Flamenco

Flamenco is a beautiful art from southern Spain. It has three main parts: singing, guitar playing, and dancing. Flamenco is full of strong feelings and loud footwork. It is one of the most famous art forms from Spain.

Where It Comes From

Flamenco started in the region of Andalusia in Spain. It grew from the music and dances of many groups, including the Romani people. Flamenco has been around for hundreds of years. Today it is loved all over the world.

An old photo of flamenco dancers and musicians in a Spanish cafe.
An old photo of flamenco dancers and musicians in a Spanish cafe. (CARLOS TEIXIDOR CADENAS / Wikimedia Commons)

The Dance

Flamenco dancers stomp their feet fast on the floor to make rhythms. They clap their hands and snap their fingers too. Women often wear long, colorful dresses with ruffles. Men wear fitted pants and short jackets.

Fun Facts

  • UNESCO named flamenco a part of the world's cultural heritage in 2010.
  • Dancers sometimes use castanets, small wooden clappers held in the hands.
  • A flamenco show is called a tablao.

Did You Know?

The fast tapping sound flamenco dancers make with their feet is called zapateado.