What is the difference between Flamenco dance and Sevillanas?

it’s me!: What is the difference between Flamenco dance and Sevillanas?
Also, I have seen this specific dance step at some Flamenco shows where the 2 women dance opposite each other doing the same moves, then cross paths, and turn, then they cross each other again. Is there a name for that dance step or is it all a part of Flamenco dance?

I love Flamenco! It’s so passionate! =) I want to take lessons, but I don’t know if I should take Flamenco or Sevillanas, so if you have knowledge of the differences please advise me. Thanks!

Answers and Views:

Answer by patriot
Sevillanas are folk dances. They are strictly choreographed. They are related to flamenco, but they aren’t the same. Every province has their own set of folk dances: The Sardana (Barcelona) the Jota (Pamplona) the Malagueña (Malaga), etc. There are seven dances, and the songs last roughly a minute and a half. Most people only learn the first four. If you go to a bar, and they start the dances, you do them IN ORDER. If everyone else is doing dance one and you are doing three, it’s a major faux pas! (pun totally intended!)

Flamenco is entirely free-form. It’s done in a pretty individual manner. Every city has their own style of flamenco. For instance, in Sevilla, the stress is on the arms and how they move (in Ballet, it’s called Port des bras). In Granada, it’s much more stressed on the “taconeando” or the heel stomping (I overheard two people discussing it at the tablao I went to in Granada, and was even more sorry we couldn’t get into one while in Sevilla.

I’d suggest you get a taste with the Sevillanas. Then, if you’re really into it, and there are classes available where you are, go for the more advanced FLAMENCO.

Don’t confuse them. They are NOT the same thing.

Answer by zata3
Sevillanas is a folk dance of Southern Spain (Seville), and as such, is danced in couples or groups. Flamenco, though occasionally choreographed for couples in specific theatrical works, is actually an individual endeavor, which is why there is so much lee-way for improvisation and free expression. Sevillanas has a rigid pattern of music and steps, flamenco is free-form within its basic parameters.

Sevillanas is recommended for social interaction and fun. Flamenco is more for the serious dancer, and requires a deeper commitment.

Estela Zatania, editor of Deflamenco.com

Answer by Chio S
in my opinion i would learn both because flamenco has a huge part in sevillana dancing, although its not the same! i prefer sevillana’s because its more free flowing and fun, flamenco is more structured. i might be biast because i am a sevillana.