Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to identify a dancer’s body alignment while performing flamenco footwork to provide a detailed description that could be used by flamenco practitioners: teachers, instructors and students of different levels of advancement. The zapateado technique performed by a professional flamenco dancer was analyzed. The biomechanical analysis was based on 30 cycles composed of six repeating sequences of strikes. Kinematic recordings were performed using a Vicon system, while the measurement of the ground reaction forces (GRF) was accomplished with a Kistler force plate. The following parameters were analyzed: the time of each foot strike, the maximal value of the vertical component of GRF normalized to body weight (BW) for subsequent footwork steps, the impulse of the GRF and the kinematics of pelvis and lower limb joints, and an exemplary waveform view of the sound of footwork strikes was shown. The average values of the vertical component of GRF ranged between 0.6 and 2.7 BW. The maximal anterior pelvic tilt was 29°, with a 6° range of motion (RoM). This mobility was accompanied by 20° hip RoM and by ~40° knee RoM throughout flexion. The conclusions provide practical information that a teacher and flamenco student should receive.
Highlights
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) refers to oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, knowledge, traditional crafts and festive events
When the limb goes to the posterior plane, the ankle is relaxed but with the foot in a slight plantar flexion. This leg takes the responsibility of support while preparing to perform the second footwork step that will be produced by dropping the heel on the floor
We provided a detailed description of the most common set of steps used in choreography
Summary
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) refers to oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, knowledge, traditional crafts and festive events. This kind of heritage is transmitted through the knowledge and skills from one generation to the and is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity [1]. The highest density of practitioners is observed in four regions out of 17. These are the following: Andalusia, Murcia, Madrid and Catalonia. Flamenco is very popular around the world [2,3], and it can be danced by itself, or some of its elements (e.g., different footwork) can be applied to other dances, e.g., Paso doble, which belongs to the ballroom dancing, Latino American style
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