Ultimate Flamenco Experience: Dance Lesson, Museum Visit & Flamenco Show, Seville

Get a complete lesson in Flamenco by combining a dance class with a visit to the Museo del Baile Flamenco, followed by a show. With this trio, you learn Flamenco's history, technique, and cultural significance before watching a performance. All three activities take place at the museum, and your teachers are expert dancers, part of the Ballet Cristina Hoyos and the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía. Whether you're a total beginner or have danced before, you'll enjoy this fun and interactive deep dive into one of the most fundamental cultural aspects of Spain.

Experts believe Flamenco originated in Southern Spain in the 18th century, making Seville one of the best places to learn about this elaborate and passionate dance. Flamenco combines singing and music with dance movements involving the feet, hands, arms, and wrists, but the entire body is an essential component. As a folkloric art form, Flamenco combines influences from several other cultures, especially Romani and African. Throughout today's excursion, you'll learn all about the dance's history and how these cultural influences shaped Flamenco's music, song, and movement.

You'll start the experience with a beginner's Flamenco dance lesson in Seville's famed Museo del Baile Flamenco. With the guidance of a professional bailora (Flamenco dancer), you'll learn the most critical parts of the dance, including the braceo arm work, the floreo ("flower") handwork, the marcaje steps, the paseos (walks), and the rhythmic combinations. The museum is home to a very talented group of dancers, all part of the Ballet Cristina Hoyos and the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, two essential Flamenco dance associations. You'll be in good company, as your teachers have performed in the best theaters in the world and perform at the museum each night.

Now that you've had some experience learning the movements of the Flamenco dance, you can turn your attention to its history and cultural significance. The Museo del Baile Flamenco takes you through the centuries to discover how this important dance evolved and its critical roles over the years. The first Flamenco singer café opened in Seville in 1881, but since then, the dance has become a symbol of national identity—even used as a form of protest during the Franco regime. 

End this ultimate Flamenco experience with a show. The museum houses one of the few remaining courtyards of Ecija in Seville. On this spectacular stage, you'll watch three dancers, two singers, and one guitarist perform the art with passion. You never know which performers you'll see, as the cast and dance style changes daily. Perhaps you'll watch an upbeat Alegrías, a solemn Seguiriya, a tragic Taranto, or a sensual Tango. Whichever performance you see, enjoy the unique ambiance and passion of the artists.