With its rich architecture and alluring culture, Seville is a city of soulful radiance. Nothing embodies Seville’s soul more than flamenco, a form of dance that originated in the city and is renowned worldwide as a passionate art form. When visiting Seville, going to a flamenco show is a must. I recently had the opportunity to visit Tableao El Palacio Andaluz, which is known for having the best flamenco show and dinner in Seville. I enjoyed an evening of culture, showmanship, and fantastic food that I recommend for anyone unfamiliar with flamenco and looking for an all-inclusive night out.
My mom, aunt, and I had tickets for El Palacio Andaluz’s top-tier package offering: a visit to their flamenco dress museum, dinner, and a flamenco show. The dress museum included information about the culture of flamenco and dress styles throughout the decades. This short visit was followed by a candlelit dinner and show filled with passionate dancing, gratifying vocals, and the enchanting melody of Spanish guitar.
The Flamenco Dress Museum
The flamenco dress museum is designed to teach visitors about flamenco fashion’s history, from its humble origins to how it became one of Spain’s most extravagant icons. While the museum is small, it’s filled with plenty of information and has many vibrant dresses to view. I especially loved how the dresses from the 90s included the signature denim accents that defined the fashion of that decade and the “groovy” aspects of the dresses from the 60s and 70s. This museum visit only takes about 30 minutes, but adds a cultural layer that helps visitors appreciate the art form more deeply.
The Show
Upon arrival at the theater, I was impressed with its size. Its grandeur made me feel like I was about to go to the opera or ballet. However, the overall aesthetic had an inviting, traditional Spanish flair. El Palacio Andaluz has the largest flamenco stage in Seville, fitting the electric energy of the flamenco dancers, guitarists, and singers who perform. Beautiful women in fabulous dresses perform in fluid whirls of color over Spanish guitar and profound singing. The men are impressive with their passionate footwork. Emilio Ramirez, or “Mr. Gold Shoes” as my aunt light-heartedly called him, dominated the stage. As an award-winning flamenco dancer, he is El Palacio Andaluz’s star performer and choreographer. I enjoyed his portions of the show because his zapateado (the rapid, rhythmic footwork integral to flamenco) was astounding. The show lasted an hour and a half, including different traditional flamenco styles and scene changes that kept the show’s rhythm energetic and engaging. After the show, some dancers waited by the exit doors for pictures, which added a personal touch to such a magnificent show.
The Dinner
After the museum tour, we were seated at a formal, candlelit dinner table with clear stage views. We were given the option of a bottle of red or white wine, cured meats, cheeses, and a fig salad. As the lights dimmed and as the show began, we continued our courses of salmon, pork cheek, and molten chocolate cake over the bottle of our luscious red wine. I particularly enjoyed the salmon with its sweet glaze and the gooeyness of the chocolate cake paired with fruity strawberry ice cream. While I was concerned with having the show interrupted to be served, the staff was pleasantly accommodating and gave quick service so that I never missed a beat. Having dinner while watching a flamenco show was a unique and convenient experience. There was no rush for dinner reservations before or after the show!
Final Thoughts
Overall, the flamenco dinner and show at El Palacio Andaluz is a fantastic option for those who have never experienced a flamenco show before and want a memorable night in Seville. The flamenco dancing is spectacular and culturally rich, and having dinner while watching takes away the stress of planning dinner before or after the show. Attending the show can stand on its own as a fun night out, or you can continue the fun by visiting one of the many lively bars in Seville for some post-show drinks. ¡Disfruta!
