1. Flamenco Dancing
Art of the Spanish Roma

2. Who are the Roma?
The Roma were originally from India and Pakistan

3. They are sometimes mislabeled as Gypsies because people thought they came from Egypt

4. They came through the Middle East and into Europe
They never truly settled down and wandered around large areas

5. They tended to travel in large family groups and live out of their wagons
They usually worked in entertainment, or as a traveling carnival

6. 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

7. They speak their own language Romany within whatever country they may be
They didn’t trust outsiders and rarely married an outsider

8. They still exist in Europe today, but many have settled down and assimilated into their country’s culture. There are Roma in the US.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. It is said only true Flamenco can only be done by a Roma as it is in their blood.

12. Flamenco Video