C/ Levíes 18
Sevilla
Andalucía
Spain
Type: Performing Arts Venue
Comments ( 0 )
Rating (0 Votes)
The sevillana is flamenco’s torrid dance of courtship. It is all so simple in concept, four choreographed parts with moves known as paseos and pasadas that always relate the same bitter-sweet story of love: a man and a woman have met; they face off, getting to know each other, flirting in a series of cautious steps.
The music takes over and, when the lovers renew their courtship, they have fallen for each other, their steps are excited, pounding the floor assuredly; their arms flail with lust. Sadly, by the third part something has gone terribly awry. The lovers are in the throes of a terrible disagreement, they are splitting up and their dancing is spiteful, contemptuous as if they would like nothing more than to spit in each other’s face.
The tension subsides by the last steps; the lovers have reconciled their differences. The dance becomes one elaborate display of renewed affection, pure joy. With dramatics, the courtier slides across the floor on his knees, coming to a stop with the music, while his lover holds her pose not unlike a proud bullfighter. Flamenco is best experienced as an impromptu affair rather than a staged one, as a group of friends gathered in a little bar at 10 pm.
A guitar is passed around and settles in the hands of the most accomplished player. A quick, harsh chord may be strummed to signal the impending collaboration, followed by laughs born of its audacity. Then slowly, subtly, sounds will begin to merge. The rhythm in the guitar, in the clapping hands that pick up the beat and the feat tapping, a soft moan becomes a wail and before long four or five people are involved, others dancing, and a crowd of foreigners are peeking through the doorway wondering, “Can we come in?”
Yes, by all means step inside and order a beer if you are fortunate enough to stumble onto one of these raw sessions. Natural performers love the attention. But avoid at all costs the contemporary flamenco “halls” (El Palacio Andaluz comes to mind), where a fancy stage is surrounded by bolted theater
seating; where sucker tourists watch overly flamboyant dancers shake their money makers.
In this Las Vegas spectacle the singer might just as well be Wayne Newton (Yeaahh!). These are known as tablaos de flamenco and are, nonetheless, very popular. If you must, expect to pay 30 Euro.
Last updated January 3, 2008