When buying a fan for flamenco dance, do be sure you're buying a flamenco fan - one that's specifically designed for flamenco, like the one on the right.

Don't be tempted by the small, beautifully painted ones sold as souvenirs - dancing fans are much, much bigger (if you hold an open flamenco fan in your hand, the end of the fan should almost reach the crook of your elbow).

 

Flamenco fans on eBay

Note, the fans sold in Chinese or Japanese shops aren't usually suitable:  although they may be the right size, I've yet to find one that opens and closes fast enough and smoothly enough to be any use for dancing. Try opening and closing the fan - you must be able to do both with one hand.

Here's a modern take on the traditional flamenco fan dance: