Dance Magazine: What images come to mind on hearing the word “flamenco”? Feet hammering floor; intense gaze; arched spine; proud, almost arrogant posture; fiery performers? Perhaps all the above, but Black bodies probably don’t figure into the picture. Yet African-descended artists are reaching out and embracing flamenco as their own.
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There is a common thread that most things take root in something else that is not credited. Oftentimes, it is traditions or icons that we now associate with western society having roots from elsewhere. I, however, did not know flamenco was included in this group. Shortly after starting this article, it all made a lot of sense. Though I did dance when I was younger, and my studio offered flamenco courses, it never really caught my eye. It is something amazing to see from what I heard and like any type of artform something that should be accessible to everyone (and yet is very much not). I really admire how these dancers were able to move forward with their careers while acknowledging and bringing awareness to the problems of the community and how it is seen by society. Much of the dance industry could use a ton of updating, and it makes me hopeful how that work is beginning to happen.
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