A Flamenco show, 5pm
Performance by Junta Flamenca
Fri, July 27, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
200 pesos


Junta Flamenca in concert at the Santa Ana
By Angela Garcia

The most important element of flamenco music is undeniably the singing “Cante.” In fact, originally flamenco was comprised purely of Cante, with handclapping palmas or knuckle-rapping percussive accompaniment. The guitar, a variation of the Arab oud, was gradually incorporated in the 19th century. The strongest influences evident in the evolution of flamenco singing and music can be traced from: Punjabi singing of India, Persian zyriab song form, classical Andalusian orchestras of the Islamic Empire, Jewish synagogue chants, Mozarabic forms such as Zarchyas and Zambra, Arabic Zayal which themselves are the foundation for Fandangos, Andalusian regional folk forms and Western African influences via the slaves of the New World Caribbean, Central and South American colonies. These include Rumba, Garotin, Guajiras, Columbianas and more.

Flamenco dance

Although there has been less research in the field of flamenco dance, it has been documented that during the Phoenician Empire, in the city of Cadiz, Hindu dancers were hired as entertainers for the festivals, aspects of which were incorporated into local processions and religious festivals.

This very strong resemblance to East Indian dance is seen in the Katak, NianiPuri, Kathakal and Bharatanatyam forms. Elements such as the deep-seated plié, out-turned leg position, sharp angles of the body and arms, splayed fingers, rapid barrel turns and, most certainly, the percussive foot movements are all evident in flamenco dance.

Apart from some of the percussive foot movements found in the Moroccan Shikhate, there is almost no similarity between flamenco and Middle Eastern dance. Even the open-knee hip movements of flamenco are attributed to the African influence from the colonies and/or Indian dance. Absent from flamenco dance are the torso undulations, pelvic oscillations, hip shimmies and rotations, all of which are fundamental components of Oriental dance. Finally, the soft, feminine and joyful nature of Middle Eastern dance is the complete antithesis of the spring-loaded, strong, defiant and masculine character of Flamenco.

Tickets are available at the theater.