Seeing tiny fashionista Suri Cruise dressed to the nines in her flamenco outfit took me down memory lane. As a little girl, I spent countless hours playing dress-up as a Gypsy and pretending that I could speak Spanish and dance flamenco. So, it probably isn't too surprising that I spent 2 years of my young adult life studying in Spain. Well, studying, falling in love, and having way too much fun.
I learned many things in Spain but, sadly, I never mastered the art of flamenco. However, I still have a great passion for the music. Many people consider flamenco to be the "Spanish Blues" but the music is also very joyful. I have colorful memories of sipping sweet wine and dancing to a lively bulería with my amigos in Spain.
I find it impossible to listen to flamenco and not be moved. So if you want to add a dash of olé to a dull winter day, I prescribe a dose of flamenco. Once that rhythm hits you, you will feel transported to sunny & sultry Sevilla. Here are 5 ways to get your recommended daily allowance of fabulous flamenco.
See Noche Flamenca: Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca's seamless blend of raw emotion and brilliant artistry have made them Spain's most successful touring company. Their critically acclaimed performances are powerfully authentic. You can catch Noche Flamenca in New York City until January 16. Their whirlwind tour continues in Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto and Boston.
Watch Bebo Y Cigala -
One of the best Christmas
presents that I received was the DVD
Blanco y Negro: Bebo y Cigala En Vivo. Directed by Fernando Trueba, this concert video filmed in Mallorca brilliantly captures the cross-cultural collaboration between Cuban jazz legend Bebo Valdes and Spanish flamenco singer Diego "El Cigala" Salazar. While this isn't traditional flamenco, Bebo's brilliant piano playing paired with Diego's seductive voice are a match made in heaven. You can also buy the acclaimed CD that inspired the concert,
Lagrimas Negras. 
Listen to Camarón de La Isla: No discussion of flamenco is complete without mentioning
Camarón de la Isla. This legendary singer passed away in 1992 and is considered by many to be the greatest flamenco singer that ever lived. Camarón often collobarated with the brilliant Spanish guitarists Paco de Lucia and Tomatito. I recommend his cd
Potro de Rabia y Miel. I dare you to play the track
La Primavera without dancing to this joyful rumba.
Watch Carlos Saura's Flamenco: This 1995 documentary boasts performances by many of the biggest names in flamenco. Dancer Joaquin Cortes is especially captivating and gorgeous! The film is available for rent at
Netflix.
Go to the New York Flamenco Festival: Winter in the Big
Apple will be sizzling thanks to the 10th Annual New York Flamenco Festival. From February 11-14, dancers and musicians direct from Andalucia will bring the magic of flamenco to City Center.
