gypsy

If we look at the family tree of flamenco, tangos originates mainly from the branch of the Gypsy musical tree (see chart below). This explains the sharp, emphasized movements, a shrill sound and the focus of the performance on the rhythm, not on the melodiousness of the sound. Singing or dancing usually begins with clapping hands according to the rhythm mentioned above and lasts the entire performance, emphasizing the moments of the culmination and anticlimax.

On Thursday, August 10, I attended the open class of the exotic dance centre Alegria which took place at the Centre of Young Technicians on E. Birznieka Upīša 4. The manager of the centre Ilze Zariņa introduced us to four types of dancing that can be learnt by the teachers of Alegria - belly dances, Indian dances, flamenco and Gypsy dances. There were performances of the teachers illustrating each of the dance types.

Flamenco - a mixture of traditional Spanish dance and music that can be found in more than 50 different stylistic derivatives. Flamenco is usually performed accompanied by a guitar and percussion, the rhythm is emphasised also by clapping of hands or palms and castanets.

A very nice even took place on July 12 in the recreation centre of Madona. Dance studio "Mantigra" in cooperation with the City Council of Madona organized the first Exotic Dance Festival.