Here’s a flamenco marking step that uses the abanico in a percussive way.
We can create rhythms with the fan by tapping it against the body while open or closed.
In this instance we have the fan open.
How to dance flamenco, flamenco travel in Spain, flamenco dance students and their experiences, interviews with flamenco artists, translations of flamenco letras (songs) from Spanish to English
Here’s a flamenco marking step that uses the abanico in a percussive way.
We can create rhythms with the fan by tapping it against the body while open or closed.
In this instance we have the fan open.
Here’s a tangos estribillo and a video of Patricia Guerrero at just sixteen years old.
Dame besos de tu boca
Que cuando me besas
me pones nervioso
Here’s a simple yet punchy tangos marking step for you to add to your collection.
The ending works great with the caída of the cante or when the guitar resolves.
Watch the following videos then try the bulerías palmas activity at the end of this post.
Here is one of the letras:
Here’s a video of a young Estrella Morente por siguiryas and a letra
A la sierra de Armenia
yo me quiero ir …
Would you believe that this amazing flamenco dancer, Cristina Hall, still gets nervous before going on stage?
She actually appreciates this feeling because it reminds her that she still has a lot of respect for what she does.
So what does she do when the nerves set in?
Don’t you love watching the musicians dance during the fin de fiesta?
In today’s clip you get to see percussionist Luis Amador dance a pataíta which is sure to make you smile. Then be wowed as you watch Pastora Galván do her thing.
Here’s another video of Antonio Reyes that I know you’ll want to listen to over and over again…
This is one of the letras he sings:
Rondeñas
A esa liebre no tirarle
cazadores de la sierra
porque está haciendo en la tierra…
This is one of the letras David Lagos shared with us during his workshop, La Caña/El Polo, La Soleá, Bulería por Solea y Bulería de Jerez.
Soleá de Triana
Tengo en mi casa un jazmín…
Learn this step and use it in your bulerías pataíta.
You could use this step as a llamada, remate, or even a patá.
Watch this young talent, Ángeles Toledano, sing por alegrías.
She will amaze you.
Here is one of the letras she sings:
Looking for a bulerías llamada with a twist?
Here’s one for you to try.
Watch the video tutorial then check out the notes below for additional support with this step:
Listen to this little boy sing!
Now twenty years old, this clip is from when Raúl El Balilla was a little boy blowing people’s minds with his talent.
Watch him wow José Mercé here…
Fancy up a basic flamenco marcaje with this simple but pretty abanico movement.
Below I show it to you in the 12-count compás, but you could adapt it to any rhythm.
Take a peek at this tutorial video then see the notes to follow for additional support:
Ready to be blown away?
Check out the following video of little Manuel Monje singing por bulerías.
Be sure to watch to the end to see his moves!
Here’s a flamenco step (a tangos remate) with abanico.
Add it to a dance, or use it as an exercise to work on:
* Contratiempo
* Opening the abanico
* Coordination
* Strengthening your rhythm