It’s 9:32 when Carmen strolls in, still tightening the straps on her flamenco shoes.
Bueno, chicas, empecemos. An air of confidence has blown in with her, though you’d hardly know on such a hot night. The cante cracks on the old stereo, and we roll our heads and stretch our fingers. I’d argue that they’re the two most important conveyors of emotion in the baile, so we spend extra time making sure they move gracefully but with tension. One of flamenco’s contrasts.
I roll my ankles, tapping out a tiki-tat, ending with a golpe, the stomp that produces a great, flat sound. It’s Tuesday night flamenco class, and I’m ready for the arte, the duende and the emotion that accompanies flamenco.
A year later, I’ve bowed out of the class, but Cait is still tapping away three or four nights a week with Carmen. The outdoor stage is set up with an array of microphones, lights and gadgets, but flamenco needs no introduction or fancy equipment. Carmen’s master class takes the stage and I raise Camarón to my face. Lights, camera, arte.
If you’re new here, check out my first few entries in a series on photogenic Seville, which will be posted every Monday. If you’d like to participate with your photos from Spain and Seville, please send me an email at sunshineandsiestas @ gmail.com with your name, short description of the photo, and any bio or links directing you back to your own blog, Facebook page or twitter. There’s plenty more pictures of the recital on Sunshine and Siesta’s new Facebook page!
Nice shot. ¡Arte!
the tags!!!!!
¿cómoooooooooo?
“Hey Macarena!” qué grande!!!
Beautiful photo!!!
What an amazing photograph!! I love it! I’m not a huge fan of flamenco, but can definitely appreciate a good performance. I especially love seeing a few friends practice and occasionally perform. I can’t do it though – I’m too smiley!
Flamenco has honestly grown on me. Maybe it was the appreciation after taking a twice-weekly class…regardless, it’s an undeniable part of the folklore here, so I do reccommend it to anyone who visits.
great post