Madrid is certainly one of the most active cities I have lived in, especially during the night. Most people are out on the streets, having some cañas y tapas with friends (beers with some appetizers), promenading the avenidas (avenues) or going dancing. This Saturday night, I went to Corral de la Moreria, known as the best flamenco show in the world. It’s recommended by the Guia Michelin and 1000 Places To See Before You Die – No 1 NY Times!
I was a bit reluctant of how much I would like a flamenco show, but let me tell you – it was the best money I ever spent for a night of entertainment! I absolutely loved it! Such a vibrant display of rhythm, passion and exuberance; I could not take my eyes from the enthralling performance, as I am very well certain neither did anyone else. Apart from their sensual and precise dance moves, their voices were no less than spellbinding.
As a girl, utterly immersed in fashion, I could not stop staring at their colorful flamenco dresses. Originally worn by Spanish Gypsies (Roma people), the outfits certainly bare a striking resemblance to the Romanian gypsies I had seen growing up. Also somewhat similar (in my opinion) to the Argentinian tango’s sensual attire (without the lower ruffles), the flamenco dresses are now thought of as typically Andalusian (south of the Iberian peninsula, with a fascinating mix of mainly Muslim, Moorish and Romani influences) and are particularly associated with Andalusian festivals such as the Seville Fair (Feria de Abril). Ever since the Seville Fair of 1929, the traje de flamenca emerged as the official outfit of the event.
There are two options: dinner and the show, starting with 10pm, for approximately 75 Euros per person; or only the show, starting with 12pm, for 36 Euros per person (drinks included).
I chose the second one. It’s way too late to eat dinner at 12 pm – even for myself – and you can certainly eat very well in Madrid for much less than 30 Euros.
Below are some videos of the show:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjIdCNHGaJk]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzFWkWR7yZM]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHTRJzFuvIQ&feature=related]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpqwu0x_xwc]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hoE7V_kdKQ]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BnsWVE3THQ]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H7XGJfzIB0]
I am seriously considering learning the dance, and buying one of those flamenco dresses. Ay ay ay …
