Flamenco

I have been looking for a good Flamenco bar to go to the past couple of weeks and last night we found it! We went to a place called the Andalusian Dog and watched a fantastic two hour Flamenco show. It was the most unique dance experience I have ever had. The show itself is only part of the experience. The bar is built in to the side of the mountain in the old Moorish portion of the city and actually takes place a cave-like setting. When you arrive you are given a beverage of your choice and a tapa with your admission, which is only $8. So you are expected to come and have a glass of wine and socialize before the show begins. I love this about the Spaniards, no matter what it is you are doing, you are expected to mingle and socialize with people there.

After mingling for a half hour or so, the guitarist and singer began. The singer was an older man of about 80 with the most powerful voice. They sang and played the guitar for about twenty minutes and then invited the dancer to come out and join them. She was remarkable! She was dressed in a traditional dress and matched the other two in their red and black. The other girls I was with, were surprised by the strength and sadness behind their dancing and singing. I had known that this is how it would be, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. The unique thing about the experience was that it was in a small cave, so there was probably only thirty or forty people in there and everyone was very close. It was a very intimate setting and allowed you to really feel the emotion behind the performers. I am so glad we finally found a place to watch authentic Flamenco, I'm sure it is only one of many times that we will go there. I still plan on hunting down some more shows ;)