Maria Carretero is one of MC&C most acclaimed guides, but what might surprise you is that she is also an expert in Flamenco.She has been dancing since she was a child, but as her parents did not allow her to leave her studies to pursue a career in Flamenco; she earned her degree in Tourism and secretly continued to dance on the side.
Today she is a talented professional in both sectors! Here are her words ; I find Madrid one of the best places to have a memorable flamenco experience.
Flamenco and bullfighting are very closely related as the “matadores” love flamenco. In Madrid you can find traditional bullfighters at the Plaza Santa Ana, hear flamenco in the Villa Rosa and attend bullfighting exclusive gatherings in El Casino which situated on Alcalá Street
Flamenco is perceived as a joyful, colorful form of song and dance. In truth, it is about the suffering endured by the persecuted people…and all this is expressed through the performance. You’re most likely to see authentic flamenco at a tablao (restaurant with a stage), of which there are many in Madrid, but you can feel the diversity of flamenco by exploring many more placess ….these are Maria secrets:
Arte FyL Duque de Fernán Núñez St # 5 .Madrid
Buy a pair of shoes! These shoes are small works of art that further facilitate the work of artists. The owner defines his work as “Our own experience as dancers, combined with the knowledge of experienced cobblers… with more than forty years’ experience, we are at the service of the professionals´ needs: comfort, durability, flexibility, resonance, aesthetics and above all, quality.” They are really beautiful!
Lola Almela Duque de Fernán Núñez St # 4 .Madrid
Dress yourself in some of the most amazing skirts. Lola Almela’s designs are a modern take on traditional flamenco wear.Creating each dress, they work with great care and design. They have dressed the best dancers and, for us, it is a real experience to wear one of her skirts!
Candela : Olmo St #2. Madrid Ph: 914673382
Attend the Juerga Flamenca: The Candela is famous for the mixture of gypsy groups that come together at three in the morning – most often on weekends – to create pure art. The music can be found in Lavapiés, where places remain open until 6.00 am! Authentic music and passion flood the street…it´s an unforgettable experience!
I prefer Candela on the weekend. If you’re lucky, you might experience a magical moment in the caves – which are located on the ground floor – and meet a well-known singer who has dedicated her whole life to the art of flamenco! Or, coming through the barred windows of the back room, you might hear the pure and authentic sound of Lavapies nights; the gypsies strumming and stomping and dancing and clapping to their very own flamenco. Be grateful that there are places where tourists are not allowed to enter.
Corral de la Morería Morería St. #17. Madrid Ph 913651135
Classic Flamenco show — There are many places where you can enjoy flamenco in Madrid. This one is the most famous as the performances here are top class. It is the oldest and most famous tablao in Madrid, and it is well known among celebrities and royalty, such as Natalie Portman, Frank Sinatra, the King and Queen of Spain, Ernest Hemingway and many more. The flamenco is amazing! Every night the entire audience is enraptured from the very first notes of the Spanish guitar to the final stomp of the flamenco dancer´s heel.
Before the show starts, you can eat an amazing dinner, like roasted vegetables, leg of lamb and sorbets! Flamenco at El Corral de la Moreria is definitely something everyone should experience at least once in their life!
Juan Alvarez San Pedro St. #7. Madrid
Go and learn how one of the best Luther’s artisans in town makes his guitars! The art of handcrafted guitars still exists in Madrid. This is one of my favorite stops, because John works with great care on each guitar, giving each one life and little piece of his soul.
…OLÉ !!!
