Flamenco and Spanish Dance Study Notes

Author: Katherine Thomas
Source: Dance Research Journal, Summer 2002, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 98-102
Published by: Congress on Research in Dance
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Extensive Information Availability: There is a wealth of information concerning flamenco in various formats: music books, magazines, video/DVD inserts, film covers, CD jackets, and particularly online resources.
Challenge of Quality: Determining the reliability and value of materials concerning flamenco is challenging due to the subjective nature of opinions from artists and aficionados.
Exoticized Nature vs Modernity: The exoticized portrayal of flamenco contrasts with a current drive toward modernity, complicating the perception of its authenticity.

Quality of Research: Some written works on flamenco dance scholarship provide questionable opinions and narratives, such as in "Flamenco" edited by Claus Schreiner, which includes content from Schreiner and Marion Papenbrok.
Historical Understanding: There is a noted lack of comprehension in the dance history within some scholarly works. For instance, Schreiner critiques Carlos Saura's films "Carmen" and "Blood Wedding", claiming they fail to represent authentic flamenco despite the notable performance level of artists like Antonio Gades.
- Clarification: The assertion of what constitutes "true flamenco" is misleading; the films display significant elements of flamenco art.

Antonio Gades: A master in both Spanish dance and flamenco, Gades directed the Baile Nacional de España and is recognized for inducing modern interpretations of flamenco starting with his work on "Bodas de Sangre" in 1981.

Recent Contributions: Over the past twenty years, there have been noteworthy advancements in dance research in Spain, with authors like Ana Maria Durand-Viel producing important texts that delve into dance history and terminology.
- Highlighted Work: Durand-Viel's book "La Sevillana" (1983) provides an exploration of sevillanas dance, covering its history, terminology, dance phrasing, and instrumentation, as well as performance context.
Historical Resources: Earlier works significant to flamenco scholarship include:
- Meri (1948): "Spanish Dancing", offering classifications and descriptions of various Spanish and flamenco dance styles.
- Teresa Martinez de la Peñia: "Teoría y Práctica del Baile Flamenco", categorizing flamenco dances and performance approaches.

Angel Alvarez Caballero:
- Notable for his two major works: "Historia del Cante Flamenco" (1981) and "El Baile Flamenco" (1998).
- Contributions: His writings document the history of flamenco and its performance venues, focusing on Gypsy performances and various stages of the flamenco evolution.
- Discusses:
- The Bailes de Candiles
- Cafés Cantantes: Nightclubs that were significant to the flamenco and Spanish dance scene.
- Covers historical and contemporary flamenco venues, highlighting famous dancers who shaped the art form's development.
- Points to La Argentina and Vicente Escudero, flamenco artists influential in international contexts.
- Recognizes Pilar López's role as a pivotal figure in flamenco's transition to a modern theater form.
- Concludes with contemporary flamenco performers like Belen Maya, Joaquin Cortes, and their diverse artistic expressions, asking about future directions in flamenco.

Visual Aids: Spanish-produced videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs provide historical and performative insights, including documentaries and showcase series.
Noteworthy Video Resources:
- Rito y Geografía del Baile Flamenco: A comprehensive video series detailing historical contexts and performances.
- Adrian Galia's Instructional Dance Videos: "Paso a Paso los Palos del Flamenco" (2001) offers a pedagogical approach to flamenco dance across languages.
Flamenco Magazines: Available at newsstands, such as "La Caña de Flamenco" and "Alma 100", often feature dance-related articles.
- Notable contributors like Maria del Mar Moreno also offer substantial knowledge to the subject.

Flamenco Activities in Jerez de la Frontera: The local flamenco scene includes summer festivals, classes, and workshops, showcasing authentic performances and learning experiences.
- Centro Andaluz de Flamenco: A hub for researchers, containing a wealth of resources for flamenco dance and music, including various media and class studios.

Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla: A significant flamenco festival held every September, showcasing innovations in choreography.
International Guitar Festival in Cordoba: Includes workshops and performances, fostering flamenco's musical aspects alongside dance.
Festival de Música y Danza de Granada: Celebrates flamenco within classical frameworks and serves as a performance venue for renowned artists.
Muestra Andaluza: A platform for emerging flamenco dancers, promoting innovative choreography.

Critical Approach: Readers should approach flamenco literature with skepticism, aware of subjective narratives.
Research Progression: Recent works, especially those by Caballero, enhance understanding of flamenco history and modern trends, highlighting the evolving nature of the art form.
Ethnographic Research: Increasing opportunities exist for immersive research into flamenco and Spanish dance, essential for ongoing scholarly exploration.