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Where To Find Real Flamenco In Spain
erhaps no art form is more Anadalucia--is far from
strongly associated with authentic.
Spain than flamenco. The
powerfully seductive, rhythmic Even the distorted, touristy
music of the flamenco player, version of flamenco viewed by
matched by the vigorously most tourists can be
impassioned movements of the entertaining. If you have never
flamenco dancer, beguiles seen flamenco performed live
tourists and native Spaniards before, and having fun is more
alike. important to you than cultural
enlightenment, don't worry about
Its origins steeped in mystery, questions of authenticity. Follow
its complexities and subtleties your fellow tourists and enjoy
widely misunderstood, flamenco yourself.
nevertheless continues to gain
fans around the world and to be The primary modern-day setting
performed in an increasing number for flamenco, both the authentic
of venues outside of its native variety and the less so, is the
land. tablao. These are clubs where you
can see a show and also have
It is natural that when tourists dinner and a drink if you want.
visit Spain, many of them are Tablaos may be found almost
keen to take in at least one everywhere in Spain, having
flamenco show. Therein lies a developed out of the so-called
problem, though. The true singing cafes popular in the
aficianado of flamenco will tell latter 19th and early 20th
you that the art has been centuries.
degraded to such an extent that
most of what is "on show" in Although it's not a guarantee, to
Spain--even in flamenco's native find authentic flamenco in Spain
you would do well to avoid the El Corral de La Moreria, in the
places where the other tourists Las Brisas area. Now more than 50
are going. This means you will years old, it has earned a
need to ask locals, such as hotel worldwide reputation for
staff, where you should go to showcasing the best flamenco
experience the real thing. artists in Spain.
The following are recommendations Torres Bermeja, in Calle
of a few flamenco venues you Mesoneros Romanos just off the
might want to check out on your Gran Via. Often less crowded than
visit to Spain. Although they the two above, this tablao offers
differ greatly from one another quality flamenco performances in
in atmosphere, entry cost, and a setting that some may find more
quality of amenities such as relaxing.
food, you can be reasonably sure
that any one of these will Barcelona
provide you with an authentic
flamenco experience. Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, in the
city center near the southern end
Madrid of Las Ramblas. This club has
been going strong since 1970,
Cafe de Chinitas, near Plaza garnering international prestige
Santo Domingo. You can have for its flamenco presentations.
dinner while you watch the Performances take place upstairs
performance or opt for just a and dinner is available.
drink. Catering to tourists as
well as locals, the shows are Tarantos, at Plaza Reial 17. One
extravagant but the flamenco is of the oldest tablaos in
real. Barcelona, Tarantos has a
reputation for presenting only
the best flamenco artists. Be and drink are available at
sure to check their schedule reasonable prices.
before going, though, because
they alternate flamenco nights Casa Anselma, in the Triana area
with evenings devoted to jazz or of Seville. When you come to Casa
other types of music. Anselma, be prepared for flamenco
that breaks out spontaneously and
Seville is often unrehearsed. But don't
worry, this is the good
Casa de la Memoria, Barrio de stuff--the owner, Anselma, is a
Santa Cruz area. No food or drink highly acclaimed flamenco
here; instead, this club delivers performer in her own right.
flamenco in its purest form. The Things really get going around
dance setting is a lovely midnight. There's no cover
Andalucian style patio in an charge; Anselma and the
18th-century palace. There's an performers make their money from
entry fee of about 12 euros, and the sale of drinks.
the the two nighttime
performances sell out fast. Marbella
Therefore you should go to the
club during the day to buy your Pub Flamenco Albero y Arte, Calle
tickets in advance. Vicente Ibanez. Although most
people think that flamenco means
La Carboneria, in a narrow back the dance, the name refers
street called Calle Levies, and properly the musical style.
marked by a red door without Here's one venue where the focus
signs (you'll definitely need to is on the music; you'll find
ask directions). This is a singing and guitar playing but
bar-type place offering flamenco usually no dancing. It's
shows and no cover charge; food authentic, though, even if on the
odd side--performances take place smattering of the choice that
in a mock bullring. awaits you. If you find yourself
in a city not mentioned above,
These recommendations for places and want to seek out a satisfying
where you can enjoy authentic flamenco show, just ask around.
flamenco in Spain are just a The locals will know.
About the Author:
Stefan Smith is a writer and traveler who is in love with Spain and shouts it to the world. He runs the site Living In Spain, dispensing inside information for travelers, expats and second home seekers in one of the most incredible countries in the world.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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