01 May 2013

Flamenco Night!

When we heard that the flamenco dance group from Spain was coming to town for a week long performance, we couldn't resist but to jump to the opportunity to experience this fabulous culture of Spain. It took place in a Spanish restaurant, Seville's in Wafi City, which is one of the most popular venues for dinner shows and events here in Dubai.

Frankly, I've never been to Spain but Captain has been there many times for vacation with his parents when he was a teenager and later on duties as a pilot.  But even that, he has never seen a flamenco show himself.  We were lucky that Captain happened to have a day off during that week and it happened to be on opening night.

Flamenco is originally from Andalusia in the south of Spain (associated with the Gitano or Gypsy community)  and it includes singing, guitar playing, dancing and hand clapping. No other instrument is involved in the performance but a solo guitar and the dance is normally performed solo too.  

This week long performance at Seville's was part of the whole Flamenco celebration that includes Spanish market, flamenco workshop for mother and daughter, classes and the dinner shows.  I thought this effort was a good way to create more awareness about this soul tugging part of Spain.




The night started with a 3 courses dinner.  I had Salpicon de Vieiras, a dish of pan seared scallops on a bed of green mix herb salad with green pepper dressing for starter, Atun con Quinoa a los citricos, a grilled salt crusted tuna steak with quinoa lime and orange as my main and Torrijas con Vainilla or fried sweet bread with honey and vanilla ice-cream to finish off. 

Well, honestly the food was not the highlight of the night but when the guitarist started strumming his battered guitar, I could feel the energy beginning to fill the dimly lit room.  It was amazing how a simple guitar, the voice of one woman and the clapping and stomping could make the hair at the back of my neck stand and my eyes watery! The dancers took turn performing and each of them were so proud, so emotional and even if I did not understand a word that was sang out, I could understand the pain, the joy and the longing of the dancers.  It was amazing!

It was even more amazing when we found out that the sole male dancer in this group was in his 70s and not only he didn't look his age, he danced like a man in his 20s.  His steps were so quick he was almost floating! 







2 hours and 3 mojitos later, the show came to an end.  My palm were sweating and I realized that during the show I was stomping my feet too!  My stilettos were definitely the wrong kind of shoes for this occasion. That made me wonder about the kind of shoes the dancers used.  Must be strong pairs to withstand all the stomping!

Have you experience the flamenco?  What was your impression?  I would love to hear about them.

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30 comments:

  1. I had to do a presentation on it this past week! I've tried to do it before and I wasn't very good but it was a cool experience.

    Cynthia

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  2. this is so fun - you looked like you had such a great time!! beautiful pictures! xo

    phiphi's blog

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  3. Looks like so much fun!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  4. Wow that is beautiful! Flamenco is such a powerful dance, I love it!

    http://www.themirroronthewall.com/

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  5. Never seen flamenco dances alive, only on TV. It is a very emotional dance and I like it. Love the face expressions of the dancers in the photos :)

    Olga http://local-moda.blogspot.com

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  6. Nice photos, sounds great and a good time for you!

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  7. Hi, I'm cohosting THE Bloglovin' Collective and I'm following you with pleasure :)
    MammaNene

    SergerPepper.blogspot.it

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  8. I have never tried it, but it looks like a blast!! Looks like such a fun night!
    XOXO
    dani
    Love Me, Dani Marie

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  9. Oh that must've been so much fun to see in person! My feet hurt just thinking about all the stomping :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  10. I've only seen flamenco on TV, but it looks like a very passionate dance.

    Monica
    www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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  11. You look so happy in these pics, I'm sure you had an amazing night!! Lovely pics =)
    XOXO
    Ylenia

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  12. I have seen a flamenco dancer before and they are mesmerising. I understand the stomping along with it without realising, you'd just get so caught up in the moment. Putting this on my wishlist for when I go to SPain next month. To watch a live flamenco performance in Spain.

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    1. Aww, that's awesome! Have a wonderful trip and post lots of pictures, ok?

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  13. this looked like a fabulous and fun night!

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  14. I've been to a show before and it's utterly mesmerizing, one of the best experiences ever. The dancing and stomping is so catchy and just gorgeous. I'd love to see another performance one day in Spain too

    SDMxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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    1. That makes 2 of us, Sonia.. bull fight would be too much for me, so flamenco performance in Spain sounds great!

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  15. hope you got your groove on!

    -ileana


    www.ileanamarcel.com

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  16. I've never experienced the flamenco! It looks like you two had a blast:)! I love music and dancing (although I'm not too skilled at the dancing part haha)! You look lovely darlin:)!

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  17. great night!!!! i really love flamenco!

    :)

    finally i'm in dubai again, in italy the spring isn't coming!

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    1. Yikes! Well Dubai is hitting summer really soon too

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  18. Great to have you pop into my blog!

    If you're interested in Flamenco, and in connecting with a really cool blogger, visit http://taxonomyofmywardrobe.blogspot.com. She has a lovely blog, is a great writer and dances (and writes about) the Flamenco! Xo

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    1. Wow, a flamenco dancing blogger! I will definitely check her blog out :)

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  19. Looks like it was so much fun! I've never experienced flamenco, but now I want to!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  20. Like I see you had perfect time. My cousine dance it too. It is so emocional, I like it. Have a great friday.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com/

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  21. Looks like a fun night!

    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
    www.daisyraeboutique.com

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  22. You look like you had a great time! It's nice to have time with just the hubs no?

    xo Lulu
    simplylulustyle.com

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  23. I love "Seville" and tend to go there from time to time got get my tapas fix! Flamenco is such an amazing thing, looks like you had an awesome evening! xx

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