Think of Andalucia, and certain Spanish archetypes spring to mind: splendid Moorish architecture, bullfighting, mouth-watering tapas…and flamenco. A visit to the region would be unthinkable without catching a flamenco show, for it’s this expressive and passionate dance that best embodies the Andalucían spirit.

Flamenco’s origins are hard to pin down, but most music historians credit Andalucía’s gitano (gypsy) population with its creation. While gypsies arrived in the region around the Middle Ages, it wasn’t until the 18th century that flamenco as we know it emerged. More than likely, the gitanos also absorbed musical influences from the local Moorish and Jewish cultures along the way: certainly, flamenco’s proud, heartfelt and sometimes desperate lyrics echo the persecution all three peoples suffered during the Spanish Inquisition. Another defining factor was the introduction of the classical guitar in Spain. It was a case of love at first strum, and flamenco is now unimaginable without six-stringed accompaniment.

Add to that the impassioned vocals of the cantador (singer), the grace and intensity of the dancers (bailadoras), and a range of forceful percussive elements - handclaps, the dancers’ foot-steps and castanets – and the result is nothing short of intoxicating.

Andalucía’s exuberant capital Seville is the perfect place to witness flamenco in all its fiery glory…this city sure knows how to enjoy its nightlife! Performances can be either large-scale, professional floorshows with dinner included (these known as tablaos), or smaller, spontaneous affairs similar to the traditional juerga (private flamenco party).

Like your flamenco flamboyant? Warm up with an atmospheric nocturnal walking tour of Seville’s lamp-lit streets, before taking in a marvelous tablao, complete with your choice of tapas, dinner and wine. Alternatively, head to Santa Cruz, the city’s romantic Jewish quarter, for a more intimate flamenco show in a typical Jewish house.

Either way, be prepared to be mesmerized by this quintessentially Spanish art form.