The Importance of Sevillanas: A Timeless Tradition in Seville
As the Feria de Abril approaches, the streets of Seville come alive with the sound of music, laughter, and the rhythmic stomping of feet. For many Sevillans, the feria is a time-honoured tradition that evokes memories of childhood and a sense of community. In this article, we will explore the significance of sevillanas, a traditional style of dance that has been passed down through generations of Sevillans.
According to an article published in El Correo Web, sevillanas are a staple of Sevillian culture, with many people learning to dance them from a young age. As Paz Vega’s character, Paz de Alarcón, explains in the film Rita, "La sevillana es un baile de seducción… El primer golpe es que se menee el vestido, que todo el mundo en la feria te vea el vestido, y las manitas pa’arriba, como si fueran palomas." (The sevillana is a seductive dance… The first move is to swing your dress, so everyone at the fair can see it, and raise your hands like doves.)
For many women, learning to dance sevillanas was a rite of passage, a way of connecting with their heritage and community. As the article notes, "Aprender a bailar sevillanas ha sido para muchas de nosotras un rito de iniciación, como el que realizan los jóvenes de las tribus indígenas para pasar a la vida adulta y son fundamentales para la transmisión de conocimientos y prácticas culturales." (Learning to dance sevillanas has been for many of us a rite of passage, like the one that young people from indigenous tribes do to enter adulthood, and it is essential for the transmission of knowledge and cultural practices.)
The article also highlights the importance of sevillanas in maintaining social bonds and community ties. As the author notes, "esas lecciones caseras e improvisadas mantienen vivos los vínculos entre las distintas generaciones de la casa, los afectos y los valores." (these homemade and improvised lessons keep alive the bonds between different generations of the house, affections, and values.)
Flamenco expert, José Luis Ortiz Nuevo, is quoted in the article, describing the feria as a time of communal celebration, where people come together to enjoy music, dance, and each other’s company. As he notes, "Por la dimensión propia a su grandeza, fiesta de tanta gente reunida en estado de alerta a las satisfacciones." (Due to its own dimension and greatness, a party of so many people gathered in a state of alert to the satisfactions.)
The article also touches on the evolution of sevillanas over time, from being considered a lower-class dance to becoming a beloved and integral part of Sevillian culture. As Ortiz Nuevo notes, "las clases dirigentes del lugar consideraban al baile del país propio de gente baja, corralera" (the ruling classes considered the country’s dance to be typical of low, farm people) until attitudes changed and it became a popular and accepted part of Sevillian life.
In recent years, sevillanas have experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many young people taking an interest in learning the dance. As the article notes, "Seguramente las clases de inglés, vóley o piano a las que van los chiquillos ahora ofrezcan un futuro más prometedor, saludable y erudito que saberse los pasos de estas cuatro coplas" (Surely the English, volleyball, or piano classes that children attend nowadays offer a more promising, healthy, and erudite future than knowing the steps of these four songs.)
However, the author argues that there is value in preserving traditional practices and community ties, even if they may not be considered "useful" in a modern sense. As they note, "Sólo por la experiencia de compartirlo con otros, de integrarse en la comunidad y en la fiesta, de celebrar la vida" (Just for the experience of sharing it with others, integrating into the community and the party, and celebrating life.)
In conclusion, sevillanas are a vital part of Sevillian culture, a timeless tradition that has been passed down through generations. As the feria approaches, we can expect to see the streets of Seville come alive with music, dance, and celebration. As the article concludes, "Todo el mundo a bailar" (Everyone dance), a call to action that is sure to resonate with Sevillans and visitors alike.
This article was originally published in El Correo Web, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share it with our readers.
Source: https://www.elcorreoweb.es/opinion/2025/04/28/mundo-bailar-116791295.html
