Flamenco Fiesta

We held a Saturday Flamenco Fiesta with SPEAK THE WORLD!

A display of Flamenco music, song and dance was performed by Flamenco Con Gusto, a professional company led by principal dancer, singer, teacher and choreographer Danielle. She was accompanied by flamenco guitarist/singer David 'El Pastor'. Together they offered a vivid and charismatic taste of Southern Spain — and after the show there was a class in which guests could learn to sing and dance in flamenco style!

Flamenco is the music, songs and dances of Gypsies (gitanos) from Andalucía. Spanish gypsies have their nomadic roots in Northern India, and flamenco also shows Moorish and Arabian influences. Originally, flamenco was danced only to the accompaniment of songs and hand-clapping; later, guitars were added. There is always a fixed basic rhythm, to which variants, new steps and counter-rhythms are invented. From the gypsy caves and ghettos to the 'Café Cantante' of the 19th century, flamenco eventually found its way into theatres and Spanish restaurants worldwide.