Flamenco skirts can be cut several different ways.   They are not circle skirts, which get bulky around the waist and hips (and let's face it, who needs extra inches there??).  Instead, they're cut to fit close to the hips and flare generously towards the hem.  This is usually achieved by using panels, which are narrow near the waist and get wider towards the hem, or by adding extra fabric (called godets) round the hem.

Flamenco Skirts on eBay

A nice touch is to use two fabrics in the skirt, one for the main body and another for the godets or frills.  The flash of contrasting fabrics as you swirl adds drama to the movement.  The skirt on the right is a good example - look how the patterned frill highlights the feet. It can be ordered in a range of colours and patterns, too.  Great job, Pepe!

The most practical material for skirts is polyester, so you can throw them in the washing machine and don't have to spend hours and hours ironing the acres of fabric.

There's a trend in some schools for female students to wear pants in class.  Personally, I think if you're going to perform in a skirt, you need to practise in a skirt:  it makes such a big difference to how fast you can move.