Flamenco in Spain

Stereotypes or History? Flamenco Dance in Spain and the World.

As stated in my last blog I will be giving you a brief  rundown of all things related to different dance styles. This blog will be focused on Flamenco dance and its cultural significance, most common use of the style, and how it began versus where it is at today.

To truly understand Flamenco dance we need to understand the history associated with it. Outside of Spain people look at Flamenco as the key to Spanish living. In American media we may use Flamenco to stereotype what life is like in Spain. For example, in Toy Story 3: Buzz Lightyear is mistakenly reset in “Spanish mode,” and becomes a passionate Spanish flamenco dancer (Smithsonian Magazine). When watching the scene you may look at it as embarrassing, incorrect or just plain laughable. The American media does this all the time to make a joke or simply to make fun of the aforementioned cultural item. But, the way that people outside of Spain look at Flamenco is simply not the way the Spanish look at it. 



It All Started as an Insult.

When I, as an American, think of Flamenco I automatically think of Spain. Why is this? Is this because I, as an outsider, tied this culture to this country out of naivety or is it actually related?
Flamenco dance has not always been looked at as a beautiful art form in the country of Spain. It actually started with the perception of being pornographic and vulgar. Although it spread quickly it wasn't all for good reason. When foreigners would associate Flamenco to Spain, Spanish elites were not happy because back then it was also associated with Gypsies which was another no-no in Spain at the time. The Spanish Catholic Church despised this art form and looked at it as pushing immodesty and other perceived evils.



Perception Today.

Today many people in the media, such as, singers, rappers, artists and dancers give citing too Flamenco as a form of inspiration. This suggests to us that Flamenco is far more respected in today's society. Although established in the 15th century and considered a mix of many cultures' dance styles, Spain now has their own style that helps to define who they are as a country. Rather than being looked down upon people, now describe this style as irresistible and admirable. The perception has changed but the style stays the same.

 






Works Cited

Considine, C. (2019, August 6). An introduction to Spain’s New Flamenco scene. Dazed. https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/45526/1/spain-new-flamenco-artists-guide 

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Flamenco. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/flamenco 

Magazine, S. (2019, October 24). The complicated history of flamenco in Spain. Smithsonian.com.     https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/complicated-history-flamenco-spain-180973398/ 

Web, A. (2018, January 30). A glimpse into the world of flamenco dancing. AESU. https://www.aesu.com/blog/glimpse-world-flamenco-dancing/#:~:text=Inspired%20by%20the%20gypsy%20culture,and%20enjoyed%20throughout%20the%20world. 

Wilhelm, H. (2020, March 19). Toy story throwback: Hay un amigo en mi. Toy Story Fangirl. https://toystoryfangirl.com/2020/03/19/toy-story-throwback-hay-un-amigo-en-mi/ 




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