Flamenco Esencia: an unforgettable, intimate and local show/experience

Posted By : mikeaustin35
There are numerous Flamenco companies and options in Seville, ranging from large, flashy shows in auditoriums to small, intimate gatherings in bars and cafès. After doing a lot of research on the art form, I decided to look for one that was more true to its authentic roots - which usually involves a more intimate setting. Also, Flamenco is a vocal music as well, with poignant lyrics about various aspects of love, political oppression, and many other things. A good Flamenco performance will often just have singing. Flamenco Esencia is one of the truest to the historical art form - they usually employ 4 performers: dancers (male and female), a guitarist, and a singer. This group alternates between 2-3 performers of each type; our night the people were fantastic, every one of them. Flamenco Esencia is also notable because at least one of the performers personally meets the group, takes them through the historic Triana neighborhood to 2-3 tapas bars to sample the local cuisine, and discusses Flamenco, eats, drinks, culture, and all aspects. Then they escort you to a small bar where the performance takes place. That night, our guide Maria met us just over the bridge in Triana, then we went to a few tapas places to eat and drink. Maria was personable, nice, and informative, and we had a great chat with our group. Then we went to the bar - again, note, this is not the place for you if you want flashy, super-costumed over-the-top performances. This is more for "real", intimate Flameco as it grew in these little types of places. I loved the intimacy (about 25 people total); there was no flashy stage, just an area in the bar where the performers did their stuff. There were no fancy lights or effects; they sat together and performed about 60-70 minutes of enthralling songs. There was a large piece of plywood where they would "stomp" their dances, but each performer had a chance to solo as well. Each one was fully professional and truly knew their art form. No mics or amps; this was pure music and dance without electricity. Maria wore a Flamenco dress while the other performers were simply dressed in black or "regular" clothes (like a casual suit), of course the dancers' shoes were specially fitted to stomp out the Flamenco rhythms. They were all so good I was spellbound. It was one of the best performances I've ever attended live. We also got 1 drink ticket for a free drink from the little bar (a nice plus). After the performance, Maria escorted us to one more tapas bar, where we had a delicious array of food and talked about various things, including what we just experienced. All in all a terrific night! I highly recommend this troupe if you want intimate, true-to-historical Flamenco, especially with the extra tapas tour added to the package. 5 thumbs up to this outfit!
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Posted On : 2024-05-20

Posted By : Dan142uk
A fantastic intimate show in a small bar. It really did feel authentic rather than a manufactured confection. All 4 performers were superb! The seats could have been more comfortable, but the suffering was really worth it. I cannot recommend this more highly
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Posted On : 2024-05-16

Posted By : maestradeb
Clearly skilled performers going through their paces, but no intensity or passion. Seemed like just another night at work. Enjoyable but not thrilling. We visited another flamenco group the next night and it was obvious that this group was past their prime.
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Posted On : 2024-03-18

Posted By : C9303CSdianad
I love it! Authentic atmosphere, passionate artists and musicians! Fantastic performance! Well worth the fee! They invited quality artistes for performance together. It is such a vibrant mixture and I love it very much!
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Posted On : 2024-03-04

Posted By : Przemyslaw_Sss
The Flamenco show was really awesome! We were positively surprised with the energy and passion which artists has shown on the stage. The facial expressions of the artists was a pure gem. Everyone should come and see them!
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Posted On : 2024-02-16

Posted By : janebF8351IG
Fantastic night, really enjoyed the show and the story of flamenco, my third Spanish flamenco experience and this is the first time the I’ve learned about the journey of flamenco. Very good
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Posted On : 2024-01-06

Posted By : Marcel_D2013
Excellent and intimale flamenco show in a wonderfull little space in Triana. Everything is well explained, both in Spanish as well as in (good) English. As an extra a bouns there was a performance of a guitarist and locals dancing flamenco. All really friendly people and staff! Highly recommended if you want a true flamenco experience! Muchaes gracies! (Please note that Tripadvisor says it is on Calle Betis, but this is not correct. It is in calle Duarte, close by calle Betis).
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Posted On : 2023-10-23

Posted By : Oldagetravellers23
A wonderful evening, very intimate setting, clear explanations and performance were full of feeling. The time passed so quickly. Would have had the Tapas had we not already eaten.
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Posted On : 2023-05-22

Posted By : kay25lnk
The flamenco show was very good when it finally started and would recommend for the quality of the entertainment. The rest was mediocre; I had booked ahead but people arriving ahead of us and not booked were given better seats with a table, whilst we had to perch on high stools. A free drink was offered - beers arrived immediately but the other 2 drinks took 20 min to come, when I reminded the waitress she mimicked me to the bar staff! Not impressed, as I had been polite! Show started 25 min late but no explanation was given until the start of the show.
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Posted On : 2023-05-13

Posted By : 504seweryns
Passionate performance! Very good show and food and drinks. Worth seeing! Small room but with atmosphere! The group was of 4 persons.
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Posted On : 2022-11-11