• Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Media
      • Gallery
      • Videos
  • Live Classes
  • Online Lessons
    • Free Lessons
    • Courses
    • Online Flamenco Studio Membership
  • Log In
  • Shows
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
RINA ORELLANA FLAMENCO
  • About
    • Contact
    • Media
      • Gallery
      • Videos
  • Live Classes
  • Online Lessons
    • Free Lessons
    • Courses
    • Online Flamenco Studio Membership
  • Log In
  • Shows
  • Blog
The Earthy Palo of Tientos

The Earthy Palo of Tientos

February 2, 2022 Posted by rina@rinaorellana.com Palos - Flamenco Rhythms, Teaching Flamenco No Comments

I’ve been working on a new Tientos choreography to dance this weekend. It’s been just about 2 years since I’ve performed- and even longer since I’ve danced Tablao (flamenco restaurant venue)!

I love dancing to this palo because for me it’s so grounded, earthy and sensual. In my former life, I used to be a bellydancer, so the 4 count palos in flamenco bring me back to that spirit of movement. Well, at least that’s my interpretation.

My first experience that I remember of seeing a Tientos was in the Carlos Saura film, El Amor Brujo, a must-see for all aficionados. In that scene the dancer is dancing slowly and sensually outside by the campfire. The simple movement to the cante was intoxicating. (Sorry, I can’t find that clip on YouTube! If I ever find it, I’ll post it. Although I remember that the dancer is Laura del Sol, pictured above.)

Tientos can be a “gateway” palo to the heavyweights like Solea and Seguirilla. It allows for being profound in the movement and mood without the necessary experience it requires to successfully pull off the more jondo palos. A dancer uses more hip movements, shows more sensuality and strength, and practices being inside the body or very centered.

They are a slow 4 count tempo and the dance ends in Tangos, a fast 4 count. The letras (verses) themselves usually speak of love, loss and longing. The structure is similar to all other flamenco palos that are danced as solos:

  • Guitar falseta (solo)
  • Singer entrada (entrance, the “ay, ay, ay”)
  • Dancer entrada/llamada (entrance and dance break to call the singer for letra)
  • Letra (verse of song)
  • Llamada (call)
  • Letra (verse of song)
  • Falseta (guitar solo)
  • Escobilla (long footwork segment)
  • Tangos (fast verse)
  • Estribillo (ending chorus)

Here are some of my favorite Tientos. Can you follow the basic structure as you watch?

Enjoy!

Lisi Sfair- with castañuelas!

Fuensata La Moneta being the beast of a dancer she always is!

La Popi- gorgeous!

Carmen Ledesma being the queen she is!

Raquel González- a beautiful, clean solo!

Like what you’ve read? Please share it!

Share this:

  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Tags: Belen de la QuintanaCarlos SauraCarmen Ledesmael amor brujoLa MonetaLa PopiLaura del SolMiguel PovedaRafael Jimenez "El Falo"Tangostientos
No Comments
Share
2

You also might be interested in

Flamenco Wish List for Santa

Flamenco Wish List for Santa

Dec 8, 2014

Yes, it’s that time of year when all us flamencas[...]

Stoking the Flamenco Fire

Stoking the Flamenco Fire

Sep 15, 2014

Stoking the flamenco fire in El Amor Brujo by Carlos Saura[...]

Farruquito Fever

Farruquito Fever

Feb 26, 2016

Farruquito is coming to SoCal this weekend and I’m.so.excited! Although[...]

Leave a Reply

Your email is safe with us.
Cancel Reply

POPULAR POSTS

  • How to Pick a Bata de Cola
  • The Ultimate Guide to Flamenco Shoes
  • All About Siguirilla ( or is it Seguiriya?)
  • The Men of Flamenco
  • The Beginner’s Guide to Flamenco
  • Manton Madness
  • How to Pick a Manton (Spanish Shawl) for Dancing
  • Exercises for Flamenco Dancers

Search This Blog

Categories

FREE ONLINE LESSONS

© 2022 — Rina Orellana Flamenco.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Prev Next
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.