Farruca

Using Spanish Phrygian scale - The Farruca is a dramatic dance characterized by somber virtuosity, aggressive footwork and dramatic shifts in tempo. For many years La Farruca was performed exclusively by men and although there are female flamenco dancers they originally danced wearing male clothing. Because the dance serves primarily as a vehicle for the display of virtuosic dance movement, the form of any given Farruca is shaped by the choice of the solo dancer. The dance often has fast turns, quick intense footwork, dramatic poses and bursts of filigrana (ornamental gestures). It can also be danced with a cape. Overall it has an 'improvisatory' air and sections of the dance are fluid and interchangeable. The dancer shows off their footwork, technique, power, endurance and charisma.