After attending my first feria in Sanlúcar de Barrameda I was determined to learn how to dance Sevillanas! Sevillanas is a type of folk music and dance which originated around the 15th century in Seville. Sometime in the 18th century it mixed with other Spanish dance forms acquiring its beautiful flamenco flare. In my quest to find a place to learn Sevillanas I came across Bodegón a Contratiempo; a 17th century bodega turned Flamenco theatre where you can see impressive Flamenco performances on the weekends.
Outside the entrance to the Bodegón
Sevillanas and Flamenco dance classes in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
I went to the Bodegón a Contratiempo to meet Raquel, a renowned Flamenco dancer who also provides Flamenco and Sevillanas classes (when she’s not jet-setting around the world to perform!). She taught our group how to do the steps to the dance, but also shared what each part of the Sevillanas symbolizes; the first part is when the couple meets, the second part is when the couple falls in love, the third part the couple becomes angry with one another and the fourth part they make up and fall in love again. Romantic right?
Every year between February and June I take Sevillanas classes with Raquel to freshen up on my dance moves in time for feria – if you have a group of at least 6 people she only charges 5€ per person per hour! She also offers intensive courses for beginners who are short on time! I’m so glad that I decided to take Sevillanas classes because I’m able to mix and mingle with locals on the dance-floor and prove that guiris (foreigners) can dance a bit of Flamenco too 😉
Below is a video of my friend Ana and I dancing Sevillanas at Sanlúcar’s feria – glad we got to put those Sevillanas classes to use!
Flamenco performances in Sanlúcar de Barrameda
On most weekends, especially during spring and summer you can enjoy fantastic Flamenco performances at Bodegón a Contratiempo. Not only is there beautiful dancing, but live music too! During Fall/Winter there are usually performances most weekends on Friday and Saturday at 8pm and 10pm. During Spring/Summer shows take place every weekend at 10:30pm and 11:30pm. Cover is around 12€ and includes a refreshment. You can call, send a text, email or Facebook message to make a reservation (although calling or sending a whatsapp/line message is the best way to get in touch with Raquel); on the night of the performance try show up 10 minutes early so you can get a seat near the stage!
- Information and Reservations (call, text, whatsapp, line): +34 653-071-099
- Facebook: facebook.com/bodegon.acontratiempo
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Calle San Miguel, 5 (Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cadíz 11540)
- Check out what other people had to say about Raquel’s performance on Trip Advisor
Raquel performing and looking fabulous!
Dancers from all over the world come to perform here!
Visit their Facebook page or stop by the bodegón for information about upcoming shows!
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