Spain

Spanish Dance

Isabella I of Castile, wife of Ferdinand of Aragon, inherited her half brother Henry IV ‘s throne in 1474. She and her husband attacked the Moors and drove them out of southern Spain. There are many more famous defenders of Spain. Spain had approximately 23 Celtic tribes. There are still Celtic groups there today.

Spanish dance is known as Sarabande, which is Arabic for, noise. Sarabande can be traced back to 500B.C. The Sarabande originated in Andalusia. Andalusia folk dance uses finger cymbals, tambourines, and theatrical costumes. It was not considered Flamenco. It is said to be a mix of Moorish and Arabic dance. Mozarabic Zambra combines Andalusia Folk dancing with Arabic influences. Today there is a national dance called Sevillda, using bells and castanets. All these dances have complicated footwork. There is a slower dance called the Bolero. Sebastian Cerezo, (a ballet dancer of the Spanish Court in 1780) used the Bolero dance as the foundation for his French ballet. The Bolero is a more dignified, modest dance used at the opening of a ball. The Cachucha dance is related to the Fandango dance. The Fandango dance originated from the dances of the Phoenicians. The Fandango uses foot stamping and graceful foot moves, castanets and snapping of fingers. The Sequidilla originated in Castile having many variations. It is based on the Pas de Basque. The Pavane (a processional dance) is said to have originated from Ferdinand Cortez, during the Renaissance. The Flamenco dance is not gypsy. It is from the Moors (Moroccans). The Moors ruled Andalusia (southern Spain) for approximately 900 years. Flamenco dance and music is rooted in India, Arabia and Spain.

The Euzkadi Basques of south France and Northern Spain have preserved their ethnic culture and dances. Their dances consist of: couples dances, women’s singing dance, scarf dance, Sagar Dantza, and Lapurdi stick dance.