Flamenco dancing developed in Andalusia, (a large region in southern Spain) and has become very popular all over the world due to its passionate character and beautiful music. This expressive dance style has a long and interesting history having to do with the Iberian Peninsula and the multicultural nature of the region for thousands of years. In fact many groups of people, cultures and religions through time (such as the Moors, Sephardic Jews, Catholics and the Roma people) lent their influence to the development of this most unique form.

 

Contrary to popular belief, Flamenco is not the folk dance of Spain. Spain has many other folk dances such as the Jota. Instead, Flamenco music, and later dance, began as a form of self-expression and can easily be compared to the Blues as it involved the elements of emotion and passion. As in all dance styles, Flamenco can now be seen in diverse contexts; on stage as well as its authentic form as a structured, yet improvised, solo or duet (Sevillanas).

 

Dancers must train for years, and often lifetimes in order to be proficient in this dance form. A combination of controlled upper body work and exciting rhythmical footwork attracts many to this dance style every year. Finding a class with a live guitarist is always a treat. There are specialized flamenco schools and master teachers in every major city in the country, in addition to local, national and international performances and workshops. In fact, The Third Annual Toronto International Flamenco Festival is fast approaching on Oct 18th - 24th!!!

www.torontoflamencofestival.com

 

 

This is a great opportunity to experience all that world class Flamenco has to offer.