Proponents of flamenco puro believe that both music and dance should remain in their original form and they are passionate defenders of their point of view. Yasmine Villalobos, a professional cantaora (singer) and teacher at London flamenco school Escuela de Baile says, "My passion for pure flamenco makes me angry. I feel very strongly about how it has been abused by people who don’t have sufficient knowledge, who haven’t lived it. We are supposed to be flamenco, to live flamenco and not just to put it on like a hat when we go on stage."
But others hold to the idea of flamenco nuevo - music and dance that continues to develop through fusion, reinterpretation and innovation. Danielle Allan, a flamenco teacher and student says, “I collaborate on an outreach programme all over the country and pure flamenco wouldn’t be appropriate for the work so I incorporate other elements including that of Spanish Dance. I’m not obsessed with flamenco and I’m not prepared to suffer for it. It’s one part of my lovely, rich life and I come home to my husband exhausted and happy." Photographs used throughout this feature were taken at flamenco classes run by Escuela de Baile and taught by the school's head, Nuria Garcia.
