We wnet to a flamenco performance for tourists. Maybe not strictly tourists. There was a group from Germany with their flamenco instructor, 7 women and one guy who was breaking in his new high-heeled flamenco boots. None of the women looked angry enough to ever be very good but you never know.
Flamenco is to Spain what the tango is to Argentina. But while tango is a graceful seduction, flamenco is in-your-face angry sex. You can hear its Roma and Moorish roots in the gypsy guitar competing with the wailing moan (or is it a moaning wail?) like the Muslim call to prayer.
Are we having fun yet?
Lively discordant notes from the guitar (Connie says its in a minor key?) The muezzin-like moan. And always the snapping fingers, clapping hands and staccato beat of stomping heels.
Strumstompwailsnapsnapstrummoanstomstompwailclapsnapsnapstompstrumstompwailsnapsnapstrummoanstomstompwailclapsnapsnapstomp!
While it takes two to tango, flamenco can be danced solo. Or it may be just the singer or a solo guitar. It is an acquired taste for the spectator – this one, at least. And for the dancers, flamenco requires strength, stamina, rhythm . . . and attitude aplenty.
