MOOR·E by Evolution (FINAL)

SPECIAL FEATURE
The Passion
AND
GRACE OF FLAMENCO
Flamenco dancers move like a flame flickering between the ground tapped
by nimble footsteps and curling wrists that reach up towards the skies, their
performance expressive and emotional. Guitars strum the unmistakable rhythms and
riffs of the flamenco tradition, each musician adding a dash of their own personality
to the time-honoured refrains accompanied by cajon drumming and percussion.
Spain’s most popular dance is thought to date back to as early as the 16th
century in Andalucía, when this southernmost region was a melting pot of
cultures. Gypsies, Moors and Jews were thrown together as they fled
persecution from the Christian crown of Castille. Andalusían folk
music fused with the cante gitano in districts where daily struggle
was chronicled in lively taverns. A popular folk dance emerged,
passionate as the song lyrics infused with powerful emotions
of love, jealously and rejection; songs of an open heart pining
for its beloved, the grief and lament of oppression, or ecstatic
promise of a newly wed couple.
This early style of flamenco is known as a palo seco, unadorned
and accompanied only by frenzied dancing and hand-clapping. As
the tradition evolved, each town or village developed a distinctive
style, its roots touching on their own local heritage. Flamenco around
Malaga was based on early Moorish verdiales which evolved into the fandango.
Seville teemed with gypsy canto and martinetes, the anvil and hammer beating
rhythms of gypsy blacksmiths, whilst the port city of Cádiz was renowned for the
more upbeat tone of its alegrías and tangos.
By the second half of the 19th century, flamenco tablaos began attracting larger
crowds for more formal shows. The guitar was by now part of the performance, and
“LET YOURSELF
BE SEDUCED BY
A SPECTACULAR
SHOW ON YOUR
YACHT”
castanets took the sound of clicking fingers a step further.
Infectious and lively, flamenco originated as an informal shared experience rather
than the stage show it has now become. Dancers move in and out of the circle,
taking their turns and stepping back for the next twirl. Hand-clapping and outbursts
of encouragement and appreciation - olé! - add to the upbeat atmosphere.
A flamenco show is a colourful experience; gypsy dresses with bright polk-adots
and silk shawls swirl with the dancers’ moves. More experienced dancers
add a long train of additional ruffles to create an even stronger visual
impression. The painted fans that offer some respite against the
Andalusían heat take on a life of their own, expertly twirled with
the subtle coding of a body language that beckons, rejects and
coyly toys with each preening suitor.
Excellent performances by world-class dancers and musicians
can be found throughout Spain. Popular venues include the
Tablao Flamenco Cordobés and Tablao del Carmen in Barcelona,
Palma Flamenco in the old town district of Palma de Mallorca,
Tablao del Levante in Cartagena, and La Cava in the heart of Cádiz.
Let yourself be seduced by a spectacular show that captures the
authentic spirit of flamenco with Evolution Yacht Agents. We can arrange
an unforgettable and uniquely Spanish experience, with a special performance
by talented flamenco dancers and musicians in the comfort of your yacht.
Contact info@evolutionagents.com for enquiries about our on-board entertainment
options, especially customised to surpass your requirements and expectations.
INFECTIOUS AND
LIVELY, FLAMENCO
ORIGINATED AS AN
INFORMAL SHARED
EXPERIENCE.
36 BY EVOLUTION 37