google-site-verification: google86afcf795a8a1bf9.html
top of page
Search
Writer's pictureZorica Newman

GLOSSARY OF BASIC FLAMENCO TERMS

Updated: Dec 26, 2020

In case you’ve been wondering what do Spanish terms that your flamenco teacher is using mean, here’s a handy list of basic flamenco terms and phrases for you to memorise, so you can enjoy flamenco in its native language:


Term: Meaning:

 

El baile Dance

 

El bailaor Male dancer

 

La bailaora Female dancer

 

El guitarrista Guitar player

 

El cantaor Male singer

 

La cantaora Female singer

 

El cuerpo The body

 

La colocacion del cuerpo The (correct) positioning of the body

 

Los manos The hands

 

Los pies The feet

 

La punta The tip of the toes

 

La planta (la media planta) Striking of the ball of the foot against the floor

 

Braceo Movement of arms

 

Floreo Movement or articulation of fingers or hands

 

Las palmas The hands

 

Palmear To clap hands (Span. ‘hacer las palmas’)

 

Jalear To shout during dance

 

El jaleo The shout, a vocal encouragement to the performers (e.g. when the audience shouts phrases like: Ezo!, Arsa!, Olé!, Toma!, Vamo!)

 

El duende The magic, or the spirit of flamenco artistry

 

La llamada Literally ‘the call’ or the opening of the dance

 

La entrada The beginning

 

Compás The rhythm, beat. also, a unit of rhythm

 

El final The end of the dance

 

La letra The lyrics

 

El marcaje The marking steps, used during the lyrics

 

El paso The step, in a dance

 

Escobilla The brushing steps, a section of footwork in dance

 

El paseo The walk, refers to parts of the dance where emphasis is on graceful walking and movements of the upper body and arms; sometimes used to refer to the part of the ‘alegrías’ (cheerful, upbeat melodies) which is more commonly called the ‘silencio’(silence).

 

El remate Footwork during and at the end of the lyrics.

 

Zapatear The footwork, to do the footwork

 

Las zapatos The shoes

 

Desplante A point in the dance that marks the end of a section, a climax where the dancer pauses and the audience applauds. Also called ‘La subida’ (the climb).

 

La oposición The opposition, refers to the asymmetry of flamenco; e.g. in dance: if the arms are going one way, the face will look the other.

 

Estampa A personal stamp, a signature look: the stance, the form, and the dress

 

El vestido The dress

 

La falda The skirt

 

La flor The flower (worn in hair)

 

El abanico The fan

 

Mantón de Manilla Manilla shawl

 

La peineta Hair comb

 

Las castañuelas Castanets

 


Please note:

This list is not exhaustive. Ask your teacher for the meaning of any other Spanish flamenco terms that she may introduce throughout your course.





2,367 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page