Spain truly is a magical country attracting tourist from around the globe not only thanks to its sunny beaches or culinary delicacies but also thanks to the art of flamenco! This fiery and sensuous dance has taken over the whole world, so it’s time to ask yourself: ‘where and when in Spain to go to get to know this art best’?
The most important event, which attracts waves of flamenco lovers from the most remote parts of the world, is Jerez Festival taking place at the turn of February and March in Jerez de la Frontera - a city in the south of Spain. During two weeks, the city is transformed into a flamenco mecca, which attracts all of the most illustrious flamenco artists and thousands of flamenco lovers. And, of course, the most important element to the festival are the outstanding performances and workshops led by the greatest masters. While in Jerez, you are sure to find the greatest names in flamenco art scene gracing the stage: Sara Baras, Antonio Canales, Isabel Bayón, David Coria, María Pagés, Rubén Olmo, Javier Latorre, Rocío Molina, Eva Yerbabuena, Israel Galván, David Lagos, Rafaela Carrasco, Marco Flores. At the same time, Jerez Festival receives emerging talents with open arms, which allows the audience to appreciate both the classic and the more avant-garde contemporary performance.
Still, there is only one place, which can be called the flamenco capital - Seville. Overflowing with dance schools and academies, the city is perfect for everyone longing to emerge themselves in the practical dimension of the art. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, that ‘students from all over the world come to Seville to learn the ins and outs of this beautiful but highly sophisticated dance form. Many of the greatest flamenco masters have their schools or organise workshops imparting their knowledge and skills. If someone wishes to become a part of the flamenco world, it is to Seville that they head straight away, giving it the rightful name of ‘academic flamenco capital’. And as an academic city, it buzzes not just with skills and knowledge, but also with fun! Its streets are always filled with foreigners tapping the flamenco rhythm.
Speaking of fun, we would be remiss if we failed to mention the biggest flamenco party in the world - Feria de Abril, which takes place two weeks after Easter. Though Feria originated from the spring cattle fair, it’s now a celebration displaying the colours of South Spain in its entirety. For a whole week, you can feast your eyes on ruffles, lace and all the colours imaginable while observing women in dresses of the utmost beauty and men in traditional Andalusian attire. It is also during the Feria that horse parades (Paseo de Caballos) take place, and everyone has to dance the traditional sevillanas. There is no shortage of a ‘true’ flamenco with fiestas por bulerias and sensual tangos. And all that accompanied with delicious food and drinks.
Every two years, Seville hosts a unique festival - La Bienal de Flamenco. Its tradition dates back to 1980, and it is now considered to be among the most important flamenco festivals in the world. In the span of three weeks, Seville gets inundated by great artists who arrive to showcase their most recent performances. It is without a doubt another must-be spot for every flamenco lover. Last year, for the first time in history, the festival also took place in the virtual space, which allowed everyone to savour the greatest flamenco shows from one’s own living room.
And if you decide to set off to Andalusia following the flamenco trail, remember to add some of our clothes to your suitcase. One of our founders, Nadia Mazur, is herself a professional Seville-educated dancer who knows flamenco capital like the back of her hand. Rest assured that she knows perfectly who a real flamenco dancer should look like and what trends are there in flamenco fashion. Clothes for this fiery dance not only have to be beautiful, but also they need to fit perfectly. Dresses, skirts and tops created by Ardora guarantee comfort and perfect showcasing of a female form. Ardora designs stage and practice outfits both for professionals and amateur dancers. Now you can shine at Feria de Abril in a unique ARDORA label or wow your fellow workshop participants with an original practice set. So before packing your bags, be sure to visit our website!