1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spain Travel

Isn’t flamenco just women in colourful dresses playing the castanets?

By Damian Corrigan, About.com

Question: Isn’t flamenco just women in colourful dresses playing the castanets?
Answer: No, it isn't! There are four distinct elements to flamenco - the guitar playing, the vocals, the dancing and the 'palmas' (handclapping). Out of the four of them, it is the dancing that is most likely to be dropped, if any of them.

If it is the dancing that you are most keen on seeing, check that there will actually be some dancing at the show. Normally the performers will be listed on the flyer - 'Baile' is the dancer, 'Cante' is the singer, and 'Guitarra' is the guitarist. 99% of tourist-orientated shows will have all three.

The flowery dresses seen in the tourist brochures are only for very special occasions (and touristy performances); much of the time the dancers are dressed in black.

And I have only ever seen a flamenco dancer use castanets once!

<< Back to Flamenco Frequently Asked Questions

More Spain Travel Q&A
Explore Spain Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spain Travel
  4. Culture & People of Spain
  5. Spanish Music
  6. Flamenco FAQ
  7. Isn’t flamenco just women in colourful dresses playing the castanets?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.