Press Release Summary = A brief outline of Flamenco.
Press Release Body = HOLA AMIGOS DE FLAMENCO
There is no generally agreed meaning of the word "Flamenco". There is though,
general agreement as to its historical development. During the 9th and 10th
centuries AD mass migration from the Punjabi Region of India took place. These
migrants most likely belonged to the untouchable caste and would have included
dancers and musicians .These people became known as Romany and Gypsies.
Flamenco's home is Andalucia. In the 10th century about 1 million people lived in
the city of Cordoba. Jews, Arabs, Berbers and Moors integrated with the local
population and a wonderfully vibrant culture emerged The first written mention of
"gitanos" (gypsies) in Barcelona dates from 1447. We must also not forget that the
Moors were in Spain for 800 years.
Gypsies had a particularly hard time during the Reconquista. The persecution and
isolation they experienced was to prove very important to the art form. Like the
Blues, Flamenco became the expression of an oppressed people.
In 1782 following the Leniency Edict life became easier for the gypsies and the
music and dance became better known to the general Spanish population.
Flamenco consists of Cante (the song), baile (the dance) and guitarra (guitar
playing). The most important musical element of Flamenco is without doubt the
singing "cante". Originally the only accompaniment to the song was handclapping
"toque de palmas" or percussive instruments. The guitar is a 19th century addition.
Musical influences in Flamenco are widely believed to have come from India, Persia,
the Islamic Empire, classical Andulucian music, Jewiah synagogue chants, moarabic
forms, Arabic Zagal, Andulucian regional folk forms and West African influences
which arrived by way of the slaves in the New World.
Less research has been done on Flamenco dance than in the music. This art form
shows distinct similarities to certain forms of East Indian dance. The deep plie
(bend), outturned leg position, sharp angles of the body and arms, splayed fingers,
rapid barrel turns and the stamping foot movements are all also to be found in
Flamenco. Middle Eastern dance and Flamenco have very little in common.
Although to the uninitiated Flamenco seems to be spontaneous the songs and dances
follow strict musical and poetic rules. Some dance forms are male others female but
these distinctions are breaking down. The Ferruca was traditionally a mans\' dance
but is now commonly performed by women too. Artistic gender barriers are breaking
down all over the world. For example, traditionally in Africa, women were not
allowed to play wooden drums but now do so in some areas.
1955 was in some ways a Flamenco Renaissance, as it started to be performed in
theaters abroad, Antonio Mairena being a leading figure. Flamenco still lives and
continues to develop as a vibrant art form in Andulucia.
http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
HEADLINE Hola Amigos of Flamenco
TITLE Hola Amigos of Flamenco
DESCRIPTION Are there possibilities to introduce Flamenco into Dance Movement
therapy sessions with Children who have Special Needs?
BUTTON flamenco
KEYWORDS flamenco,dance,music, children with special needs,
Web Site = http://www.dance-to-health-help-your-special-needs-child.com
2025
