In Madrid would we enjoy a Flamenco show or Zarzuela more. I know with Zarzuela we might not understand the words, but I thought the music may be worthwhile. Also, Julia Tours offers a night with tapas and Flamenco, would this be a better time? M.

Marilyn,<BR>Whether there will be a performance of a zarzuela (the Spanish operetta) during your visit, depends on the time of year. Performances are held at the Teatro de la Zarzuela on Jovellanos, behind the Parliament (Las Cortes) building. Good news is that you can check their monthly schedule in English at http://teatrodelazarzuela.mcu.es<BR>In summer, they're also performed in the Centro Cultural de la Villa at Plaza Colon. Yes, it's certainly enjoyable without understanding the words, and the costumes/sets are delightful. I love zarzuela.<BR><BR>For flamenco, I would avoid a package tour (Julia, etc.) and just go on your own, skipping the meal.<BR>The very best, most authentic flamenco can be seen at Casa Patas-they feature emerging talent and the show is less touristy, as other flamenco artists may drop by. But at times the performance may just feature a singer (cantaor) and guitarist, not dancers (bailaores). Check their schedule at<BR>www.casapatas.com<BR>(I just checked for Aug. -there are bailaores scheduled for every performance)<BR><BR>But if you'd rather see a real "floor show", nightclub style flamenco with a resident flamenco troupe, then go to a "tablao", such as Cafe de Chinitas, but don't go for dinner!-go for the later show and expect primarily tourists-no locals.<BR><BR>There's a new tablao, Las Carboneras, in Old Madrid, on Plaza del Conde de Miranda, installed on the ground floor of an old palace, but I've yet to experience it. Open everyday. Again go for the late show (Mon-Thurs at 10:30, Fri/Sat, 11 p.m.)<BR><BR>And Lola and brother Jose Greco, children of the late Jose, were dancing (as of June) at the Corral de la Moreria, another tablao, next to El Lando restaurant, but I haven't been there in years. I saw her and her co. last yr. in Madrid at a theater, and she's very good. But check to see if her show is still running-would be worthwhile.<BR>

Hi Marilyn,<BR>check the web mentioned by Maribel. If you are going in December, you have a good chance of seeing either the "Ballet Nacional de Espa&ntilde;a", with a good repertoire of spanish traditional dancing, or the zarzuela "La Bruja". I don´t know how will be the setting of this one, but it can be delightful and with good soprano and tenor arias. <BR>In October, the Compa&ntilde;ia Nacional de Danza, with Nacho Duato as its director, will be dancing a very modern program. I saw it last April (with the young dancers), and it is quite good and impressive. But granted, it is not flamenco at all.<BR>If you want to know more about zarzuela, you might like to look into an specialized forum, such as http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zarzuela/<BR><BR>Regards, Cova

Go see a flamenco show, but I agree to stay away from touristy places that offer dinner and a free drink with admission. <BR><BR>You'll get the more authentic flamenco where the locals go. They actually get up and dance with the performers. If you have a chance to go to Seville, go to El Simpecao.

Marilyn,<BR>Cova's recs. of the Ballet Nacional de Espana and Nacho Duato's (very modern) Compania Nacional de Danza are great ones. I saw the Ballet Nacional de Espana at City Center in NYC this April, and they were just fabulous-sets and costumes enchanting! Forgot to mention the Teatro Real to you. Both companies are performing during the '02-'03 season of the Teatro Real. Just checked for you.<BR>The Ballet Nacional in March, and Nacho Duato & co. in April/May<BR><BR>You can see the schedule at<BR>www.teatro-real.com, then click on "calendario", then "danza".