By Sasha Saliba
InMotion Staff Writer
Once again the Orlando-based dance company Flamenco del Sol did not disappoint in a return performance for Hispanic Heritage Month in October, held on Daytona State’s Daytona Beach campus.
Dancers began their Oct. 7 performance with multiple routines outside Nunamann Hall. Following was a presentation at Davidson Hall explaining the history and background of the flamenco dance form.
“After studying in Spain and watching flamenco I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” said Tamara Millar, who spoke at the presentation.
Tamara and Denise Stevens, who both performed at the Daytona State presentation hosted by the Department of Modern Languages and Speech, put together an informational slideshow explaining the origin and evolution of the famous flamenco.
Known for being the most highly developed traditional dance, the word “flamenco” when referencing the dance has two meanings: it describes the people from Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, who rebelled and overthrew the Spaniards; and it also comes from the Arabic word “falag” which means stranger. The dance and music embodies people who were on the fringe of society: the outcasts, rebels, and gypsies.
Despite popular opinion, the flamenco is not Spanish. It was brought to Spain by the gypsies from northern India, who were Hindu, and northern Africa, who were Moorish, or Muslim. These people were not accepted in society and danced for religious purposes.
Flamenco started out with elaborate arm movements, intricate footwork and prominent facial expressions brought forth by the Hindi. The evolution of the dance has come far. In the beginning there was no guitar accompaniment, only singing by the dancers. Schools for teaching flamenco started opening from 1765 to 1860. The Golden Age of Flamenco began in 1869 and ended in 1910, when whole families would perform in cafes for the public to enjoy. This introduced the use of the guitar with the dance. Operatic flamenco was popular from 1910 to 1955 with the elite classes of people.
And from 1955 to the present day, the flamenco community has returned to its original roots, sometimes not using the guitar. Modern flamenco has 52 rhythms, with four main rhythms, or “palos.” They have 12 beats and count down from 12 during their routines. The use of castanets, which were invented by the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks in 1000 BC, are widely used in most dances.
“As a trustee I need to be a part of the institution and share these events with the faculty, staff, and students,” said Bob Davis, a member of the Board of Trustees who was also in attendance.
October’s presentation was well attended by faculty members, teachers and students involved in foreign language studies and/or who are part of the Falcon Passport Program, which aims to provide DSC students opportunities for global engagement on campus and throughout our community.
Through their participation in this program students connect to globally-themed co-curricular activities offered throughout the academic year and are provided a credential for their participation. The idea is to increase students’ exposure to a variety of cultures, perspectives and backgrounds and to provide them a greater awareness of the world in which they live.
Current Daytona State College students can enroll into the program by completing a program application. Once received, a Falcon Passport, along with guidelines, are provided to students. To earn a certificate of completion students must attend four Falcon Passport-approved activities as follows:
• 1 arts & culture
• 1 lecture/presentation
• 1 service learning
• 1 activity of their choice
At each event, a Passport representative will physically stamp each student’s passport. Once students fulfill the requirements of the program, they submit a program completion request. Certificates of completion are then mailed at the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters. For information contact Vida Renaud at 506-3141, building 100, room 224-R.