Beni’s Flamenco Clapping Workshop Review | 2022
We began seated around a round table, clapping the rhythm of bulerías, a flamenco style. First, Beni demonstrated the tone and volume of the clapping, and then we joined in.
When Beni introduced an offbeat, we would fall behind or, conversely, speed up. Drawing on his own experiences performing in a tablao, he explained that, in his view, nerves were more responsible for these timing slips than our clapping technique. This helped me understand how the sound I produced could reflect my inner state.
He also taught us exercises we could start incorporating that very day, such as clapping while walking or chatting.
He clearly explained how an artist can remain relaxed inwardly even onstage, how to find our position and posture when beginning to clap, and where to direct our attention during the fin de fiesta. He illustrated these points with a comparison to “the fire beneath a paella pan.”
I came away wanting us to be able to maintain a solid rhythm and groove even when only the students were clapping.
My heartfelt thanks to Beni for continuing to teach us for 45 minutes beyond the scheduled time. My recommendation in that review was to give it a try without thinking, “Rhythm scares me”: Beni was certainly no fearsome instructor, and I felt sure the experience could lead to new discoveries.
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