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Flamenco rose during the romantic ear. During this era, singing was the primary focus within Flamenco. Guitar was the main element with dance playing a supporting role. In 1881 Silverio Franconetti opened the first “café cantante” inviting spectators to immerse themselves in a firey musical show. In the café dancers were in the spotlight and the singers played the supporting roles.
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The establishment of major palos styles such as soleá, seguiriyas, tangos, and bulerías emerged. Guitar started to gain importance as accompaniment to singing and dance in other cultures. Spanish bars and shows developed and spread over time, eventually opening the door for ópera Flamenca. Later, the opera and ballet began incorporating elements of Flamenco. What started as a passing for Spanish folk began to transform into a commercial art appreciated by Spanish culture.
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This period was known as the “Edad de Oro” (Golden Age) of flamenco. Artists began to hold Flamenco competitions in the 1920s making Flamenco popular globally. In flamenco performances, the female dancers wore an elaborate red or black ruffled dress. This helped accentuate their movements. Male dancers wore tight black pants and a white, long-sleeve shirt with a jacket or vest. Polka dot patterns were also seen from Spanish culture worn on clothes to ward off evil spirits.
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The time from 1910 to 1955 Flamenco singing was marked by the ópera flamenca, with an easier kind of music such as fandangosand cantes de ida y vuelta. This change was influenced from South American influences. Flamenco became performed for tourists rather than local audiences. In 1915 Flamenco shows were organized and performed all over the world. However, not all Spanish culture was able to adapt to the development.
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1955 started a Flamenco Renaissance, with the great performer Antonio Mairena being a key figure. Outstanding dancers and soloists made their way out of the small tablaos and cafés cantantes, to the great theatres and concert houses. The Flamenco guitar which formerly was just featuring the dancers arrived to be a soloist art form as well. Great virtuosos like Paco de Lucia played an essential roll in this development.
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Flamenco renewed its authentic, traditional style and gained academic and artistic respect. In 1993 The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art was by Cristina Heeren, the Hispanist-American patron. It’s aimed to promote, teach, and conserve the art of flamenco internationally. In 1995 the UNESCO recognized flamenco as a key part of Spanish cultural heritage.
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Back in the day flamenco was more raw and spontaneous, often performed in intimate, informal settings. Nowadays, while those roots are still there, flamenco is more common in theatres with choreographed shows and a bigger emphasis on technical skill.