annesherrod

In 5 months I am going to Madrid- Seville. I want to see authentic flamenco dancers.... not where all the tourists go, but perhpas where the locals may go.

Any other suggestions for evening fun? I will be with my Dh and a another couple.

ronin

You may already know all this, but the flamenco presentations in Andalucia are pretty much split between the "touristy" tablao's (called espectaculos - sounds exciting, right?) and the small clubs frequented by aficianados, gitanos and the occasional in-the-know tourist. I was on a hunt for flamenco puro 6 years ago when we visited my daughter in Madrid. Casa Pata's late show was very spirited - and very locals-dominated in attendance... I loved it! In Sevilla we went to a touristy tablao to see a traditional "canned" performance - also done with very high technical skill, but perhaps a little lacking in cante, as these shows mainly showcased dancers. In Cadiz, we hit the jackpot after befriending the manager of a bar/cafe who happened to be from our hometown - and he put us together with his cook, who told us about La Cava in the old town. The cante jondo, dance & sheer musicianship of what started as a singer & his guitarist and finally winding up with an extended family of about 10 men, women & children that evening has stuck with me for years! And therein lies the rub... is everyone in your party willing to forgo the ambience of the high-end tablao's and search out the real stuff in the heart of the barrios? If it's a true quest, extending the scope of your visit beyond Madrid & Sevilla to Jerez, Cadiz and other outlying flamenco treasure troves might be a trip of a lifetime. Just ask in record/music stores where the best flamenco romantico/puro can be found!

artlover

We LOVED Los Gallos in Seville. It was recommended by my Spanish teacher who is from Seville.

annesherrod

Thank you both.
Ronin, I appreciate all the details. I have been to Spain twice, but never was able to enjoy this. Thankyou for sharing your wealth of knowledge!!!

It is something I am looking forward too!!

annesherrod

any other evening entertainment suggestions?

thanks!

laclaire

Flamenco is a delicate art to get to know, but I can go ahead and tell you from experience that every single public performance you see is meant for tourists. Yes, some places capitalize on that more than others, but by virtue of flamenco's roots, if you are seeing it on stage, you are seeing it out of context. That said, there are some great places in both Madrid and Sevilla. The best tablaos in Madrid are Casa Patas and Los Canasteros, the latter of which I am extremely fond of. In Sevilla, someone has already mentioned "los gallos" which is my pick as well.

I ask this question to a lot of people who say they don't want to see the touristy stuff. Why? Are you well versed in flamenco dance and history? Do you have anything to go on that would let you know whether you are getting fleeced by a performer? I ask because the touristy gigs are comparable to vin ordinair in that they offer you what you are looking for: an evening of fun. Just like really excellent wine, great flamenco deserves time, consideration and some level of training so that it does not fall onto deaf ears and blind eyes.

I was just at a touristy flamenco performance a few hours ago (I am in Barcelona) given by a good friend of mine (guitarist) and it was so odd watching him up on stage when I am used to either working with him (I dance and occasionally perform) or seeing him play at home or at family/friend parties. What was on the stage was definitely flamenco, and he was definitely doing a good job. What was funny, though, was that even when he broke out his really excellent riffs, no one paid any more attention than they did when he was just playing whatever. Sort of a letdown for him, but that is how it works.

worldinabag

Hi

Another vote for Los Gallos - http://www.tablaolosgallos.com. I thought the show was sensational. Was it authentic? I don't know! But I thought the performers were electric (even though they must of done the show hundreds of time).

hunnibun

My only advice is to ask the locals...we wanted an authentic Fado show in Lisbon and got it by asking around LOTS...although this was only after we got suckered into a cheesy tourist trap of a show.

Also, if you can make it to Grenada, in my opinion, it is much more laid back than Seville and you can find spontaneous flamenco dancing - gitanos strumming their guitars and singing in the streets. Very Andalusian. Way more real than having to sit in a smoky bar...but whatever it is you want...you will find it if you look for it.
Buena suerte!

annesherrod

laclare,

You ask a good question. I really have no basis other than in my mind I think it would be more enjoyable if it weren't set up for tourists.... which could really be totally off base.

Your point is very well taken! I have no serious knowledge base this type of dancing but I can't wait to see it...

thanks for you replies!!!

tower

anne....once again, I vote for Los Gallos...a very exciting show...try to sit in the very front row..dramatic as hell! Get there early to buy tix and you'll have your choice of seats. I once went during Holy Week and was still abble to get us two front row seats....sparks will fly from the dancer's heels...wear protective glasses! (Just kidding)

Stu T. (good restaurant a block or two away in the heart of the Barrio Santa Cruz.. "Modesto"...garlic shrimp, excelente!..also if you can get a reservation for the nearby classic hotel "Las Casas de la Juderia"...wonderful!)

laclaire

Not that it happens all the time or even that frequently, but walking through Sevilla's Barrio Triana sometimes you hear flamenco coming through the windows of the homes there. I remember vividly seeing a little girl (probably around 4 years old) sitting on some stairs outside with her doll (her mother was just inside cooking and her brother was playing soccer in the street) and she started to sing "ay mi niña chiquitita" which is a common flamenco lyric.

You can have better luck in Granada in my opinion.