is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7WFwh2FPT8

Tarantos

Video Examples of Tarantos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH-oOcH5U84

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq06L1NLXPc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vJBrwN0EWU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya5MZ1bRVi8

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

17
Tientos
Related to Tangos (i.e. tangos gitanos), but slower and more serious; the finale of
Tientos is usually Tangos; musical structure 8-beat compás (musical phrase).

Video Examples of Tientos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbHfsRTmlJo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3qjz-RVPU0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VonO9yRMdFM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfqdkgO696o

Zambra
The Zambra was originally an Arabic dance, but with the reconquest of Spain by the
Catholic Monarchs, Arabs were able to keep this dance adapting to the customs of
Spanish dance.
Video examples of Zambra Flamenca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz7AN7ehP-U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKCo97vxfT4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sS3GZYrvjw

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

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Flamenco-themed Films by Carlos Saura

Spanish filmmaker, Carlos Saura, has dedicated his career to directing flamenco-
themed films, among others. Here are just a few examples of films directed by Saura:
 FLAMENCO and FLAMENCO FLAMENCO and FLAMENCO HOY depict a
variety of flamenco rhythms presented as song, dance or both.
 IBERIA takes the viewer on a journey across the Andalucia with its various
regional dances, flamenco styles and Classical Spanish dance. Based on the
music by a Spanish classical composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909), who wrote
Suite española consisting of musical pieces representing different regions of
Spain (e.g. Granada, Cataluña, Sevilla, Cádiz, Asturias, and others).
 SALOME presents flamenco and Classical Spanish dance with a Moorish
flavour.

These films give a viewer a snapshot into the diverse world of flamenco ― song, dance,
guitar, and rhythmic clapping ― and its numerous styles and rhythms.

FLAMENCO (1995) (full-length film)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCY5MfA3E5Y

FLAMENCO FLAMENCO (2010) (no full-length film is available; selected scenes

are presented below; the rest can be found on YouTube)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNcKVJsUkUI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHDgO8A9bBo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk6xK0Zpc5c

FLAMENCO HOY (2009)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi9h4-iMH6k

IBERIA (2005) (full-length film)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek88VfrnRMM

SALOMÉ (2002) (full-length film)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlwvRAyhr1A

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

19
SEVILLANAS

Sevillanas are derived from the Spanish court dance, Seguidilla. Sevillanas are not
flamenco, but can be danced in a “flamenco style” vs. its usual classical style. It is
usually danced in partners. There are many different songs and styles of dancing the
Sevillanas, but the fundamental structure is the same. One Sevillanas consists of four
verses, and each verse has distinct set of dance steps.

Video Example of Seguidilla which gave rise to modern day Sevillanas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkLageI4QJE

SEVILLANAS (1992) by Carlos Saura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGznRbZ1cMo

FLAMENCO HOY (2009) by Carlos Saura

Watch Sevillanas at 13:43

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi9h4-iMH6k

SALOMÉ (2002) by Carlos Saura

Watch Sevillanas with a Moorish flavour at 58:16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlwvRAyhr1A

IBERIA (2005) by Carlos Saura

Watch Sevillanas 1:22:04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek88VfrnRMM

Sevillanas Boleras

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkWfD_TrXtI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB-Kr39NZmk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OgXSQbtBNc

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

20
Sevillanas are danced at parties and Ferias (Fairs) in Spain

(e.g. Feria de Abril en Sevilla (April Fair in Seville); Feria de Caballo en Jerez in May
(Horse Fair in Jerez in May)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzJhfo1dVDw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diWUBcCt7oQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m--2fQW-j48

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r4p4LyIY28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rGynQY5A4

Dancers compete in Sevillanas contests and student shows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJDD9pPc8jg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v7-irkk_gg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEbnzllRfu0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hrj90K2kXA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtoKvF2wDiU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlpiSUp9T8A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98xK3dXV0iE

And, in Andalucia, even horses dance Sevillanas!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5uyd8quV-w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdAp6g_ZpN4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMHEjGjT5gA

For more information on Regional Spanish Dances, Classical Spanish Dance,

Flamenco and Sevillanas, please consult the internet and YouTube for an
abundance of information which is beyond the scope of this presentation.

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

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SOURCES

1. Flamenco: Gypsy Dance and Music from Andalusia [Paperback]. Edited by Claus
Schreiner. Amadeus Press, Portland, Oregon. 1990.

2. Song of the Outcasts: An Introduction to Flamenco (Hardcover with CD) by Robin

Totton. Amadeus Press, Portland, Cambridge. 2003.

3. Flamenco A to Z
http://www.radiole.com/especiales/enciclopedia_flamenco/introduccion.html

4. Flamenco World

http://www.flamenco-
world.com/magazine/about/que_es_flamenco/indice11112004.htm

http://barcinodesigns.com

®2014 Flora Krasnoshtein. Senior Dance Judge, Skate Canada-Central Ontario Section. Student and performer of flamenco and Classical Spanish
Dance at the Academy of Spanish Dance in Toronto, Ontario, and Jérez de la Frontera, Andalucia, Spain (1997–present)

22