Z is For Zambra

The last posting for the April A-Z Blogging Challenge. The letter is Z. My theme is Flamenco.

Z is For Zambra

Zambra has two meanings. It means a party with dancing entertainment held in the caves in Sacromonte, Spain and it is also used for the name of a dance. The caves used to be divided into homes for the Gypsies but no longer serve as dwellings. Now, they are modernized and turned into restaurants and theaters for entertainment. Because the terrain is steep, a taxi lets the tourists off and they take a little walk up to the theaters.

There exists a common root between belly dancing and Flamenco, with belly dancing being lighter and more seductive. The one dance link between the two is the Zambra. The original was a Moorish dance, dating back to the 15 century. With the lights flickering on the walls of the caves, the Zambra can be an impressive festive dance.

The photo above is taken inside one of the theater caves. Performances provide an income for the Flamencos as tourists are entertained and can return home with photos. Dancing is light and colorful and the atmosphere is an exhilerating menory.

A video of the Zambra, a fusion dance between Flamenco and Belly Dance. It

always looks more Belly than Flamenco to me but you judge. Adios Amigos

Y is For Yearn

Posting daily in April for A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is Y. My theme is Flamenco.

Y is For Yearning

A Yearning permeates pure Flamenco song and dance. Hondo song is filled with deep, raw emotion for a return to a home the Gypsies never knew. They have no roots, no common language or legal documents to even prove that they were born.

My first contact with Gypsies was during the three year Korean War. Franco was then in power and trying to expell all Gypsies from Spain. I had a very dear Gypsy friend whose family taught me Flamenco while they were living on the beach outside of Algiceras. They were ordered to leave and we never saw each other again. I often have my own yearnings for her and her family and wonder if she ever found a home and a stable life. So many times I've wanted to tell her how much our time together affected the rest of my life.

Below is a video of Rosio Ponce, Flamenco dancer who teaches in California.

V is for Verdiales

Posting daily in the April A-Z Blogging Challenge. Today is V. My theme is Flamenco.

V is For Verdiales

A member of our troupe

Verdiales are ancient, lively, folk dances, perhaps the oldest of the Fandangos. The song was thought to be named after a tiny village, Los Verdiales. Each province in Spain still adheres to their original folk songs and dances. Folk dances are lighter, bouncier dances and you will see smiles from the dancers. The general public, who is unaccustomed to Flamenco, is usually more comfortable with the Folk dances. Many of the classical Spanish dances are choreographed around the folk dances and often danced in ballet slippers. I say it's for the young with it's leaps and spins and fast turns. I'll pass on leaps these days, thank you.

I had to dig for this short vid of the folk dance, Verdiales.

Some Days Do You Ever Just Want To Run Off To Spain And Be A Flamenco Dancer?

I did that once. Sixty years ago to be exact. I'll let you in on a little secret. Once Flamenco music gets into your soul, it never leaves. Flamenco dancers wait for the Duende. It's that special emotion that happens at a moment that spellbinds listeners. Duende isn't a constant. It can happen one day and not the next.

Lately, I've been getting rid of the "stuff" in my life. It bogs me down. I have to return to that feeling of freedom. Perhaps I won't be a street dancer in Seville but I will be free to chose my existence. I fulfilled my responsibility as wife, mother, grandmother ...... and now it's finally my turn. Oh Glorious Feeling.

Below is a street dancer from Seville. Welcome it into your soul and perhaps you'll join me.

Adios Amigos and Ole