
Professional standards —
In Seville, Spain, distinctive flamenco rhythms can be heard everywhere, with locals regularly bursting into song, precision hand clapping and dancing. Experts says it can take three years to perfect flamenco skills to a professional standard.

Flamenco fashions —
The International Flamenco Fashion Show, the 21st edition of which was recently held in Seville, Spain, showcases the elaborate outfits worn by dancers.

Flamenco Academy —
At the Heeren Flamenco Academy in Seville, students are schooled in all disciplines of the art form. Here they're taught the tricky hand claps that mark the beat.

Gang of guitars —
Guitar players are taught how to accompany a dancer at the Heeren Flamenco Academy in Seville.

Foreign students —
Flamenco studies are increasingly popular among foreign students. More than half those attending the Heeren Flamenco Academy are from overseas.

Controversial star —
Flamenco performer Rocio Molina is one of Spain's most popular and most controversial artists. She's drawn criticism for pushing flamenco's boundaries with her "fusion" collaborations.

Talent and hard work —
"You have to be talented and you have to work very hard, but it is possible," says Tino van der Sman, a Dutch flamenco guitarist seen here performing with dancer Mari Angeles Gabaldon.

Flamenco home —
The Casa de la Memoria is one of the premier venues for flamenco artistry in Seville, with twice-nightly shows from some of the leading performers.


