Spanish Dance can be defined as a complicated dance movement that originates from the native country of Spain and is not predominately influenced by other communities or culture. It is mainly performed by talented professionals who had formal training in any of the categories of Spanish dance and / or attained a degree in it. However, if one does not have a formal guidance, expertise can also be acquired through many years experience. There are several Dance Academy who teach typical Spanish dances, Choreographies and organize yearly/ monthly/weekly Workshops.
The 6 categories of Spanish Dance are:
- Flamenco
- Classical Spanish Dance or Estilización
- Folklore
- Eighteenth Century Dances
- Classical Ballet Dance
- Castanets
Flamenco is the most popular and best-known Spanish dance style that is performed my professionals also known as bailaores . The music playing at the background is sufficed by the musicians performing at a time. Flamenco, therefore, has concealed the performance of other Spanish dance forms outside the territory.
Classical Spanish Dance includes sophisticated choreography on classical music performed or taught by renowned Spanish composers such as Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Granados, and Turina. With the help of special Spanish dance shoes or Ballet shoes the style maintains its distinctiveness. Also known as Estilización it can also be performed while playing the castanets. This particular form is a graceful blends Flamenco, Folklore, and Classical Ballets styles of Spanish Dance .
Folklore is a diverse style among other Spanish choreography that has its innate individual century long characteristics. This type incorporates a mixture of “zorcico” of the Vasc Province, “muñeira” of Galicia region, the “verdiales” of Málaga region, and the “sardana” of Cataluña district. Spanish Folklore is the most distinctive cultural manifestation of each regions of Spain.
Eighteenth Century Dances , popularly called as Escuela Bolera , are short dance performances of Spain aided with colorful outfits, shoes and accessories. Introduced during the time of the great Spanish painter Goya, Eighteenth Century Dance is also known as Goyescas . Incorporating dance steps from classical ballet style, it is much famous among the local natives.
Classical Ballet is a serious dance form of Spain , performed and displayed with much of elegance and mastery over the movement. Few specialists also include other forms of, Jazz, Flamenco, Contemporary dancing Style, etc.
Castanets, honorable part of Spain's musical heritage, are those type enacted with the help of a percussion. There is no particular style attached to it, but is a blend of many artistic expressions.
