My most direct exposure to flamenco dancing began as an exchange student in Spain. My host family dressed up in flamenco costumes and danced as their uncles played guitar and sang on the tv.
I took my kids to a flamenco performance at our local library. Our library goes beyond expectations, offering cultural events. Check out your local library calendar.
When I returned to Spain years later, a business partner recommended a beautiful opera house named The Gran Teatre del Liceu on La Rambla. I followed his recommendation and took a stroll to the opera house. To my luck, the box office had tickets for the evening performance featuring flamenco dancing. The building had beauty outside and even more inside. You enter and admire the Corinthian columns and brass and glass lamps. You sit in an armchair of steel and red velvet. The show matched the drama - costumes with flare, vibrant colors, explosive moves, and the distinct sound from shoes hitting the wood floor. What a sensorial treat!
While Barcelona rates as one of my favorite cities in the world, you don't need to fly to Barcelona to experience flamenco. Here's four flamenco events in the United States:
1. Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque - New Mexico
Considered the oldest, largest, and most significant flamenco event outside Spain. An eight to nine day festival with over sixty artists from Spain.
2. Austin Flamenco Festival - Texas
Five days of workshops, feria offers paella, tapas, and wine
3. Flamenco Feria in Boston - MA
Dance halls using make-shift tents inspired by Seville, food includes chorizo, ham, and tapas
4. Chicago Flamenco Festival - Instituto Cervantes in IL
Opening includes networking event with wine and beer, variety of performances
