| Perhaps no art form is more strongly associated | | | | off the Gran Via. Often less crowded than the |
| with Spain than flamenco. The powerfully | | | | two above, this tablao offers quality flamenco |
| seductive, rhythmic music of the flamenco player, | | | | performances in a setting that some may find |
| matched by the vigorously impassioned | | | | more relaxing. |
| movements of the flamenco dancer, beguiles | | | | Barcelona |
| tourists and native Spaniards alike. | | | | Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, in the city center |
| Its origins steeped in mystery, its complexities | | | | near the southern end of Las Ramblas. This club |
| and subtleties widely misunderstood, flamenco | | | | has been going strong since 1970, garnering |
| nevertheless continues to gain fans around the | | | | international prestige for its flamenco |
| world and to be performed in an increasing | | | | presentations. Performances take place upstairs |
| number of venues outside of its native land. | | | | and dinner is available. |
| It is natural that when tourists visit Spain, many | | | | Tarantos, at Plaza Reial 17. One of the oldest |
| of them are keen to take in at least one | | | | tablaos in Barcelona, Tarantos has a reputation for |
| flamenco show. Therein lies a problem, though. | | | | presenting only the best flamenco artists. Be sure |
| The true aficianado of flamenco will tell you that | | | | to check their schedule before going, though, |
| the art has been degraded to such an extent that | | | | because they alternate flamenco nights with |
| most of what is "on show" in Spain--even in | | | | evenings devoted to jazz or other types of |
| flamenco's native Anadalucia--is far from authentic. | | | | music. |
| Even the distorted, touristy version of flamenco | | | | Seville |
| viewed by most tourists can be entertaining. If | | | | Casa de la Memoria, Barrio de Santa Cruz area. |
| you have never seen flamenco performed live | | | | No food or drink here; instead, this club delivers |
| before, and having fun is more important to you | | | | flamenco in its purest form. The dance setting is |
| than cultural enlightenment, don't worry about | | | | a lovely Andalucian style patio in an 18th-century |
| questions of authenticity. Follow your fellow | | | | palace. There's an entry fee of about 12 euros, |
| tourists and enjoy yourself. | | | | and the the two nighttime performances sell out |
| The primary modern-day setting for flamenco, | | | | fast. Therefore you should go to the club during |
| both the authentic variety and the less so, is the | | | | the day to buy your tickets in advance. |
| tablao. These are clubs where you can see a | | | | La Carboneria, in a narrow back street called Calle |
| show and also have dinner and a drink if you | | | | Levies, and marked by a red door without signs |
| want. Tablaos may be found almost everywhere | | | | (you'll definitely need to ask directions). This is a |
| in Spain, having developed out of the so-called | | | | bar-type place offering flamenco shows and no |
| singing cafes popular in the latter 19th and early | | | | cover charge; food and drink are available at |
| 20th centuries. | | | | reasonable prices. |
| Although it's not a guarantee, to find authentic | | | | Casa Anselma, in the Triana area of Seville. When |
| flamenco in Spain you would do well to avoid the | | | | you come to Casa Anselma, be prepared for |
| places where the other tourists are going. This | | | | flamenco that breaks out spontaneously and is |
| means you will need to ask locals, such as hotel | | | | often unrehearsed. But don't worry, this is the |
| staff, where you should go to experience the real | | | | good stuff--the owner, Anselma, is a highly |
| thing. | | | | acclaimed flamenco performer in her own right. |
| The following are recommendations of a few | | | | Things really get going around midnight. There's no |
| flamenco venues you might want to check out on | | | | cover charge; Anselma and the performers make |
| your visit to Spain. Although they differ greatly | | | | their money from the sale of drinks. |
| from one another in atmosphere, entry cost, and | | | | Marbella |
| quality of amenities such as food, you can be | | | | Pub Flamenco Albero y Arte, Calle Vicente Ibanez. |
| reasonably sure that any one of these will provide | | | | Although most people think that flamenco means |
| you with an authentic flamenco experience. | | | | the dance, the name refers properly the musical |
| Madrid | | | | style. Here's one venue where the focus is on the |
| Cafe de Chinitas, near Plaza Santo Domingo. You | | | | music; you'll find singing and guitar playing but |
| can have dinner while you watch the performance | | | | usually no dancing. It's authentic, though, even if |
| or opt for just a drink. Catering to tourists as well | | | | on the odd side--performances take place in a |
| as locals, the shows are extravagant but the | | | | mock bullring. |
| flamenco is real. | | | | These recommendations for places where you |
| El Corral de La Moreria, in the Las Brisas area. | | | | can enjoy authentic flamenco in Spain are just a |
| Now more than 50 years old, it has earned a | | | | smattering of the choice that awaits you. If you |
| worldwide reputation for showcasing the best | | | | find yourself in a city not mentioned above, and |
| flamenco artists in Spain. | | | | want to seek out a satisfying flamenco show, |
| Torres Bermeja, in Calle Mesoneros Romanos just | | | | just ask around. The locals will know. |