Flamenco dance is a traditional Spanish art that combines elements of dance, music and song. One of its most famous characteristics is its expressiveness and passion, which is manifested through vigorous movements and strong rhythms. The alegría is one of the palos or styles of flamenco dance and is characterized by being energetic, fast and cheerful. The joy of flamenco dance is a perfect example of how flamenco dance can convey intense feelings through movement and music. Next, dive into this flamenco dance style and learn more about its origins, history and how to dance it.
The Origin of Joy in Flamenco
La alegría is one of the most festive flamenco palos. It originated in the province of Cadiz and is considered one of the oldest genres. In addition, many consider it the most important style of flamenco dance.
Although its fundamental base is the so-called jotas, especially the Navarre-Aragonese, a genre that arrived in Cadiz during the French occupation, the alegría is nourished by other styles such as the panaderos, the coplas romanceadas or the fandangos de Cadiz. As their origins come from the territories of Navarre and Aragon, it is normal that their lyrics allude to the Virgin of Pilar, the Ebro River and Navarre itself.
During the 19th century, the jotas began to acquire flamenco touches and to resemble the rhythms of the soleá. In addition, they also took on a much more dramatic tone. This stick evolved over the years until it was finally called alegría. They called it that way because, when it was interpreted, it seemed like a “happy song”.
Characteristics of flamenco joy
The alegría as a flamenco dance has a series of very specific characteristics that differentiate it from other flamenco styles. The following are some of the most important elements
Singing and the compass of alegrías
The alegrías have a compás base of 12 beats divided into four equal parts of three beats each, the same as the soleás and bulerías. The alegrías are much faster and this gives them a more festive touch. In addition, it is a stick that lends itself well to tapping and fast arm movements.
The cante is composed of coplas made up of four octosyllabic verses that are often complemented by a refrain of three or four verses. In addition, his cante is distinctive because it begins with the tiriti, tran, tran, tran, tran,an exit introduced by Ignacio Espelta and popularized by Manolo Vargas. Singers recognized for their interpretation of the cante de Alegría include Pericón de Cádiz, El Flecha de Cádiz, El Chato de la Isla, Fosforito, La Perla de Cádiz, Chano Lobato, El Camarón de la Isla and Juanito Villar.
Rhythm and expression
As we have already mentioned, alegrías, as its name suggests, is a very fast and lively flamenco dance. So the time is also usually fast and very energetic.
Being a very lively flamenco dance, expressions are also a very characteristic element. It is very emotional and invites a lot of improvisation and creativity from the dancer. The dancer can express this joy and enthusiasm with the fast and energetic movements mentioned above.
Costumes of the dancers
The costumes are a very important aspect of the alegrías, as the dancers usually wear very flashy, ankle-length dresses. These are decorated with ruffles, ribbons and colorful lace. They are costumes that transmit the joy of the dancer and a lot of enthusiasm.
Sleeves can be long or short, depending on the dress, and can also be decorated with puffed or ruffled sleeves. In addition, the dancers usually also wear mantillas decorated with flower embroidery and long bangs. As accessories they usually wear flowers, combs, coral earrings, and of course, high heels.
Palmas
The palmas are another important element of the alegrías, as they mark the rhythm and beat of the music. These, like the dancing and the expressions, are usually fast and energetic following the rhythm of the music. The best known clapping pattern is called “palmas por alegría” (clapping for joy) which is performed as follows:
In the first four beats the clapping is soft and firm, in the next four beats the clapping is soft and sonorous, and in the second and fourth beats the clapping is soft and sonorous. Finally, in the last four beats, the last four beats are again played with muted clapping, marking the end of the compás.
Difference between alegrías and other flamenco palos (styles)
We have already seen the main characteristics of alegrías, but what differentiates them from other flamenco palos?
As we have already mentioned, they share compass with the soleas, but unlike the latter, they have a much faster rhythm. In addition, it is a “palo de fiesta”, which means that, unlike the seguiriya and the soleá, it encourages dancing and fun and is a dance that cannot be missed at a flamenco party.
Do you want to learn how to dance alegrías flamencas?
At the José de la Vega dance school we offer flamenco dance classes where you can learn all the palos, including alegrías, come and visit us!