Tientos

• What is it?

It is a variant of the flamenco tango that is much slower and that transmits a deeper feeling in both the singing and the dancing.

• Why is it used?

We choose to dance this style of flamenco when we want to create a deep and delicate feeling that contrasts with the second part of the dance, which is much more sensual and festive.

• Thematic

As the word indicates, tiento is defined as the care and prudence with which you behave in a delicate situation. These three adjectives make up the feeling transmitted by tientos. We will find lyrics that make reference to the lack of love, loneliness or mourning.

• Costumes

The costumes used for this dance are usually sober and with dark tones, due to its dramatic intensity.

• How is it interpreted?

The structure of this dance, like most flamenco styles, is divided into two parts. We start the dance within the compás de tientos to finish in the tangos style. The way of interpreting this dance is characterized by the temperance and delicacy that the first part requires. We are going to observe a very solemn attitude on the part of the interpreter that is going to look for its high point of dramatism to contrast with the second part, festive and carefree.

• A bit of history

This palo (style) coming from the Cadiz tango arises from the slowing down and adaptation of it to the aesthetic-musical codes of flamenco in the 80’s of the 19th century. On the other hand, the dance was created at the beginning of the 20th century by ‘Joaquín el Feo’.