Flamenco in Vancouver

by Pia

Finally, a dance where I can stomp my feet and throw a tantrum. It's Flamenco!

The dancer looked really angry. Feet stomped wildly and arms flung in every direction as her gaze pierced her subject from below a brow furrow that seemed to squeeze out every bit of her angst. She was really throwing a tantrum on that stage, and I thought, "Well, is that the best you can do?" I couldn't wait to try my first Flamenco class.

Oscar Nieto has been living Flamenco for 40 years, making him the ideal instructor to teach me the sauciest moves from his extensive repertoire. I was shocked when Oscar began by teaching me how to clap. Had I not been clear when I told him that I was a trained dancer and was researching an article for you, my sophisticated audience? Apparently, clapping garners a lot of respect in Flamenco because it is often the sole percussion of the performance; in fact, there are those who make a career out of clapping called "palmeros". It was not as easy as I thought; despite my many years of dance training, I had never learned the Flamenco rhythm, the "compas". For example, the Soleares compas counts 1-2-3*-4-5-6*-7-8*-9-10*-11-12*, with emphasis on the counts 3, 6, 8, 10, 12. Another compas, the Siguiriyas, counts 8*-9-10*-11-12*-1-2-3*-4-5-6*-7 with the emphasis on the same numbers, but ordered differently. Are you still with me? Good, because rhythmic ability - whether you are on or off beat - is almost impossible to hide, especially in the intimate setting of traditional Flamenco.

A "tablao" is a venue where Flamenco is performed. The traditional performance usually takes place on a small stage with a singer, guitarist, a dancer or two and palmeros. The intimate setting is a treat for the audience, but mainly, it enables the performers to communicate with one another during the often improvised act. Surprisingly, fluent Flamenco performers can perform together, without having rehearsed together, just by agreeing to a Flamenco style, tempo and a few other elements, then exchanging cues that guide one another through the act. For example, the singer may change his tone or volume to emphasize lyrics, and the dancer will answer by accentuating certain movements. Similarly, the palmeros can dictate the tempo while the guitarist improvises to the dancer's movements.

By the end of my Flamenco lesson with Oscar, I had learned the basic steps to a simple dance routine including the proper posture and mannerisms; I had even perfected the brow furrow. But, before I could perform Flamenco in a traditional setting, I had to understand the conversation that my dance was engaged in. I turned to Flamenco origins and the songs, known the "cante".

Flamenco originated in Andalucia, southern Spain. Although earlier details are not well documented - the art form had been passed down orally for centuries- it was during the 15th century under the Spanish Inquisition that Flamenco gained prominence. Gypsies, Sephardic Jews, Muslims and other ethnic minorities were persecuted during this time and united under the hardships they endured. These groups expressed their sentiments of oppression and marginalization in songs, or the "cante", of which there are many styles to capture different themes. Sadness and loneliness are expressed in the Soleares style:

"Que salga el sol o que no salga
eso qu me importa a mi?
si la luz que a mi me alumbra
es cuando te veo a ti..." - De Tus Ojos Soy Cautivo, Camarón

"Whether the sun rises or sets, what do I care? If the light that illuminates me is when I see you..."

The Alegrias style, expresses happiness:

"Caray, mirusté que fiestas hacemos en cai
que ni las hombres las vamos a sentir
mirusté qué gracia tiene este pais..." - Los Lirios, La Tobala

"Just look at the festivities we're making here, we haven't even filled our hunger. Look how charming this country is..."

For all its dramatic origins, Flamenco expresses its themes in simple and relatable terms, which have been both its boon and its vulnerability. While the art form has remained popular throughout the ages, it has also evolved, as people blend unexpected styles to express their own interpretations. From fashion trends that swapped skirts for pants, to modern Flamenco music that has even fused elements of hip-hop and rap, these evolutions guarantee ongoing debate of their authenticity amongst many who consider themselves traditional flamenco artists.

Although its roots remain in Andalucia, Flamenco is enjoyed today by people from all over the world. At events such as the Jerez Flamenco Festival and the Seville Flamenco Biennial Festival, performers of a multitude of ethnicities execute the art form with as much authenticity and tenacity as those of centuries ago. Flamenco is not just a wild tantrum, but an art form that will endure for as long as we have a story to tell.

Oscar Nieto is a Flamenco dance instructor and the co-founder of the Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy in Vancouver, where Flamenco dance classes of all levels are offered. Visit the website at www.mozaicoflamenco.com. Oscar's own website, www.oscarnieto.com, has a wealth of information on Flamenco.

The Jerez Flamenco Festival takes place every Spring in the Andalusian town of Jerez de la Frontera, where many believe is the birthplace of Flamenco. Enthusiasts gather to watch world famous performers and take part in workshops from renowned instructors. Numerous websites provide festival information and tips for visitors.