Flamenco is an art form born in southern Spain in Andalucía and Murcia. It is a complex art form that includes poetry, singing, guitar, dance and handclapping to form a complete performance. A Flamenco show often calls for a "jaleo" which, in its closest literal sense, would mean a loud cheer or overwhelming responses from the crowd. In spite of its origin in the south of Spain, Flamenco is not limited to this region, it has blossomed as a popular art throughout the country and also internationally where there is a large public for this art and also performers.
An account of its evolutionary history and controversies:
Flamenco had a certain reputation among the Spanish elites of the 19th and 20th centuries, who associated it with the gypsy culture, which was despised and ostracized. Despite the many political, social and religious protests against flamenco in Spain, this art form gained popularity among intellectuals and artists in other parts of the world thanks to its world exhibitions, which eventually led to its acceptance in Spain. Flamenco and its association with Spain have brought many opportunities for cultural exchange. Today, this art form has created a business with many ideas to encourage flamenco bars and clubs, stage shows and performances to attract the public and tourists, which serves to stimulate the economy. Flamenco is almost considered a symbol of the Spanish national identity all over the world, although the concept remains controversial in the country itself. Flamenco has also created a space for the voice of feminists and has risen up among the oppressed sections of society. A flamenco show presented at the New York Flamenco Festival was performed entirely in drag. We can say that Flamenco has been a symbol of progressive voices that was not quite the scene, say 20 years ago, in the field of art and dance.
The songs and chants around Flamenco revolve around love, injustice, sadness or heartache, but the artists change them according to the occasion and the moods. Today, there are 36 chants and songs for Flamenco which are varied in their usage. Some songs are to listen only, some are to be danced along and some are chants of celebration and joy. Flamenco also has regional variations that are quite subtle and may not be noticed by outsiders. Flamenco, as music and dance, is essentially a form of free flow of emotions. Singers often improvise their singing and tone according to their mood and context. Dancers show grace and elegance in their finger movements and body transitions, while dancers are more aggressive and virile. We can say that Flamenco is performed in four different set-ups; The Juergo or an informal setup, The Tablao or in a bar or club, in a concert and lastly as a theatrical performance like a ballet A show of Flamenco always evokes passions, energy and emotions in the performers and also in the audience.
Flamenco is a success and has reached a worldwide status. Today, flamenco has taken on new forms by incorporating fusion styles and music into its traditional forms. The "New Flamenco" or "Nuevo Flamenco", is combined with jazz, salsa, rumba and many other musical genres to create a new way of interpreting Flamenco. While trap, hip-hop, reggaeton and techno are establishing themselves as the most popular culture among young people around the world, flamenco in the form of pop is also growing. Rosalía, who comes from Spain, is the first artist in the world to have reached the international stage to play flamenco. Her style derives from the new flamenco, which mixes other forms of music and changes the style of dance into a more urban and pop style.
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