Flamenco, Sevilla

Sevillanas are a Spanish folk dance similar to flamenco and though they originated in Seville, they're popular all over Andalucia. At the Feria de Abril, they're danced everywhere (and their music is heard non-stop) - in casetas, in the streets, etc. They're also danced at other ferias in Andalucia and at the Rocio pilgrimage. They have a set choreography and most Andalucians start learning them as children. They're a partner dance and usually danced by either a man and woman, or two women, but I've also seen them danced by a flamenco dancer alone, or by groups in a circle (I also tried out the circle thing - it was fun!). Some people say that the grace and movements of Sevillanas are supposed to imitate bullfight moves, and a flamenco teacher once told me that it was also used as a "flirting" dance for young guys and girls.

The lyrics in Sevillanas music are mostly about Seville, the feria, the Rocio pilgrimage, love, etc. They can be played in different styles too - flamenco guitar, orchestra, drum and flute (especially popular in pilgrimages), etc.

If you're in town for the feria, it is totally worth it to learn to dance Sevillanas (even if it takes a while to learn them). I had learned in Salamanca in 2003, but got to perfect them in Sevilla just in time for the feria. I feel that a day at the feria is not complete without dancing Sevillanas at least once. Pretty much every dance school in Seville teaches them, and sometimes you might even see ads for lessons in the weeks before the feria.

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These high school girls were dancing for the tourists to earn money for a school trip. They were very sweet and charming to watch!

This was quite different from the very serious performers of El Patio.

Seville is not only Flamenco, sevillanas, tapas y bullfights (corridas de toros). I have found people that before coming to Seville thougth that every women use to go dressed like the picture one during all the year. That´s only the typical dress! And it´s only used during the April Feria.
Also, Holy Week is not what many people think. Look at my travelogue to learn more about it.

This flamenca statue is located just on the Triana side of the Triana Bridge and pays homage to the great tradition of flamenco. See my travelogue for more information.