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fabian perez dancer in red


During its Golden age (1869-1910), Flamenco was developed in the numerous cafs cantantes (musical cafes). Flamenco dance achieved its climax and was the major attraction of the cafes cantantes. Guitar players who accompanied the dancers became tremendously popular with the ever-increasing audience. From 1915, Flamenco shows were organized and performed all over the world. In 1922 the popularity began to dwindle. A Flamenco Renaissance started in 1955. Outstanding dancers and soloists from the small tablaos, successors to the early cafes cantantes, made their way to the great theaters and concert houses. Guitar players acquired great reputations with their mastery of the music and their guitars. Flamenco dance is to be compared to the dances of the Orient. The elegant gestures of the female dancers resemble those of Oriental dancers, only they are more forcible. The dancers use of castanets and castanuelas can be compared to the Oriental finger cymbals. The ladies wear long dresses with voluminous skirts, sometimes used to emphasize arm movements. Handclapping or percussion, as well as song and guitar usually accompany the dancer. fabian perez dancer in red Flamenco is a Spanish art form with roots deep in Andalusia, Spain's southern region. There are many theories as to how this folk dance evolved, the details are lost in history. Even the origin of its name is elusive. Some attribute it to the early 1500’s and the Flemish courtiers during the reign of Spain's Charles V. Their bright clothing inspired the names given things garish or conspicuous, such as flamingos and flamenco.