Flamenco is a passionate form of music and dance that captivates audiences around the world. Although it is widely believed that the birthplace of Flamenco is the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera, the nomadic nature of the Gypsies meant that the roots of Flamenco soon spread. Here are few facts about this inspiring dance and music performance: 

• Flamenco consists of three artistic elements: the singing (cante), the dance (baile) and the guitar (guitarra). In addition, there are often members of a Flamenco group playing palmas or hand-clapping. 
• The singer is at the centre of the Flamenco group whilst the dancer physically interprets the words through percussive footwork and intricate hand, arm and body movements. The guitarist provides accompaniment to both.
• There are three song categories in Flamenco. The most anguished and emotionally deep songs are called cante jondo or grande; lighter and more frivolous songs are canto chico and the ones that lie in between the two kinds are known as cante intermedio.
• The male dancer is known as bailor and wears a tight black or red tuxedo. The female bailora wears a beautiful, long, frilled dress called Bata de Cola often with a shawl.
• Today, people enjoy Flamenco dance in four different settings: Juerga (an informal gathering), Tabolas (small-scale cabarets), professional concerts, and theatrical presentations.

You can watch a traditional flamenco show in the medieval Spanish city of Salamanca, on Viking’s Portugal's River of Gold Cruise >

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