Flamenco - by Michelle Heffner Hayes (Paperback)

About the Book

This analytical history traces representations of flamenco dance in Spain and abroad from the twentieth century through the present, using flamenco histories, film appearances of flamenco, accounts of live performances, and interviews with practitioners to map the emergence of a global dance practice. Focusing on the stereotype of the dancing body as the site of political and social tensions, it places that image in an international dialogue between tourists, flamenco purists, dictators, poets, filmmakers, and dancers. After laying the groundwork for an analysis of flamenco historiography, the text delves into such topics as images of the female flamenco dancer in films by Luis Bunuel, Carlos Saura, and Antonio Gades; the lasting stereotypes of flamenco bodies and Andalusian culture originated in Prosper Merimees novella Carmen; and the ways in which contemporary flamenco dancers such as Belen Maya, Pastora Galvan, and Roco Molina negotiate the flamenco stereotype of Carmen as well as the return of an idealized Spanish feminine that pervades "traditional" flamenco. Informed by political and cultural theory as well as works in feminist and gender studies, this ambitious study illuminates the conflicting stories that compose the history of flamenco.

Book Synopsis

This analytical history traces representations of flamenco dance in Spain and abroad from the twentieth century to the present, using histories, film, accounts of live performances, and practitioner interviews.

Beginning with an analysis of flamenco historiography, the text examines images of the female dancer in films by Luis Bunuel, Carlos Saura, and Antonio Gades; stereotypes of flamenco bodies and Andalusian culture in Prosper Merimee's Carmen; and the ways in which contemporary flamenco dancers like Belen Maya and Rocio Molina negotiate the stereotype of Carmen and an idealized Spanish feminine that pervades "traditional" flamenco.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Review Quotes

"an informative contribution to the growing field of flamencology. The author offers a unique approach to the field of study"-Journal of Folklore Research; "meticulous...a great book...the quality of the research and investigation of the subject is awesome"-Books4Spain.

About the Author

Michelle Heffner Hayes, dancer, choreographer and dance scholar is currently a professor and chair of the Department of Dance at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.