As a flamenco dancer, there are so, so many resources out there for shoes, accessories and more. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with not knowing how to decipher through aaaaaall those websites. Well, don’t worry. I’ve got you!!
Here is YOUR guide to resources for flamenco dancers. You’ll find your perfect shoes, costuming, accessories, music, practice floor and more! ¡OLE!
FLAMENCO SHOES
Shoes are the number one item you need as a flamenco dancer. Without the right shoe, you can inhibit your dancing ability as well as cause injury. It’s a sound investment if you’re planning on dancing flamenco for a while.
Senovilla – available locally at Flamenco West in Playa del Rey. They’re known for the rosewood heel that makes a nice crisp sound. I’ve been ordering from John from Flamenco West for years because I’ve found the right style that works for my own little duck feet, which is wide with box toe.
Menkes – A nice solid shoe with fantastic leather quality. NOTE! They have some great priced beginner models available through Amazon!
- Please note that the last time I tried to order a wide foot, these came in a half size larger. I’ve heard they have since corrected their sizing, but be sure to ask in advance about the return policy or verify any special sizing you may have.
Begoña Cervera – available locally at Naranjita Studio in Anaheim. Their styles are usually on the fancy side. Beautiful.
- Please note that the last time I tried to order a wide foot, these came in a half size larger. It might not be that way for you, but be sure to ask in advance about the return policy or verify any special sizing you may have.
Gallardo – This is one of the best brands with the quality of the leather and heel sound. I’ve had several pairs of these also that have lasted me for years.
Arte FyL – I have had a few pairs of their shoes that lasted me ten years!
Don Flamenco – I’ve never tried these, but I’ve heard only good things about the brand.
Flamenco Export – They sell different brands but also carry very reasonably priced “semi-professional” shoes, that would be good for beginners!
Luna Flamenca – I haven’t tried them, but a student has said, “I love La Luna, they suit my wide, high arched feet. I was lucky enough to be measured up in Spain for a perfect fit.”
Zapatos de Baile Flamenco Roberto Garrudo – They sell their own line of shoes as well as Garrardos and Begoña Cervera. Also, they carry a line of shoes featuring La Lupi and Matilde Coral.
Need help choosing the right shoe for you? Read the Ultimate Guide to Flamenco Shoes here.
MUSIC FOR PRACTICING
APPS
These apps can play all palos (flamenco rhythms) at unlimited tempos. They also play just compas (the drum machine or metronome) with different varieties of palmas (hand clapping).
Flamenco Metronome (for Mac or Windows)
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
These recordings are available on iTunes or Amazon and feature a different palo (flamenco rhythm) for each CD. They include a complete dance as well as plain rhythm with a drum machine that is excellent for practicing.
- Solo Compás series
- Escuela de Flamenco series
- Ritmo Flamenco series
- El Baile Flamenco series
- Jose Tanaka Compás Flamenco- drum machine only (from Los Angeles!) I HIGHLY recommend you get his solo compas recordings. All three of them!! You’ll be able to use them for sooooo many palos like Tangos, Tientos, Solea, Solea por Buleria, Alegrias and Guajiras.
Try looking on YouTube and Spotify for any tracks you might need.
COSTUMING & ACCESSORIES
There are many choices out there for costuming. In the studio, you can wear almost anything, but it’s nice to have a pretty practice skirt. Other items you may need in class are castanets (castañuelas,) fan (abanico,) shawl (manton,), bata de cola (long train dress or skirt).
U.S.-based
- Cueto Flamenco Creations made to order costumes
- Ale Flamenco (formerly Sketsamoda) made to order and pre made costumes
- Flamenco West shoes, some dance wear, fans, shawls and small accessories
- Lands Far Away Imports fans, shawls and other accessories
- Flamenco Casual made to order and pre made costumes
Spain-based
- E-molina costuming, fans, shawls, shoes, and other accessories
- Flamenco Closet Creations costuming, fans, shawls, shoes, and other accessories
- Flamenco Export costuming, fans, shawls, shoes, and other accessories
- Flamenco y Mas costuming, fans, shawls, shoes, and other accessories
- Menkes costuming, fans, shawls, shoes, and other accessories
- Flamencista costuming, fans, shawls, shoes, and other accessories
- Lunares Flamenco in Brazil
FLOORS FOR PRACTICING FOOTWORK
The easiest solution is to buy a piece of plywood (about one inch thick) and cover it with a coat of polyurethane, and you’re good to go!
But check out these other pre-made solutions.
Tarimas de Danza – Spanish-made practice boards
Stagestep – floors for tap
Dosgolpes Flamenco Practice Board
Fasfoot – portable, folding, and expandable dance floors — perfect for tappers, Irish Step and Flamenco dancers alike.
Flamenco Practice Pad– mats to practice on but with less noise
MUST SEE FLAMENCO MOVIES
Some are available on Amazon, but at least check YouTube for clips!
- The Carlos Saura collection:
- Blood Wedding (Boda de Sangre)
- Flamenco
- Sevillanas
- Flamenco! Flamenco!
- Los Tarantos (with Carmen Amaya)
- Vengo by Tony Gatlif
- Latcho Drom by Tony Gatlif
- The Romany Trail (the flamenco portion starts at 33:00)
Bonus – Anything Carmen Amaya! This is not a movie but look for any of Carmen Amaya’s movies on YouTube.
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