Three Things to do at a Flamenco Show & One thing NEVER to do.
Hola Todos. For new aficionados of flamenco, going to a show can be very different than watching another sort of dance or music performance. You are totally right, there ARE differences between watching flamenco than say, seeing Alvin Ailey perform or a local sing/songwriter at the Open Mike Night.
Here are Three Things to Do and one thing NEVER to do:
Give jaleos. Jaleos in flamenco is the encouragement to the artists. If you are enjoying what you are seeing, tell the artists. In flamenco we do this by calling out certain things, jaleos are varied and personal but you can start out with a simple, “ole” or if you want to do it as they do in Granada, “ale” - (Ahhh-lay). “Pasa” is also a good one. Or you can just call out the artist’s name.
Listen to Everything and One Thing. Flamenco is a complex structure where each artist is challenging themselves to syncopate and riff off of the compas (the guiding rhythm). Listen to the singing, percussion, guitar as the incredible creation that it is. Immerse yourself in it and you will be transported. Flamenco changes each time it is played or dances because it is infused with the current energy of the artists. BUT also take time to listen to only one component. Focus on the guitar or the footwork of the dancer. You will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexity of the form.
Be quiet. Flamenco in the States is often either performed as part of a dinner/drinks show or in a theatre. Please, be appreciative of the artists on the stage. Flamenco is at its root a transcendental art. The artists are infusing their energy and soul into their performance. So it can be Experienced. When one goes to see flamenco one becomes a PARTICIPANT as opposed to a passive viewer. The artists’ performance is informed by the energy of the audience. There is no fourth wall in flamenco. Be conscious and respectful of that.
NEVER CLAP ALONG. Unless you have impeccable compas and it is during the fin de fiesta (if you don’t know what that means, you don’t). DON’T clap while the artists are performing. It can be very hard not to but clapping from the audience is distracting and confusing for the artists who are hyperfocused on staying together in one collective rhythm. It is complex. It is meditative and having to fight against an overly-enthusiastic audience member makes it really, really difficult.
Now you have some tips up your sleeves for your next flamenco experience.