STUDIO-6: June 2008

Flamenco is a genuine Southern Spanish art. It is a Spanish musical with strong rhythm is often accompanied with an impassioned style of dance with graceful execution, as well as intricate hand and footwork. Flamenco actually originates from Andalusian region of Spain. The roots of flamenco are not known precisely, yet it is generally said that flamenco grew out of the unique interplay of native Andalusian, Islamic, Sephardic, and Gypsy cultures that existed in Andalusian region prior to and after the Re-conquest. Latin American and especially Cuban influences are said to be important in shaping several flamenco musical forms.

Flamenco exists in three forms: Cante (the song), Baile (the dance) and Guitarra (guitar playing). Early Flamenco seems to have been purely vocal, accompanied only by rhythmical clapping of hands, toque de palmas.

I was lucky enough to enjoy Flamenco at its birth place, can say it a gift of life time.

I did (so as every one) really enjoyed the Baile form of Flamenco.

A little about El baile flamenco, it is a highly-expressive dance form, specially known for its emotional sweeping of the arms and rhythmic stomping of the feet. While flamenco dancers (bailaores and bailaoras) invest a considerable amount of study and practice into their art form, the dances are not choreographed, but are improvised along the palo or rhythm.

In addition to the percussion provided by the heels and balls of the feet striking the floor, castanets are sometimes held in the hands and clicked together rapidly to the rhythm of the music. Sometimes, folding fans are used for visual effect.

Shooting flamenco dance was really challenging for me, especially the low lighting and the fast movements of the dancers. I ruled out the use of flash since it might not only put the dancers and audiences into discomfort but also will spoil the ambience which I wanted to capture as it is.

Now I present you the authentic Spanish delight captured through my camera lens.