Is a flamenco show worth it? What first-time visitors should know
Travelling to Spain and wondering whether to take in a flamenco show?
In this article I look at WHY flamenco is a must-do and HOW to make sure your first show is an unforgettable experience.
Never seen flamenco?
When I lived in Seville I hosted a lot of visitors passing through on vacation. They would ask me to recommend a flamenco show. Of course I was happy to take them to my favourite venues!
Often it was their first experience of flamenco and they weren’t sure what to expect. I always enjoyed seeing their reactions, because without fail they loved it! (I knew they would!)
If you’re wondering if a flamenco show is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary, my answer is a resounding YES!
Having a few inside tips on how to pick the right show and knowing what to expect will make your first flamenco experience a highlight of your trip to Spain.
What is flamenco?
Flamenco is an Andalusian art form that brings together guitar, singing, dancing and percussion (hand clapping) in an emotionally explosive performance.
It’s not partners dancing together.
It’s not flouncing around in a red dress.
And it’s definitely not background music.
A professional flamenco show combines dance and music to transmit pure, raw emotion. All artists have their role to play. Dancers usually dance solo, and most performances will include a guitar solo and a singing solo too.
Some venues offer drinks or dinner with a show but I always prefer venues that are just for the flamenco experience. Experienced flamenco artists are mesmerising to watch, and the show deserves to be enjoyed without the distractions of other diners or a bar in the background.
Why some people leave disappointed
When people say a flamenco show wasn’t worth it, it’s usually because they’ve seen a superficial show with more emphasis on the costumes or the drinks, rather than the art form itself.
Some larger venues are designed for busloads of tourists, often who have no idea what they’re going to see. I’ve been to these types of shows and they’re not bad, they’re just not engaging.
The performers may be very skilled BUT… if they’re dancing on a large stage to a crowd of people ordering drinks, the performance will be impersonal and lacking any real feeling.
Flamenco is about connection! It’s a conversation between the musicians and the dancer. Professional flamenco is often improvised with the guitarist, singer and dancer taking their cues from each other. Knowing this will help you appreciate the performance on a much deeper level.
When a flamenco show is worth it — What to look for
If you’re coming to Spain and want to see a flamenco show, make sure you set yourself up for a good experience.
Pick an intimate venue such a flamenco tablao, a dedicated flamenco venue. A tablao is more likely to have a smaller seating capacity so you can be closer to the stage. Tablaos are also less likely to use microphones and distracting light effects, keeping a more authentic vibe.
Look for tablaos that advertise their artist lineup, either online or on a poster outside the venue. A large cast is not necessarily a good sign. Look for a small group of performers who are named on the lineup. This shows that the artists are professional, flamenco names. Of course you will find tourists at flamenco shows but the locals go too. Flamenco aficionados have their favourite performers and will look for their names on the lineup. When I lived in Seville I would often go and see my teacher Luisa Palicio performing in a tablao.
Many venues will not allow photography or video until the end of the show. This is a great sign. It shows respect for the artists and ensures minimal distractions for them and for you in the audience.
Do you need to understand flamenco to enjoy it?
No, you don’t need to know anything about flamenco to appreciate the artistry! But, having some cultural context will help you enjoy the show.
Knowing that flamenco is a conversations between guitar, voice and dance will allow you to appreciate each performer and see the way they relate to each other throughout the show.
It’s also helpful to understand that flamenco is born out of oppression. It’s a folk art that was cultivated in the Gitano (Spanish Romani) communities of Andalusia. Rather than telling a story, flamenco conveys raw emotion — so expect to feel moved!
Flamenco etiquette
Not sure what to expect at your first flamenco show? Here’s a few tips to help it run smoothly.
Arrive early to make sure you have time to get a good seat. Many venues seat late-comers during a break in the performance to avoid interrupting the show. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time.
Respect the photo and video rules of the venue. Enjoy the show without your screen!
Never clap along with the performance. This can be hard! It’s easy to get carried away by the flamenco rhythms. But audience clapping can be a huge distraction for the performers.
Respect the artists. Although some audience members might shout out encouragement during the performance (which is totally ok to do!) it is important to stay quiet during the pauses and quieter moments of the show.
Show your appreciation! If you’re not sure when to shout ‘Olé’ during the show, it’s always welcome with the applause at the end of the performance to show your enjoyment.
Is flamenco better in Seville?
You can enjoy good flamenco in a lot of places in Spain, but Seville is definitely at the heart and soul of flamenco.
Flamenco has strong roots in Seville. The city is considered to be central to the history of flamenco and it’s a highly celebrated part of the Seville identity.
As a hub for flamenco artists, teachers and students, the Seville flamenco scene is competitive. There are many flamenco venues in Seville and the standards are high. Great for us in the audience, right?!
Seville offers many opportunities to see authentic flamenco.
So, is a flamenco show worth it?
Absolutely!
Flamenco is a must-do when you experience it in the right setting.
Don’t just tick a box on your itinerary. Take the time to pick the right venue and give yourself the opportunity to really connect with the performance. And enjoy the show!