The soul of Andalusian gypsies

Flamenco,  the heart and south of southern Spain - Andalusia.  Or, as the natives say:  Andalucía. (an da lu THEE ah.....yes, this includes the famous Spanish "lisp")

Maria Pages - Acapella Flamenco Video (WATCH ME!!!)

This art form is not Sevillana - the dance with castenets (the finger "clankers" that most people associate with flamenco).  Flamenco, traditionally, is a gypsy dance performed with the music of the shoes and a guitar or drum.  There is usually a singer too who's voice is deep and raspy and the infamous Spanish guitar is right by his side.  It is just a drum in this video, but all of the above are traditional staples of the dance.  Not much is known about the true origins of flamenco, so I won't bother you with a history lesson.  However, my bone-deep passion for both Spanish and dancing makes this art form a high priority on my list.


In fact....fun fact...when I was lucky enough to study in Spain in college, I had the privilege of taking beginner flamenco classes.  When you watch this video you will realize what she does is far from easy.  Within 5 minutes my friends and I discovered arm and hand muscles we didn't know existed, and, while it may have only taken 5 minutes to create the pain, the pain hung around for a good 3 days.  


The footwork isn't a piece of cake either, but anyone who has danced before or done tap could pick it up quickly enough.  It's definitely a fun workout and hey, learning flamenco is a way to feel powerful and sexy all at the same time.  Win-Win!