Flamenco dances and songs have captured the imagination of Europe and America for many years. Flamenco has steadily gained in esteem as an authentic art throughout the world (thanks to the foreign tours by some of its genuine interpreters like Vicente and Carmen Amaya).

There are many theories regarding the origin of the word 'Flamenco'. Some say it is derived from the Arabic language, some from the Flemish subjects who came with Charles V and others attribute it to the essential characteristics of the songs; ardent, vivid, flaming.

Flamenco dance is certainly very ancient and therefore everything is based on theories or word-of-mouth. No one can put their finger on exactly where it originated but what is now very well known is that Flamenco is recognised world-wide as an art in its own right.

They attribute Flamenco dance to a mixture of Arabic, Hebrew and Gypsy styles. They also believe it originates from sacred dances performed in the Indian temples, where some of the Indian dancers were shipped in the middle ages to entertain the Royal Courtesans of that era.

Over the centuries, all of these influences evolved and transformed into modern Flamenco, a dance that comes from the heart making the dancer get in touch with the energies of the earth and dignity of the being.