The therapeutic elements of flamenco dance

Abstract

Flamenco is a versatile Spanish art form which is characterised by a strong emotional expression, intensive rhythms, confident attitude, and distinctive actions of clapping, stomping and rounded movement of wrists. All this wrapped up in aesthetics that celebrate both feminine and masculine aspects. The therapeutic effects of these components of flamenco have not been discovered only by the flamenco enthusiasts and professionals worldwide, but also by the professionals of the therapeutic field. The purpose of this study under qualitative heuristic approach, is to use the method of introspection and bibliographical revision to present the therapeutic elements of flamenco, named herein as: (a) Expression of emotions and communication, (b) Rhythm, (c) Materials & Visuals and (d) Movement, body posture and attitude. The objective is to benefit both the therapeutic and pedagogical fields by introducing and deepening the knowledge on the potential of flamenco in benefitting different groups of people.

Keywords:

• flamenco dance
• dance movement therapy
• rhythm
• emotions
• grounding
• transnational dances

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Suvi-Maria Helin

Suvi-Maria Helin is a dance movement therapist (MA), flamenco dancer/teacher and Pilates instructor. She has a BA degree in performing arts and extensive studies in various somatic techniques and dance forms. The interdisciplinary aspect characterizes her work by crossing borders through the fields of arts, somatic movement, dance, and therapy. She is a member of the Finnish and Spanish DMT associations. Currently she is located in her native country Finland but has lived several years in Madrid and Seville in Spain.

Tove Djupsjöbacka

Tove Djupsjöbacka is Master in Musicology (University of Helsinki) and Flamencology (Escola musica superior de Catalunya), and a versatile profile in the Finnish cultural field, working both as a cultural journalist, music and dance critic, musician and translator. She is located in Helsinki, Finland, where she is also active as flamenco dancer and percussionist as well as teaching flamenco history and theory. As a flamencologist she is especially interested in studying the Finnish flamenco field, its evolution and special characteristics.

Rosa-María Rodríguez-Jiménez

Rosa-María Rodríguez-Jiménez is a full professor and senior researcher. She holds a BSc and a PhD on Physics of the Atmosphere, a degree in Psychology and in Education for Special Needs. She has extensive training in Dance and is Supervisor Member of the Spanish DMT Association and President of the European DMT Association. She has led several research projects focused on experiential learning, development of soft skills in university students, inclusive education, clinical applications of DMT, and dance and embodiment applied to well - being and personal growth in higher education. She participates as a guest lecturer and tutor in national and international DMT trainings, with a special focus on the Universidad Autónoma of Barcelona (Spain) and on the Codarts University of Arts (Rotterdam, Netherlands). Nowadays, she is accredited teacher and researcher at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Spain).