Blog: instruments, records and flamenco guides

• Instruments Essential accessories for starting flamenco dance Shoes, castanets, rehearsal skirts and shawl: what you actually need for your first flamenco dance classes.
• Cante Cante jondo vs. cante chico: what sets them apart Why soleá and seguiriya don't sound like an alegría or a tango: flamenco's classic distinction between the 'deep' and the 'festive', explained without jargon.
• Guides How to learn flamenco dancing at home: first steps A guide to starting flamenco dance without an academy: space, footwear, first arm and heel exercises, and when to make the jump to in-person classes.
• Instruments Flamenco guitar vs. classical guitar: every difference explained Wood, string action, sound and technique: why you can't play flamenco on just any classical guitar (or vice versa).
• Records 10 essential albums for understanding the history of flamenco From the purest cante jondo to the fusion of the 70s and 80s: the albums every flamenco fan should hear at least once.
• Guides Essential flamenco festivals in Spain From the Bienal de Sevilla to the Festival de Jerez: a guide to the major dates on the flamenco calendar and how to plan your first visit.
• Cante History of flamenco: from its origins to the 21st century From uncertain beginnings in 18th-century Andalusia to being declared Intangible Cultural Heritage: a journey through the key stages in the history of flamenco.
• Records The best Camarón de la Isla albums to discover his legacy From his first records with Paco de Lucía to 'La leyenda del tiempo': a guide through the discography of the cantaor who changed flamenco forever.
• Records Enrique Morente: essential albums from a revolutionary of cante From his orthodox cante as a young singer to 'Omega' with Lagartija Nick: a guide through the discography of the Granada-born cantaor who broke more molds than anyone.
• Records The best Paco de Lucía albums to discover his work A guide through his discography: from the pure flamenco of his early years to the jazz fusion that took him to concert halls worldwide.
• Instruments Best flamenco guitars to start playing in 2026 A buying guide for anyone getting their first flamenco guitar: what to look for, price ranges, and recommended models by budget.
• Cante The palos of flamenco: a complete guide by family Soleá, bulerías, seguiriyas, tangos, fandangos... more than 50 palos grouped by rhythmic and geographic family, explained for anyone starting to tell them apart.
• Cante What is compás flamenco (and why it's the first thing to understand) A simple guide to compás: the rhythmic foundation that tells one palo from another, and that any fan should learn to recognize by ear.
• Guides Gift ideas for a flamenco enthusiast From vinyl records to beginner guitars: a gift guide based on how deep the person's passion for flamenco runs, from the curious to those who already play or dance.
• Cante Rosalía and new flamenco: the controversy that changed the genre From 'Los Ángeles' to 'El Mal Querer': why Rosalía divides flamenco critics so sharply, and what it has to do with how Camarón or Enrique Morente broke the mold in their own time.
• Records Vinyl, CD, or streaming: how to listen to flamenco today The strengths and limits of each format for enjoying flamenco: what vinyl gains in sound and ritual, what streaming gains in catalog, and when each one is worth it.
• Guides How to learn sevillanas step by step (a guide to get started at home) The four steps or 'parts' of sevillanas explained one by one, with tips for learning to dance sevillanas at home before making the leap to a dance academy.
• Instruments How to play castanets: a complete guide for beginners Posture, grip and your first rolls: a step-by-step guide to learning castanets from scratch, with no prior experience.
• Instruments Left-handed flamenco guitar: what you need to know before starting Flipped guitar, factory-made left-handed guitar, or learning right-handed? A guide for left-handers who want to start playing flamenco.
• Guides Common injuries and ailments when dancing flamenco (and how to take care of yourself) From ankle sprains caused by zapateado to Achilles tendinitis: the most common injuries among flamenco dancers, and how to prevent them.
• Instruments The most common injuries when playing flamenco guitar (and how to prevent them) Tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain: the most frequent injuries among flamenco guitarists and how to avoid them with good habits.
• Guides Manila shawl: what it is, its history, and how to choose one From the Silk Road to Andalusian fairs: the origin of the Manila shawl, types of fringe and embroidery, and what to check before buying one.
• Instruments The best castanets to buy in 2026 (buying guide) Fiberglass, rosewood, or granadillo: which castanets sound best for your level and what to check before buying your first pair.
• Guides The flamenco peineta: what it is, its history and how to wear it From a 19th-century courtly accessory to a fair-day icon: what a peineta is, the types by size and material, and how to position it correctly.
• Guides The Spanish fan: history, types, and how to use it From the giant pericón for the Feria to the hand-painted pocket fan: types of Spanish fan, their history, and the basics of the 'language of the fan.'
• Guides The bata de cola: what it is and how it's danced The most spectacular and most difficult garment in flamenco dance: what a bata de cola is, why it takes years to master, and how to start practicing.
• Guides How to buy a cheap flamenco dress that doesn't look cheap Real tricks for finding an affordable flamenco dress that doesn't show: where to look, which fabrics to avoid, and where it's worth spending a bit more.
• Guides Rehearsal flamenco skirt vs. performance skirt: differences and how to choose The skirt you use every week in class isn't the same one you wear to a performance: a practical guide to fabrics, ruffles and price depending on use.
• Guides The Spanish mantilla: what it is, types, and when it's worn It's not the same as a shawl: the mantilla is made of lace, is worn with a comb, and has its own occasions (Holy Week, bullfights, weddings). A guide to telling them apart.
• Guides Flamenco earrings: how to choose them for your dress Hoops, chandelier, tassel or button: the most common types of flamenco earrings and how to match them to the color and style of your dress.
• Guides Flamenco dress: the complete guide to choosing yours Polka dots, ruffles, colors and accessories: everything you need to know before buying your first flamenco dress, with or without a tight budget.
• Guides Flamenco dress for girls: sizes, prices, and first times A guide for parents buying a girl's first flamenco dress: sizes, how long it lasts, and how to avoid overspending on something she'll outgrow in a season.