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Sevillanas is not flamenco!

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sevillanas dress made to measure

Sevillanas is believed to be an old Castilian folk dance (Seguidilla) and did not originate from Seville as its name suggests. It is a very popular dance for couples of all ages. You will see it danced frequently by girls in their colourful dresses at the time of the town's feria.

The first feria of the year is held in Seville during April and is certainly one of the largest, but each small town in Andalusia prides itself on its own week long festivity. Young couples have the opportunity to court, and the older people and children just to have fun. This is typically Spanish. The whole family goes out together to enjoy the festivities, often until very late into the night.

feria

Sevillanas has a definite form: each of the four Sevillanas in a set contains its own three verses (coplas). The guitar sets the mood with an introductory rhythmic section in 3/4 time and then the singer begins a short introduction called a salida to signal the beginning of the first verse.

The three verses that follow are fixed and so everyone knows when to stop...!

For the more mathematical minded, try the following table to give you guidance. There is of course no substitute for the real thing. Go to the feria or take local dance classes!

Notes for the sevillanas maths table:

paso

repetición

descripción

is obviously the description of the step, but you will have to read the rest in Spanish! I have followed normal Spanish usage for the descriptions. Thus the basic or standard sevillana step that you all learn first is the paso de sevillana.......
well ok then, I'll give you the full list:-

paso

1= paso de sevillana / standard sevillana step
2= pasada / standard passing step
3= esquinas / corners
4= vuelta izquierda / a single turn to the left
5= cierre / close
6= pasos arrastraos / brush steps (think of ice-skating)
7= pasos cruzados / crossing steps (actually pas de basque)
8= vuelta izquierda punteando con pie derecho / turn to left then point right foot (towards your partner)
9= vuelta derecha punteando con pie izquierdo / turn to right then point left foot (towards your partner)
10= zapateado / footwork (the heavy stuff in the third sevillana)
11= pasada, tiempo de espera / passing step and marking time (depending on your choregraphy)
12= vuelta izquierda y paso montado pie derecho / left turn and elevate right foot (depending on your choregraphy)
13= vuelta derecha y paso montado pie izquierdo / right turn and elevate left foot (depending on your choregraphy)
14= careos / type of passing step used at end of fourth sevillana

intensive sevillanas dance classes in Jerez de la Frontera

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NB: Before you raise objections there is scope for differences (both regional and individual) in the choreographies, in particular in the third and fourth sevillanas. Beginners always get cross because teachers teach different versions, but that is how it is in Spain. Also the general rule is to muck your way through at the beginning, until you understand the overall structure and only then try to fine tune. Too many foreigners want it all analysed for them before they try to do it in the dance studio. My advice is just do it and repeat! Don't complain, just do it.....

If this maths table helps you, then all well and good. If not, don't worry, I didn't start this way, but it may provide you with an aide-memoire of the steps you can refer to.

con mucha suerte.... Simón el Rubio

(by all means with your comments or queries.)

© photos and content Simon Zolan

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