History of Flamenco
Flamenco
began as the dance of the Spanish Roma people, sometimes referred to as the Spanish gypsies. The Roma left
India early in the first millennium and traveled for centuries across Asia and Europe until they ultimately reached Andalusia,
in Southern Spain. They brought with them traditional dances rooted in the religious practices of Asia.
In the course of the Roma’s long voyage across the continents, they assimilated
regional dance rhythms and songs, incorporating new musical influences into their traditional songs and dances.
Upon their arrival in Andalusia, the Roma were exposed to the music and dance of the Arabs, who ruled Andalusia at
the time. The resulting mix of musical styles developed into flamenco, probably the most exciting form
of Spanish dance.
Flamenco is notable for its thrilling, fiery rhythms and its dramatic movements.
Although the dance ultimately added guitar accompaniment and the occasional use of castanets, the Spanish Gypsies originally
accompanied themselves only with “palmas” (rhythmic clapping) and “pitos” (finger-snapping).
These natural forms of accompaniment were used to accentuate the expressive hand and arm movements typical of flamenco.
