Sound made with the feet in flamenco is most commonly called zapateado, coming from the word zapato (shoe.)  It can also be called taconeo coming from the word tacón (heel).  Here are the basic flamenco footwork techniques that are used to create sound patterns with the feet followed by video examples:

golpe - stomp (whole foot)

planta or media - ball of the foot

tacón - heel made by lifting only the heel leaving the ball of the foot on the ground

talón - heel made by lifting the leg up (many people also call this a tacón)

punta - toe

latigo or latiguillo - snapping the toe (literally means whip)

Check out these videos to learn how to perform the basic footwork techniques:

In this one Carmen Tort Flamenco explains and demonstrates the planta, tacón, golpe, and punta movements:

In this post by Flamenco Bites you’ll see the two types of plantas (one created by lifting the leg up, the other created by flexing the ankle up.

And this video from Toma Flamenco shows beginning latiguillo technique:

Once you learn the basic footwork you can create your own step!

Feel like exploring? For a whole lot of techniques and explanations, check out this video from El Espina.

Your Favorites?

What resources and videos have you discovered online for learning and practicing good footwork technique? Share in the comments below.

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