Flamenco Dancing Art of the Spanish Roma
Who are the Roma? The Roma were originally from India and Pakistan
They are sometimes mislabeled as Gypsies because people thought they came from Egypt
They came through the Middle East and into Europe They never truly settled down and wandered around large areas
They tended to travel in large family groups and live out of their wagons They usually worked in entertainment, or as a traveling carnival
They were very persecuted since people distrusted the fact they didn’t settle down in one area. The Nazis killed many of the Roma in Europe during World War II Many people believed they were thieves
They speak their own language Romany within whatever country they may be They didn’t trust outsiders and rarely married an outsider
They still exist in Europe today, but many have settled down and assimilated into their country’s culture. There are Roma in the US.
Roma in Spain The Roma arrived in Spain in the 15th Century. They were mainly in Andalucía. Since they frequently worked as entertainers they were skilled in music.
Flamenco Dancing is an art that combines many aspects: Hindu dancing Greek dancing Moorish Singing Jewish Chanting Traditional Roma dancing/singing Castanuelas, guitars, hand-clapping Long frilly dresses used as part of the dance
It is said only true Flamenco can only be done by a Roma as it is in their blood.
Flamenco Video