What Bulerías Is Really About
Bulerías is a fiesta-style dance typical of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
It is the most improvisational form of flamenco and probably the silliest as well.
It is what we see at parties and at the end of flamenco shows.
It is a dance from the pueblo for ALL people to do, not just "dancers." In fact, some of my favorite people to watch doing this dance are townspeople who do it just for fun, not professionally.
Previously what followed was a clip from a produce shop in Jerez where the woman working there danced a short pataíta. It was a perfect picture of what Bulerías de Jerez is all about,
Fun
Spontaneity
Compás
Jaleos
Freedom
Community ...
Unfortunately the video was removed, but hopefully you can imagine it in your head.
To help you do so, here’s a clip of Zorri who embodies the essence of bulerías.
¡Olé!
As you can see this is a dance for everybody.
It is where you get to play and let your personality shine.
While it is one of the most challenging dances in flamenco given its complex rhythms and improvisational nature, especially once you add in the cante, it is so. much. fun.
And by the way, you can't do flamenco and NOT do bulerías.
¡No puede ser!
EDIT: Here’s an article about bulerías and its history from El Palacio Andaluz in Sevilla.
And if you liked that video, you’ll love this one too.
What does bulerías mean to you?
Let me know in the comments below.
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