The flamenco dance in the cafés cantantes epoch: a historiographical review.

Resumen

The main objective of this article is to examine the perception of flamencology and flamenco historiography regarding the phenomenon that strengthened flamenco dancing in the era of the ‘cafés cantantes’, from the second half of the 19th century to the early years of the 20th century. For this purpose, we have performed a thorough bibliographic review in which we have analysed various interpretations from the most prominent specialists in the field in order to offer, as closely as possible, a transversal and synthetic vision that helps to decipher the state of the art. Thus, we have taken a close look at the emergence of key elements in the establishment of this art, such as the appearance of a new theatre space, the progressive professionalization of the dancers, or the various technical and stylistic advances. Furthermore, we have analysed the different types of dances performed during this period, reaching the main conclusion of the existence of a multitude of historiographical perspectives and the absence of a specific study of the period which corresponds to the importance of this art in the development of flamenco dance.