| Get to know the flamenco forms |
|
| |
|
|
Flamenco Forms
Colombiana
por Susana Navalón
Translated by Yasha
Maccanico
From colombiana, Colombian, native of Colombia. It is usually classified within
the cantes de ida y vuelta (styles that were created in Spain,
travelled to the Americas with Spanish migrants, where they were
influenced by Hispanic American folk music, before returning to
Spain and being influenced, in turn, by flamenco music) or those
with a Latin American influence. Nonetheless, it is not from Colombia
but rather, it is a cante (style of song) created by Pepe Marchena,
together with Hilario Montes, that is based on the Spanish rumba.
Interestingly, it is one of the most popular cantes in Latin America. |
|  There have been some choreographed versions based on the tango, with a sensual
character.
|
| Dance |
It is not usually for dancing. It is only for playing and singing but, as it
is a kind of music that has a lot of rhythm, it would
be possible to dance to it. In fact, there have already
been a few choreographed versions based on the tango,
which have a sensual character. Its meter is reminiscent
of the guajira and the rumba, or in other words, it is
influenced by Cuban music. Its meter is in four beats:
1
2 3 4/
1 2 3 4/
1 2 3 4
|
|
|
|
| Guitar |
The colombiana is like a Cádiz tanguillo, but it is a lot more restrained and
almost has the same tempo as a habanera, that is, cadenced.
It has a major tonality and a binary meter (2/4). The
basic keys are the following:
LA - E seventh
E major – B
The use of a bridge is recommended. |
|
| During the last few decades it has been the object of efforts to modernise
it, for which artists such as Manolo Sanlucar or Ana Reverte
are responsible. |
| Singing |
The colombiana is relatively modern. It was born and subsequently made popular
in the thirties, when José Tejada Martín and Pepe Marchena,
together with Hilario Montes, used the rumba as a base
on which to develop a flamenco-like composition, with
forms proceeding from Latin American folk tradition,
which was christened with the name “colombianas”. Angelillo,
Juanito Valderrama, La Niña de los Peines, El Carbonerillo
and Manuel Vallejo were some of the artists responsible
for spreading it. In the last few decades it has been
the object of efforts to modernise it, for which performers
such as Manolo Sanlucar and Ana Reverte are responsible.
The coplas (poetic compositions, in verse, used as lyrics)
are made up of six eight-syllable verses, of which the
first two are usually repeated by the cantaor (flamenco
singer), like a chorus. |
|
| Get to know the flamenco forms |
|
| |
|
|
 |
Getting
started in flamenco
What is meant by cante jondo, duende, jondura, quejío, garbo…?
Everything you need to know to get started in flamenco.
|
|
You
can start dancing straight away
Finding a jersey, skirt, fan, or dance school is easier than
you think: the technique can be learnt, but only you can put
the magic into it.
|
|
Flamencoing
in Madrid
Madrid is undoubtedly the flamenco capital: schools, tablaos,
taverns, bars and festivals. Everything that you mustn´t miss
out on.
|
|
Choose
the best skirt
The skirt shapes your figure and highlights your movements.
Here you can learn how to pick the one that suits you best.
|
|
|
|
|
Paso
a Paso.
Flamenco Forms
|
|
| |
|
|
