El imaginario flamenco americano: Aura y Kitsch en la escena transnacional

Abstract

The continuous transformations suffered by flamenco have always been related to its interactions with many other traditions. What once was a local experience, although hybrid from its origins, was transformed into a chameleonic musical phenomenon able to produce new development while conserving a characteristic personality. The transnational flamenco progress started around the end of 19^th century. It is considered that its trips to America, especially those to the United States, were the most relevant to the phenomenon. However, flamenco artists developed their careers detached from its socio-cultural environment —and even from American cultures— in the new settings. Their isolation was twofold and favored specific ways to perform and experience flamenco. This new expansion gave transnational flamenco a distinctive and contemporary Kitsch touch.