Re flamenco: tablao - what is?
 

Lover of dance in all its forms is visiting Andalucia soon and plans, of course, to see flamenco performance(s). But, please, I have never come across this word "tablao". Could someone explain.
Thank you.

A tablao is a theatre/club/restaurant -depending on the place- where flamenco is performed daily. You normally pay for the show and one drink is included. Most of the audience is foreign, since Spain is a highly touristic country and most visitors want to experience this when they come here.
The most established, popular ones are in Madrid and Seville.

I went to one of these places in Madrid, it had a sort of stage where the dancers performed their show, and tables all around the stage. Pretty picturesque decor too!

I see. Thank you. But if I wanted to see flamenco that was just for the dance where would I go? I don't expect to find an impromptu performance. I know there are professional companies that tour the world. Can anyone suggest an alternative to tablao? I will be visiting both Madrid and Sevilla. A student performance - or rehearsals perhaps.
Thanks

alice13,

There is a good performance of flamenco in the Barrio de Santa Cruz in Seville. It is performed in a room at Casa de La Memoria de Al Andalus, and is located about two blocks from the Hotel Las Casas de La Juderia (I forget the name of the street). I have attended three performances there, and the feeling is initimate and intense. As you mention, it is not a place that serves drinks or food, but is meant for tourists and students who want to see an hour of good flamenco up close (if you get there 30 minutes early you may get a "front-row" seat: there are only three rows in a semi-circle around the very nearby stage). It is highly recommended for a memorable introduction to flamenco. There is usually a different dancer every so often, sometimes male, sometimes female. I think the cost of the performance was around 12 Euro.

MMM

Thanks Olga for the information. I didn't know there was a difference before.

I'd highly recommend tobloa at Los Gallos. It's probably more "touristy" than the recommendation from MMM, but it was wonderful (and even my Spanish teacher here, who's from Seville thinks highly of it.)

If you're a dance lover (as I am), and you have time, do both! I know next time I will!

I second the recommendation for Casa de la Memoria de Al Andalus. It's on C/ Ximénez de Enciso, 28 (Barrio de Sta. Cruz). The show takes place in a pretty coutyard with ivy streaming down the wall in the background. For tablao, I did enjoy Los Gallos but it wasn't my favorite. Also, there's a bar called Carboneria on C/Levies that does free flamenco at midnight although the show only lasts about 30 minutes.

Like the previous suggestions also, You can also ask at any of the flamenco dance stores ( I asked at Menkes in Seville, but any will do). Sometimes they know of studios that allow spectators or clubs that let non-members in to watch.

Sevillano is not flamenco [I don't think] but when you are in the middle of a bunch of locals dancing their xxx off, it's difficult to care. Two years ago I was taken to a place on Plaza Santa Cruz, 30 yards from Los Gallos, called El Tamborin. Noting but a small brass plaque to mark the entrance. About midnight people started to come in. Mainly locals with a few knowledgeable US students in Sevilla for the semester. It was Semana Santa, and about 1 am the lights were all dused and the place lit with candles. Two or three very moving songs were sung to the image of the Virgen, the light were turned up a bit and the fun began. Dos guitarristas, una sala pequena, and a bunch of Sevillana by locals: folks in business clothes, waiters getting off, etc. It ws truly super. Got my wine, got in a corner, kept my mouth shut and enjoyed! Until maybe 4 or 5.

You have to look for it but it is worth the effort. As you face Los Gallos, its around to the right. No lights on the plaque. Look for the covered walkway leading up to what would a ppear to be a residence. Don't go before midnight.