Flamenco Shawl Top (Sarong style)

The second way to create a top from a flamenco shawl will be familiar to any woman who has ever used a sarong as a dress. You can't wear a cami or ordinary bra with this style, because it leaves your shoulders and upper back bare.  Wear a halter-neck bra and/or top instead. Fold the [...]

Dress For Flamenco - All about Flamenco Costume

Flamenco Shawl Top (Traditional)

The traditional way to create a top from a flamenco shawl is to wrap the main part of the shawl around the front of your body and then create shoulder straps with the ends. Note - it can be quite difficult to wrap the shawl around you by yourself. It's well worth having someone to [...]

Dress For Flamenco - All about Flamenco Costume

How to Wear a Flamenco Shawl

Most people assume that the beautiful embroidered flamenco shawl (manton) is worn over the shoulders, as in the picture above. Not for dancing!  Only the small mantoncillo is worn that way when dancing - a large shawl would restrict the arms and conceal body movement too much.  You will sometimes see photos of a dancer [...]

Dress For Flamenco - All about Flamenco Costume

How to Choose a Flamenco Shawl

A large flamenco shawl is an essential and versatile part of the flamenco dancer's wardrobe, as well as being a dramatic prop (see Working Shawls).  They can be wrapped around your upper body in a number of ways to make an attractive top.  If the fringe is short enough, they can be tied around your [...]

Dress For Flamenco - All about Flamenco Costume

Flamenco Shawls #1 – the Working Shawl

What's a working shawl?  It's a shawl you use as a prop, not one you wear around your shoulders.  Some shawls are easier to work with than others, and your needs will change as you become more skilful. Non-flamenco dancers may have seen men twirling and flicking a cape in dances like the paso doble: [...]

Dress For Flamenco - All about Flamenco Costume