SOLEA: the mother of all flamenco palos
When I teach the flamenco 12 count to a group of new beginners, I usually start in Solea because it’s slow enough for them to grasp the concept of the compás. But then I move them...
Dancer’s Guide to the Palos (Rhythms) of Flamenco
When learning flamenco, dancers can become so overwhelmed with understanding the different rhythms or palos. They think they must learn them all at once. That’s impossible even for you over-achievers! When I teach palos or...
Palos of Flamenco: Caracoles
The 12 count palo (flamenco rhythm) of Caracoles belongs in the family of Cantiñas, musically similar to Alegrías. It got its name because of the style of estribillo (short phrases sung at the end of a song, the chorus)...
Palos de Flamenco: Garrotín
I’ve avoided the palo of Garrotín for YEARS! You know, there are just some palos you don’t vibe with? Garrotín was one of them! I always thought it was rather juvenile seeing adults dancing cutesy...
Bulerías…. the Holy Grail of Flamenco
I can’t tell you *how* many times I hear students lamenting how they want to be able to go out and do a little pataíta por Bulerías (“patada”- which means a little dance, a little something.) But...
All About Siguirilla ( or is it Seguiriya?)
Siguirillas (also spelled Seguirillas, Seguiriya, Seguidilla- take your pick!) is an intense palo, considered cante jondo (deep song.) It’s similar to Solea in that it is profound and extremely soulful, however, it tends to be more...
When you just don’t feel like practicing….
We all know that dancing flamenco takes consistency, dedication and lots and lots of practice if you truly want to reach a higher level of expertise. Before I had kids I had time to go...
Palos of Flamenco: Guajiras
Guajiras is a palo of flamenco that’s super feminine, languid, and humid. The music originated in Cuba and was brought to Spain and became “flamencofied.” These kinds of palos are called “de ida y vuelta”...
Sevillanas and Feria Fever
It’s springtime so time to start thinking about Feria and Sevillanas! The Feria de Abril en Sevilla is an annual event with lots of dancing, eating, drinking and socializing takes. There are carnival rides and...
Palos of Flamenco: Tangos
Tangos is the palo that I always, always, always teach to new beginners of flamenco. Why? It’s an uptempo 4 count rhythm that is easy to grasp for beginners. However, this light-hearted and fun palo...
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