Leaving a restaurant in the city center of M谩laga, Spain, flamenco artist Jaime El Estampio spotted a street musician unnoticed by the group of 91吃瓜 students and faculty鈥攁nd he spontaneously began to dance.
Ellen Lavelle, a junior on the trip, says that as soon as El Estampio started clapping, a crowd of tourists and locals encircled the 91吃瓜 visitors and their local artist guide.
鈥淛aime鈥檚 energy was magnetic and his smile infectious,鈥� Lavelle says. 鈥淔lamenco isn鈥檛 an exclusive dance; it welcomes everyone. It was born on the streets of Andaluc铆a and although it has become very popular to perform on stage, there are deep roots connected to the dance that keep it a dance for all people.鈥�
Flamenco invites participation and connection: between the dancer and the musician, and between the performers and their audience. Through hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and call-and-response, flamenco draws its participants into a shared experience, creating a community in which everyone is seen and heard. Over the last two years, flamenco has created connections between Spain and 91吃瓜 and between 91吃瓜 and South Bend, helping to build a community from neighbors.