A Night Of Flamenco

Flamenco originated in southern Spain, particularly Andalusia, from a fusion of cultures including Andalusian, Romani (Gypsy), Moorish, and Jewish influences, beginning around the 15th century. The art form evolved from an intimate, family-based tradition to being showcased in public venues, and by the 19th century, it had spread globally. Its evolution includes periods of singing dominance in the 18th and 19th centuries, followed by the rise of professional cafés cantantes, and later the integration of more complex choreographies in the 20th century. Flamenco is a live, musical, oral, gestural and social art.

When the word “flamenco” is used today, it evokes a dance, the playing of a flamenco guitar, the rhythm of clapping palms and the cry of flamenco voices. Flamenco is a whole musical and expressive universe unequivocally associated with the territory of Southern Spain. There is no doubt about this place of origin. Flamenco was first and foremost singing and rhythm, solo. Its creators were those who alone and anonymously sang while working in the fields, threshing, tilling, walking; or the miner who sang coming and going from the mine; the blacksmith in the forge; the tavern goer who livened up the atmosphere or shared his feelings with those around him in the bar; or the women working or celebrating any family event. Its origin is in the moment when a singer feels something and sings it out. The individualistic and rebellious personality of the Andalusian and the gypsy and their adverse social circumstances, in the face of injustice and despair, lead them to liberate themselves through singing, expressing their sorrows and joys. Flamenco is the voice of the people.

I love Spain and I love Flamenco. I love the music, the dance and the passion. We have been lucky enough to see Flamenco performances in Madrid, Barcelona and now in Westminster and Denver, CO too. Last night we had a night of Flamenco at Kingman Winery, one of our nearby, local wineries. The New Kingman Winery, Another Fun Night At Kingman Winery. The local Flamenco dance company, StudiOle Flamenco performed for a small group of very lucky guests. They were fantastico! Before we were entertained by the bailar and musica, we enjoyed some locally prepared paella and of course, some delicious Kingman Petit Verdot wine.

The Petit Verdot paired perfectly with the paella.

After the dinner plates were cleared, the performers took the stage. What happened next was magical. The dancers performed a lot of different numbers, all telling different stories about love, passion and life’s struggles. They had numerous authentically colorful outfits for each story too. Last night’s story:

~Sabores y Sonidos~

Flavors and Sounds

~Entre vino y palmas, la vida regresa, se encienden de nuevo las lucas de fiesta.~

Between wine and the rhythms, life rises once more, the lights of the fiesta shine brighter than before.

I apologize for the poor quality of the photos. It was hard to get good photos of the dancers as they were dancing.

The whole ensemble – 1 guitar/singer, 1 percussionist, and 4 lovely dancers.

It was a very fun and festive evening. We thoroughly enjoyed our romantic date night. We are already looking forward to spending another romantic evening with StudiOle Flamenco, and of course more fun times at Kingman Winery.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment you can. And when life gives you struggles, turn it into la musica Flamenco. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.