Don’t you love contratiempo?
It's one of those signature flamenco sounds, and it can be oh so addicting.
In the video tutorial that follows I show you an exerciise por tangos to practice contratiempo.
![Flamenco Tutorial: Contratiempo por Tangos [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1747444032200-DJ9UJZL9SZ3L4F0UZQ3L/IMG_4CEDA4FF485B-1.jpeg)
Viewing entries tagged
dance tips
![Simple Flamenco Marking Step with Pitos [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1737153402186-VDWBQ5A04F6PW900Y3HV/IMG_8459.JPG)
How are your pitos, finger snaps?
Here’s a simple tangos marcaje combination you can use to work on details like that as well as:
Arm movements, coordination, hands, head placement, and hips.
Watch the video tutorial here
Use this flamenco dance mini lesson to practice:
Opening, closing it, and moving the fan.
![Simple Tangos Marcaje [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1692388104999-UMRXHJWW2E7NX309W3YT/FLAMENCO+TANGOS+STEP+THUMBNAIL.png)
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.
In the video tutorial below I take you through the basic movement of the hands and fingers used in flamenco dancing.
First we’ll focus solely on the movement of the hands.
Then we will look at the finger movements.
Do you practice your flamenco hand movements?
Practicing 'manos' is a must for every flamenco dancer.
The good news is that there is not one right way to move the hands in flamenco.
![Tutorial: Flamenco Marking Step [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1675758979349-R8QOHVMHU9OYR1A1UBTG/IMG_6077.JPG)
The following twelve count marking step is all about the body.
The feet are pretty simple. (Phew.)
It’s the movement of the body and arms that makes the step.
![Abanico Dance Step Tutorial [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1675067317377-X8B14LIFH3BAV2Z2J3CC/IMG_5924.JPG)
Ready to dance with the abanico?
Here’s a step you can add to:
Your bulerías at the end of a guajiras
Your bulerías de Cádiz at the end of alegrías
A falseta or escobilla
![12-Count Flamenco Step Tutorial [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1671228831782-S9GAX4MR7XND5TRS2OVE/IMG_4866.JPG)
Ready to dance?
Below find another step to put with any palo in the rhythm of twelve.
Let’s learn it step by step:
![Simple Abanico Percussive Step Tutorial [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1668501129127-RGTR3VOD4A48M5OUEDE8/IMG_4147.JPG)
Here’s a simple marcaje that uses the abanico to make a little bit of noise.
With this step we close the fan when tapping it against the body to make sounds.
The step goes like this…
![Try This 12 Count Marcaje [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1665466262191-D9CAQ31E7J3U528M9ZSA/IMG_3270.JPG)
Below I take you through a marking step in the compás of twelve.
Add it to one of your dance choreographies, or use it as an exercise to practice changing directions, spotting, holding a focused gaze, or body positioning.
![Try This Abanico Move [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1663016607130-ZFSBYQZN0LS5IBC4KJ7M/IMG_2572.JPG)
Dance with me!
Learn this short tangos combination with abanico.
We begin with a simple marcaje in the first compás,
And finish with a remate in the second compás.
![12 Count Marcaje Tutorial [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1662187008426-9UN4DWBGJJYF9BSDHL9W/IMG_2123.jpg)
Here’s a flamenco step that combines marking with footwork.
Use it with any palo in the rhythm of 12.
Or use it as a technique exercise.
Ready to try it out?
I recommend approaching the step like this:
So you want to better understand how to dance bulerías with the cante?
I have an idea for you,
But first, here’s a letra.
(You can watch Carmen Herrera dance to this as José Mijita sings in the video to follow.)
Do you have a hard time watching video of yourself dancing flamenco?
You’re not alone.
While we may not choose to publicly share video of ourselves dancing, it can be a great tool to use for personal growth.
Keep Watching
Test your bulerías knowledge by taking the following quiz.
It's short.
It's fun.
And you might learn something or just bathe in the satisfaction of realizing how much you already know.
Ready?
Keep Reading
Do you love dancing por tangos?
Today I’m going to invite you to dance along as María Terremoto sings (and dances) some amazing tangos
Here’s the first letra you’ll hear her sing in the video below:
Keep Reading
The following flamenco dance tips were born out of a longing to be back in class with Mercedes Ruíz. Because I love it there. I love how we learn, the focus on technique, the repetition, watching Mercedes move.
So here are eleven tips I’ve learned studying with her over the years. Each tip includes a brief exercise to help you apply it.
Keep Reading
Did you set a flamenco (or any type of) resolution last January?
How’s that going?
If the goals you set feel like distant memories, read on. Today I will tell you how you can get back on track and explain why you don’t want to beat yourself up for having let things slide.
Keep Reading
What should you do if if you have just 15-20 minutes a day to practice?
That’s what a student asked me to find out when I interviewed Jesús Carmona last month.
Here are the five recommendations he shared along with videos to help you get started on your own at home. (Some of what he advises might surprise you.)
1. Abdominal Exercises
The first thing Jesús mentioned was the need to strengthen our abs. Don't know where to start? Try this: