Jaleos are calls of encouragement used in flamenco to cheer one another on.

We give jaleos to the dancer, the singer, the guitarist, to anybody participating.

They inspire positive energy for both giver and receiver,

And flamenco cannot exist without them.

So, do you feel comfortable giving jaleos?

If not, read on.

Because it’s strange to watch flamenco and remain silent.

Jaleos are a must!

Whether you dance, sing, play guitar, or play cajón, you must also give jaleos.

If you’d like to learn how different types of jaleos are used, see them in action, view a list of some common jaleos, and get some practice ideas, read on!

Types of Jaleos

Jaleos can be given rhythmically and energetically, common in bulerías, rumbas, an escobilla section, or upbeat portion of a longer dance, for example.

Or they may be more emotional, given spontaneously in the moment when somebody is moved by what they see or hear. This can happen in any form.

Listen for and notice the different ways jaleos are given depending on the situation in the following video:

Breaking It Down

• At the very beginning, you see Mercedes Ruíz dancing bulerías, and you can hear lots of rhythmic jaleos.

• 10 seconds in you see María Terremoto singing soleá por bulerías. When she starts to resolve, notice how the jaleos come in and really start to pick up.

• Starting at 35 seconds when María Moreno is in a very energetic moment in her dance, you can hear a lot of jaleos.

• At 1:07 when Eduardo Guerrero comes to a stop in his dance, do you hear the single jaleo he is given?

• Listen to all of the jaleos happening as Mercedes Ruíz dances her bulerías de Cádiz starting at 2:03.

• Compare that to the single jaleo here and there when she is in an intense moment in her soleá beginning around 2:35.

• Notice at 2:35 how they pick up during her escobilla.

Don’t worry about when to say your jaleos right now.

Just learn one or two, and start practicing, so you can get comfortable with the idea.

Some Jaleos:

The following list includes translations though oftentimes the literal meaning of a jaleo is not so important. It’s more about the essence. We give jaleos to supporting the person dancing, singing, playing, etc.

Olé (óle)  [oh-lay]

Arsa [ahr-sah]

Guapa/guapo  [wah-pah]   [wah-poh]  beautiful/handsome

Toma [toe-mah]  take/take it

Agua [ah-wah] water

Eso es  [eh-so-eh]  that's it/that's the way/you got it

Así se baila  [ah-see say bahee-lah]  that's how you dance

Así se toca [ah-see say toh-kah]  that's how you play

Así se canta [ah-see say kahn-tah]  that's how you sing

Cómo es eso  [coh-moh eh eh-so] how’s that/tell me how it is

Viva la madre que te parió [vee-vah lah mah-dreh kay tay pah-ree-oh] long live your mother (the mother who gave birth to you)

Ok, that last one might not be so common, but it sure is fun.

It’s also typical to call out an individual person’s name. It can be said alone or paired with another jaleo,

Olé Mercedes. Eso es.

Ready to practice?

Tune into a flamenco video, and give those performers some jaelos. It doesn’t matter that they can’t hear you. You’re doing it for yourself right now to gain confidence.

While you’re at, be sure to notice the jaleos that are given in the video. What are people saying? When? How often? One of the best ways to learn is through observation.

Then, in class, or the next time you’re at a show, force yourself to give a jaleo or two. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will become.

Want more practice?

Check this out for three activities you can do to strengthen your ability to give jaleos right now.

Your favorite jaleo?

Comment below with one or two that you like the most. It could be one from the list above or one that’s missing.