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On the evening of May 1, the power and passion of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana arrives at your Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. But before witnessing the movement and music onstage, what should attendees know about Flamenco?

What is Flamenco?

Flamenco is an art form comprised of song, music and dance from the southernmost region of Spain, Andalucía. Many musical, cultural, and historical influences have shaped this art form into what it is today. In Andalucía, many of its people, workers in rural areas and towns and villages, suffered terrible poverty, discrimination, and hardship. The impact of these forces and the response to them can be seen in flamenco’s dynamic dancing, soulful singing, and complex musical compositions. At its core flamenco is a profound expression of the triumphs and hardships of life. Flamenco has universal appeal, because it speaks of the feelings we all experience as humans no matter where we live.

What are the three elements of Flamenco?

Cante (Song)

The song developed out of a need that flamenco singers had to express pain, joy and their life in all its colors. The singers show their deepest emotions through song. The letras (verses) are either made up by the singer on the spot or drawn from traditional songs, often learned from family members and maestros (teachers). Each singer has their own vocal quality, style and manner of delivery.

Baile (Dance)

The dancer guides the progression of their overall performance. As the musicians set the mood, the dancer embodies and interprets the emotions of the music and the lyrics being sung. Whether the dancer is improvising or performing choreographed moves, they are always striving to communicate with the musicians and audience. Dancers stand tall, showing strength, elegance and orgullo (pride). Elaborate rhythmic patterns are made in the way the dancers use their arms, pound their feet, and clap their hands.

Guitarra (Guitar)

When playing for cante & baile, the guitarist is the link between the dancer and the singer, the thread that weaves the three elements together. The guitarist must have technical virtuosity as well as an ability to respond spontaneously to the singer and dancer. The guitarist mirrors the dancers speed, mood and intensity. If the dancer wants to let the musicians know that they should sing a verse or play a guitar section, they give the guitarist a special flamenco signal known as a llamada (a call). The guitarist must also follow the letras (verses), musical tones, and moods of the singer.

What are some terms to know before watching Flamenco Vivo?

Compás: The compás is the rhythm on which flamenco dance & music is based. There are different rhythms with 4, 6, or 12 beat measures.

Palo: Palos refer to the different types of flamenco songs, which vary in rhythmic structure, tempo, tonality, mood, and theme. Dancers can create a choreography to any palo they choose depending on how they are feeling.

Jaleo: Jaleos are shouts of encouragement from the artists on stage as well as people in the audience. Ole is a famous jaleo that comes from the Arabic word Allah, meaning God.

Palmas: Palmas refer to the complex hand-clapping that accompanies the rhythm for flamenco dancers, singers, and guitarists. Sordas are soft palmas, and abiertas are palmas with a louder sound.

Llamada: Dancers use llamadas, which are often percussive in nature, to call for a new song verse or guitar section, or to accompany a musical transition or ending.

Escobilla: The dancer’s footwork section is called an escobilla. The dancer strikes different parts of the foot to create rhythmic patterns: planta (ball of the foot), golpe (whole foot), tacón (heel), & punta (toe).

Pitos: Pitos are finger snaps often used to accompany flamenco rhythms.

Braceo: Braceo comes from the word brazo that means arm and refers to the arm movements in flamenco, which can be sharp or fluid.

Castañuelas: Castanets are instruments consisting of two hollowed-out chestnut-shaped pieces of wood or other materials tied together by a cord. Castanets are held in each hand and struck together to create rhythmic music.

What are the different costume elements in flamenco?

What are the different types of palos, or flamenco songs?

Alegrías: Happy and playful mood often with themes of the beach and ocean. It has a 12 beat rhythmic cycle and an upbeat tempo.

Tangos: Medium tempo in 4/4 time influenced by African and Caribbean rhythms. Tangos can be playful and are sometimes improvised.

Rumbas: Happy and lively mood with medium to fast tempo usually danced at parties and celebrations. Rhythms in 4/4 time come from the Caribbean.

Bulerias: A highly improvisational style, bulerías have a fast tiempo and 12 or 6 count rhythmic structure. They are often performed in social settings such as parties, weddings, and festivals.

Fandangos: Fandangos de Huelva is a folk dance/music from Huelva, Spain, that has been adapted for flamenco. It has a 6 beat rhythmic cycle.

Sevillanas: Fun and joyful folk dance from Seville. This dance is done in couples often in the spring fair of Seville, known as la Feria de Abril.

There’s so much more to discover when you attend Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana at your Fox Cities Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 1st. We hope to see you there!