Fandango - Spanish Dance

Spanish Dance

The current 3/4 pattern of the fandango, its distinctive descending chord progression (A minor/G major/F major/E major), lyrics with octosyllabic verses and the use of castanets are well-documented from the 18th century.

The fandangos grandes (big fandangos) are normally danced by couples, which start out slowly with gradually increasing tempo. Many varieties are derived from this one.

The fandanguillos (little fandangos) are livelier, more festive derivations of fandangos. Some regions of Spain have developed their own style of fandangos, such as Huelva (fandangos de Huelva) and Málaga (fandangos de Málaga, or Verdiales). Northern areas such as the Principality of Asturias, the Basque Country and Castile have preserved a more relaxed performance.

Read more about this topic:  Fandango

Famous quotes containing the words spanish and/or dance:

    Wheeler: Aren’t you the fellow the Mexicans used to call “Brachine”?
    Dude: That’s nearly right. Only it’s “Borracho.”
    Wheeler: I don’t think I ever seen you like this before.
    Dude: You mean sober. You’re probably right. You know what “Borracho” means?
    Wheeler: My Spanish ain’t too good.
    Dude: It means drunk. No, if the name bothers ya’ they used to call me Dude.
    Jules Furthman (1888–1960)

    There are those who dance to the rhythm that is played to them, those who only dance to their own rhythm, and those who don’t dance at all.
    José Bergamín (1895–1983)