Flamenco in Granada comes in more than one form, and a tablao show is the most reliable way to see it done with polish. Tablao Casa Ana stages a traditional programme in an intimate room, where a singer, a guitarist and dancers perform a sequence of flamenco styles over about an hour. The stage is low, the audience is seated close and the floor is built to amplify the sound of the dancers' heels. From the first guitar chords the room goes quiet, and the voice of the cantaor, rough and expressive, sets the mood for the dance that follows. A traditional show moves through different palos, the styles that make up the flamenco repertoire. Slow, serious forms such as the soleá carry deep emotion, while livelier ones such as alegrías and bulerías give the dancers room to show off speed and rhythm. Between the numbers, hand-clapping, shouts of encouragement and silences are as much a part of the performance as the dance. If you have never seen flamenco, you do not need to know the names of the styles. What matters is the energy between the performers, which in a small room you feel directly.
Tablao or cave
Granada's cave shows on the Sacromonte hill have atmosphere and proximity, while a tablao in the centre offers an easier journey, comfortable seating and often a more formal programme. Casa Ana is in the town rather than on the hill, so you avoid the steep climb and the taxi ride back, and it is simple to fit into an evening that includes dinner. If you like, do both over a few nights and compare the two styles.
NaNEtiquette
Keep conversation to a minimum during the songs and the dances, and applaud at the end of a piece. Rules on photography and filming differ between venues and between shows, and some tablaos prohibit flash or filming completely, so follow the staff instructions. Dress is casual, though many visitors dress up a little for an evening out.
Making an evening
Have an early tapas dinner in the centre, walk to the show, then wander back through the lit streets. If you want to learn more about the music first, join a daytime Albaicín and Sacromonte walking tour, which explains the Gypsy roots of the art. Book ahead for Fridays and Saturdays and in spring and autumn, when Granada is at its busiest.
What makes a good show
The best flamenco depends on the connection between singer, guitarist and dancer, and on the mood of the room. Sit close enough to see the dancers' faces and feet, but not so close that you are in the way. Let the first few minutes settle you in, and do not worry if you do not understand the words, because the emotion carries across languages.
What to expect
The experience
A seated flamenco show with a singer, guitarist and dancers on a small stage in the centre of Granada.
Best time
Evening, after an early tapas dinner.
How long
About an hour, plus time to arrive early.
Tips
Arrive early for a good seat, keep quiet during the songs and follow the staff's rules on filming.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a polished, easy-to-reach flamenco show.
- Families
- Older children who enjoy live music; the room is quiet and attentive.
- Couples
- A classic evening out in the centre.
- Pair with
- A tapas dinner or a tapas tour.
- Time needed
- An evening, with the show lasting about an hour.
Good questions
What is a tablao?+
A venue with a small stage built for flamenco, where professional performers dance, sing and play for a seated audience.
How long is the show?+
About an hour.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Yes, especially on weekends and in spring and autumn, when shows fill up.
Is a drink included?+
It may be. Check your confirmation.
Can I take photographs?+
Rules differ by show. Follow the staff instructions, and avoid flash.
