Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Evening of Flamenco

Starting point is 00:00:00 Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios. To listen, add free, access our entire catalogue of episodes and support the show directly. Check out our premium feed by going to get sleepy.com slash support. Now, a quick word from our sponsors. From morning hockey with a cup of coffee to Timbits and road trips. Tims and Canadian tire have always gone together. Now it's official. You can now earn Canadian tire money at Tim's.

Starting point is 00:00:32 Link your Triangle Rewards and Tims Rewards accounts to earn twice with every Tim's run. Terms and conditions apply. Visit timhordens.ca slash triangle for details. Did you know, our company Slumber Studios also has a sleep app called Slumber. With thousands of episodes, including stories, meditations, soundscapes, music and audio books, It has a huge variety of sleep-inducing content, and we add new episodes every single day. You can search by narrator, hear episodes you won't find on Get Sleepy, and even customize your background sounds to create your own perfect mix.

Starting point is 00:01:13 As a listener of Get Sleepy, you can unlock all of the content in the app, free for one month. Just go to Slumber.fm slash Get Sleepy. That's slumber.fm slash get sleepy for instant access to all of the content in slumber, free for one month. Welcome to get sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and I'm your host. Tonight's story was written by Angela and narrated by a reef. We're taking a relaxing trip to southern Spain, to the beautiful city of Sevilla, known in English as Seville. Here we'll see a traditional flamenco show.

Starting point is 00:02:15 Flamenco is rooted in the Hittano or Spanish jibes. Sipsy culture of Andaluthia. It's a colourful and memorable spectacle with vibrant costumes, foot-tapping and clapping, soulful songs and lilting guitar music. So, before we hear it, find whatever position feels right for you.

Starting point is 00:02:48 And just spend a moment appreciating the comfort and coziness, of your bed. Feel the areas of contact between your body and the mattress below. Notice where the weight of your body sinks a little deeper, the subtle movements of the breath, in and out of your diaphragm. And starting at the top of your head, scan your attention through the body. Acknowledging any sense of tension or unease as you go while you scan down through the face and neck and into the shoulders.

Starting point is 00:03:55 Feel free to pause should you find any tension lingering there. And if so, simply breathe deeply two or three times. Inviting an essence of calm to wash over that tension whenever you're ready. Continue to scan through your body, down the arms and into the hands, then back into your torso, your chest and upper back,

Starting point is 00:04:44 your stomach and lower back, if any tension arises. Breathe the essence of calm into those areas. Then follow your focus through the hips, upper legs, the knees, and the lower legs

Starting point is 00:05:21 into your ankles, the tops of your feet, and the soles of your feet. Finally, wiggle your toes and let go of any last bits of tension. Now that you've checked in with your whole body, you can let everything completely relax. Now, simply listen to the sound of a reef's voice and be transported to the neighborhood of Triana in Sevilla, which is famous for its flamenco culture.

Starting point is 00:06:23 This is where our story begins. You are standing in the Triana district of Seville, Guadal-Kivir River, the evening, and the temperature is mild, with a slight hint of breeze. The skies are painted with delicate brushstrokes of dusky blue and purple. The colors reflect onto the river directly in front of you. They blend with the warm golden beams from old fast. street lamps along the water's edge. The river, the historic center of Sevilla spreads out in front of you.

Starting point is 00:07:44 And as its landmarks are illuminated, it looks like a beautiful old painting, frozen in time. Where you stand, you can see the 13th century Torre del Oro, of cold. To watchtower, moors from North Africa, ruled the sea. city. Nor is surrounded by tall palm trees. Their leaves swaying back as you gaze across the river. A small cruise boat playing music. The visitors enjoying a pleasant evening tour of the city's landmarks. People are smiling and happy as their guide points out the sights. Your guide book tells you that the Guadalchi Vier River begins its journey high in the mountain ranges of northern Andalusia, it runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean

Starting point is 00:09:09 at the Gulf of Cadiz. During the age of discovery, the river was used to transport goods like grains, wool, nuts, and linens from the interior of Spain to the Americas, moves further along the river. You turn your attention to the lively restaurants shaded by canopies line the water's edge. You can hear a faint clattering of plates in the sound of laughter. As people gather to dine and relax after a busy day at work behind you across the street, pretty residences are painted in muted pastel shades. Each house is no more than two stories high, and they all feature balconies crafted from wrought iron. You find yourself imagining what it would be like to wake up each day and stand on one of the balconies to see Sevilla across the river, bathed rise, deciding to leave the water. Deciding to leave the

Starting point is 00:10:41 waterfront behind, you turn onto a street between the houses. It is a narrow street, typical of the neighborhood, cobbled with flickering gas lanterns attached to the walls. Plants adorn the balconies, and above you, a washing line crosses from one side of the street to the other. The road leads to an open square, dotted with. with bitter orange trees. At this time of year, the trees are laden with ripe fruit. According to your guidebook, there are almost 15,000 of these trees decorating the streets of Sevilla. They bear the famous Seville oranges, the type often used to make marmalade. Legend has it that bitter orange trees were chosen perfect.

Starting point is 00:11:53 purposefully to prevent people from picking the fruit. The trees brighten the city with their cheerful colors. This evening, oranges are suspended from the branches like festive bobbles. A zesty, citrusy scent lingers in the air as you walk by. A few weeks from now, the oranges will all be harvested and the perfume will change as the Asa Aras or orange blossoms replace the dimpled edge of the square. In front of the traditional restaurants, people stand casually. Chatting around tables made from old oak casks, the tables are filled with tapas,

Starting point is 00:12:58 small sharing plates of local delicacies. You notice that the. restaurant names are painted on wall tiles. They are blue and white, Asulejo tiles, a style that has long been popular in this province of Spain. You find yourself wondering if the tiles were made in the Triana neighborhood, in addition to Flamenco, the district is also famous for its ceramic production. As you leave the square and the orange trees behind, you turn right into a small alleyway. Halfway along is a neon sign that says Flamenco,

Starting point is 00:13:54 with an arrow pointing to an entrance. This is your destination for the evening. You are here to see a show performed by a well-known dancer, and this is one of the finest tablo or flamenco venues in the city. The Spanish word tablago refers to the wooden stage on which the artists perform their dance. Some of the venues date back to the 1950s or 60s.

Starting point is 00:14:33 You enter through a doorway that looks like a giant keyhole and descend the staircase to the venue on the lower floor. Home is small, intimate, with around 20 tables draped in white tableclothed. The tiffany-style lamp. The stained glass of the lampshades adds to the atmosphere. The walls of the venue are clad with exposed red brick, and the ceiling is arched, photographs of the flamenco dancers and musicians, taken over several decades.

Starting point is 00:15:29 In the far corner, a small bar serves drinks and snacks as a large wooden stage. Microphones and two chairs painted with floral motifs are arranged on the left-hand side. Behind the stage, a maroon velvet curtain creates a rich textured backdrop. Large spotlights are positioned at the front. A few more people enter the table. With 15 minutes until the performance begin, you locate your seat next to the wall on the right and drape your jacket on the back of the chair. Decide to explore a little before the show starts.

Starting point is 00:16:39 The right of the stage, an open door leads to a passageway and three dressing rooms. The soles of your shoes make a squeaking sound on the tiled floor. as you walk. Pass two rooms with guitars painted on the doors before reaching a third room, where the door is slightly ajar. Inside, you can see a woman rehearsing. She is glamorously dressed in full flamenco costume. Her hands are positioned above her head, and she moves her fingers in a turning, and twisting motion, clockwise, then counterclockwise. Then she brings her hands down and rests them on her waist, with her elbows bent like she is picking oranges from a tree, and then gracefully placing the fruit in a basket. Her long, dark hair is scraped back into a bun, and a red flower is

Starting point is 00:18:03 clipped at the back. Delicate gold earrings swing from her earlobes. As she observes her movements in the mirror, she notices you in the doorway and beckons you in. The flamenco dancer introduces herself as Rosita and inquires if you are here to see the performance. You nod and smile. She says you can stay if you wish and help her prepare. Close up, you notice that her dress is exquisitely detailed. It is red, the color of ripe tomatoes, with white polka dots. It is fitted at the bodice with a modest V-neckline, fringing, and short sleeves. The lower part of the dress is fitted to the knee. before opening out into a flouncy lower skirt. White lace ruffles swish and sway with every movement.

Starting point is 00:19:27 It reminds you of waves and how they move with the ocean. Rosita tells you that although most dancers prefer plain colored dresses, she likes the polka dots because of what they represent. she tells you that the design was never meant to be. The dots are called Lunaris, or Moles. They first appeared as a printing error in the 18th century. Nobody wanted the pattern dresses, so they were sold much cheaper than the others.

Starting point is 00:20:14 This meant that even the poorest people in town could wear them to local fairs, and everyone could dream of dancing flamenco. Rosita smiles as she reminisces and says that it was this story that inspired her to dance. It symbolized to her that anybody could do it. She turns to the mirror as she applies red lipstick to match her dress, while continuing her story. When she was younger, she would train for up to ten hours a day. Outside in the street would gather around to clap and sing.

Starting point is 00:21:12 Her brother and his friend learned to play guitar and accompanied her on her dances. They will join her on stage tonight. Are also very dedicated, she explains. In the early days, they made their own. instruments from pieces of cedarwood that they would find in the forest. As Rosita gets ready, you look around the room. It is sparsely decorated and painted in white, with mirrors across the length of both walls. The back of the room, a selection of flamenco dresses and embroidered shawls are placed on hangers in an open closet.

Starting point is 00:22:12 Several pairs of black shoes with buckles and elasticated straps are arranged on racks below. Rosita sees you looking at the shoes. She picks one up and turns it over so you can look at the sole. Tiny nails are embedded in. Rosita tells you that they allow her feet to become a nice. other percussive instrument. The nails enhance the sound on stage as she dances. With the dressing table and mirrors, open drawers contain handheld fans, castanets, makeup, and pieces of jewelry. You recognize the castanets, small percussive instruments that are handheld and played with sets

Starting point is 00:23:15 of two. They make a distinctive clacking sound as they are tapped together. Rosita holds them in the air and tells you that the history of the Castanet is said to date back over 3,000 years. Many are made from synthetic materials like fiberglass, but hers are old school and carved from the wood of a chestnut tree. She smiles and says that chestnut is castagna in Spanish. It is from this word that castanets get their name. You run your fingers across the surface of the smooth wood, noticing that the craftsmanship is impeccable

Starting point is 00:24:18 and that a tiny rose has been painted on each one. There are two pieces, to each instrument. The interiors are concave and look a bit like two hollowed-out shells, which fit together when closed. Parts of the instrument have a piece of red string at the top. Rosita explains that the shells of castanets are tuned differently, and one is higher pitched than the other.

Starting point is 00:24:58 One side is known as the female, and there is a lower-pitched shes. shell representing the male. She slips her thumb through the string and expertly clacks them together with her fingers to demonstrate. She smiles, her face lighting up with glee. Rosita places them down on the dressing table, just as there's a knock on the door. A man stands in the doorway, holding a guitar. He's tall with long dark hair. You notice that he is smartly dressed in a black waistcoat and pants with a white open-neck shirt. He nods when he sees you and you take your cue to leave, realizing that they are almost ready to go on stage.

Starting point is 00:26:04 Thank Rosita for her insight into the world. of Flamenco and leave the duo to put the final touches to their costumes and routine. As you emerge, you can see that the venue is now full. A sense of anticipation fills the air. A glass jug with water, ice and lemon wedges has been placed on your table, along with some snacks. You take your seat and sip the refreshing water feels cool as it touches the back of your throat, the lemon giving it a slightly tart taste. The audience cheers as the two male performers step onto the stage for the first time,

Starting point is 00:27:11 carrying their guitars. They sit on the chairs to the left of the wooden stage. The man you saw minutes earlier adjusts the microphone to a suitable height. They both tune their guitars while making soft, plucking sounds on the strings. After a few moments, Rosita appears, her red polka dot dress swishing as she walks to the center of the stage. She has added a shawl to her ensemble with fine tassels that swing with every step. The audience clap and cheer once more. She closes her eyes for a moment. When she opens them again, she turns to nod at the two men, and they begin to play. It's a lilting guitar tune, which is soft at first, a synchronicity of plucked chords that tell stories of old without the need for words.

Starting point is 00:28:33 A dancer follows the rhythm. concentration. You can see that she fully embraces the music and loses herself in the medium of dance. The first number is a warm-up. A gentle introduction to the art of flamenic. Rosita demonstrates Floreo, which involves moving her hands and intricately opening and closing her fingers. This is followed by Braceo. When she combines it with specific arm movements, she twists and turns in such a precise way that the ruffles on her skirt move like ocean waves.

Starting point is 00:29:37 You find yourself captivated by the entire performance. It ends after a few minutes with a dysplante, a dramatic pause that marks the end of this section. The audience applauds. The next piece is quicker. The second man begins to sing a cappella. Without any musical accompaniment, his voice has incredible range as he traverses the scales with ease. The tune is soulful, echoing throughout the venue, leaving everyone mesmerized after. a moment or two. The other man begins playing the guitar. He uses a technique known as picado, plucking single notes in rapid succession with alternating fingers. Rosita picks up the pace in time with the music. She pitches up her skirt and strikes the ball of her foot against the floor, making a stomping sound. You remember her showing you the nails on the soles of her shoes.

Starting point is 00:31:09 Now, you realize how much they are helping the sound to resonate on the wooden stage. She begins to clap intermittently as she continues singing, dancing in time with rapid sequences and movements. the entire spectacle is breathtaking to watch. The trio are perfectly in sync with voice, instruments, and the song ends with a guitar strum, a tap on the soundboard, and Rosita shouting Olai, while striking a pose with her hands in the air. As the performance continues, you find yourself one. wondering how the dance has evolved over time. It likely started with the Hittanos,

Starting point is 00:32:15 the Roma people from northern India, who migrated to Andalusia. Their musical traditions then blended with those of other people, including the native Andalusians, to create something entirely new. It's a rich tradition passed down. from ancestors. Each generation adds their own unique twist to the dance, while still paying homage to the meanings behind each move and the men play a melody of guitar tunes. As Rosita exits the stage

Starting point is 00:33:00 to change for the final set, she reappears minutes later in a long white dress, with gold brocade ruffles at the sleeves and skirt. The red rose in her hair has been replaced with a huge white carnation to match her new attire. It looks particularly striking against her dark hair. She appears on stage holding her castanets and stands poised for action in the center as she begins to sing, the entire audience becomes still. One of the men claps, while the other taps his guitar soundboard and strums intermittently.

Starting point is 00:34:01 Rosita demonstrates her vocal range through the first few minutes of the act. Her song tells the story of a young girl and her dream of dancing flamenco. The performance concludes. with strumming guitar music and Rosita playing the castanets. There are lots of rapid steps and heel strikes known as Tacones. It is a breathtaking finale which moves the entire audience to their feet, giving a standing ovation. The three performers, Rosita, her brother and his friend,

Starting point is 00:34:50 hold hands to bow on stage as they are showered with dozens of carnations that have miraculously appeared. The flowers land on the floor at their feet. A young man from the audience gathers them into a makeshift bouquet and hands them to Rosita, who thanks everyone with a wide smile. The two men take their guitars and disappear. backstage. Before she leaves, Rosita approaches your table. She says, many people come to see the show, but few are interested in what Flamenco truly represents. It is the dance of our people and should not be forgotten. So I thank you. The joy and freedom that I do when I dance, these will be

Starting point is 00:36:04 a good introduction. She beams her million-watt smile as she hands you her castanets as a gift. Rosita then bids you Juana's notches or good night before sashaying back to her dressing room.

Starting point is 00:36:28 You hold the small wooden instrument in your hand and feel very grateful for the experience, leaving the chatter of the tableau behind. You ascend the stairs as the darkest shade of navy blue. The stars are twinkling aside a brilliant full moon. The distant sound of a moped can be heard as it navigates the streets.

Starting point is 00:37:13 And a few people still linger outside the restaurants in the square. You walk back towards the river slowly, breathing in the air, while gently tapping. your castanets together and reverberates softly all around, and you imagine yourself dancing your own version of flamenco along the almost deserted street. When you reach the hotel, you notice that it is quiet. Your room is on the second floor, and as there's no elevator, you begin to climb the tiled stairs, feeling more and more sleepy with every step. Two, three, four. Your room is at the cozy, warm room.

Starting point is 00:38:41 Completely decorated with a wooden chair, dressing table, and a large bed. The drapes are still open, and you can see across the river to the historic center of the city. Looks magic onto the balcony for a last. look before changing into your pajamas and making yourself comfortable in the soft, spongy bed. As you rest your head on the pillow, you slow your breath and close your eyes before drifting off to sleep. You find yourself replaying the evening's events in your mind.

Starting point is 00:39:50 Story of Flamenco and the talented performers who dedicate you. their lives to the craft, the soulful songs, the wonderful guitar playing of Rosita, giving you a set of castanets, and inviting you to experience the world of flamenco for yourself. As you slowly enter a dreamy sleep, you realize that you are filled with happiness. You look forward to tomorrow and your next exciting adventure.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Evening of Flamenco

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.