The Flamenco is said to exist in three forms: Cante (the song), Baile (the dance), and Guitarra (guitar playing). The Malagueña (or Flamenco) shares with the Fandango the rank of the principal dance of Andalucía (Spain). The Flamenco is a Spanish-Sevillian gypsy, (also Sevillian or Sevillanas is a non-formal folk dance from Andalucía, Spain but the Sevillanas is believed to be of the older Castilian folk dance called the Seguidillas).

     The Gypsy is not alone in the creation of the Flamenco but played a major part. The Baile flamenco is said to have originated by the gypsy with their arrival in Spain as early as 1425 in Zaragoza, capital of Aragon (southern Spain) while others say Triana (Gypsy Quarter of Seville) and may be of some Indian and or Muslim origin (all instances disagreeable with some historians as the Birthplace).  The majority entered via Barcelona (in Catalonia) in 1447.

However the gypsies believe they are descendent from the Moors (the Moors invaded Spain 711-1492). The Granada gypsy (Andalusan) calls himself "Gitano" (gypsy) and the Sevillian gypsy calls himself a "Flamenco" with the Hungarian Gypsies being called Hungaros. Spain has 47 provinces and they each have their own style of dance.

     The 'Golden Age' of Flamenco was around 1869-1910 in the cafes and nightclubs (cafés cantantes) and the more serious form being called 'cante jondo' or 'deep song'. Julián Arcas is credited for introducing Guitar playing into the songs of Flamenco. La Argentina was one of the first to put Flamenco on stage.

The Flamenco has strict rhythmic rules one must follow to achieve the correct look. The 'paso de Sevillanas' is known as the standard or basic Sevillana step. Rhythm forms (compás) include Alegrias, Soleares, Bulerias, Farruca, Zapateado, Tango, Tarantas, seguiriyas and the Zambra. The foot and heel beats that the dancers perfect are called Zapateado (done in the third Sevillana, five total) while the heel work done in Flamenco is called taconeo. The Flamenco is rich in rhythm and refined technique that is very masculine (Likened to a arrogant Spanish Tap dancer).

Alegrias is one of the oldest and is considered one of the purest, most refined and dignified of the Spanish Flamenco repertoire.

Bulerias is similar to Alegrias, however it is faster and more lively/ jollier.

Farruca is said to be the most Gypsy of all the Spanish dances.

Soleares is rarely done today by itself, is said that when mixed with the Alegrias is the origin of all flamenco dances.

Zambra is Spanish Flamenco dance with direct Moorish origin, done entirely by women.

Malagueña shares with the Fandango the rank of the principal dance of Andalusa. It is sometimes called the Flamenco, a term which in Spain signifies gay and lively when applied to song or dance. It is said to have originated with the Spanish occupation of Flanders (1506-1714). Spanish soldiers who had been quartered in the Netherlands were styled Flamencos. When they returned to their native land it was usually with a full purse; generous entertainment and jollity followed as a matter of course.

Zapateado, El - (form of Flamenco,) Spanish Cowboy. This is the same sort of movement as the Guaracha, and is in the time of 3/8. There is in this dance a considerable noise made by the feet. Its steps are struck, as it were, similar to the Anglais and the Sabottière.

The costumes worn by the ladies wore ruffled skirts that roar when they would twist and spin, the men would wear tight Spanish outfits that reeked of masculinity. Castanets are Spanish, however they are not Flamenco (many Gypsy men see male castanet work as being effeminate) however their is arm work during the dance being called the 'braceo.' Flamenco gained its highest popularity in the 1940-1950's. In 1967 Solero de Jerez (17), performed a flamenco which gained a Guinness Book Record of 1,000 heel taps per minute (averaged 16 per second). also see Spanish dance for more information.

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