2.15 Alegrías – El Niño del Mentidero

Flamenco Alegrias Course Description

Flamenco Alegrias. This is a very dynamic choreography, with a lot of walking around the stage. Its character is fresh and lively, exuding fun and enjoyment, and our students worked on it for an entire semester until they managed to convey the joy it produces when dancing.

The learning level is intermediate, although the lessons explain everything in a clear and simple way that is suitable for any level.

A palo belonging to the Cantiñas family with mixed or amalgamated time, consisting of twelve beats.

The song is called “El niño del Mentidero” by singer David Palomar. This song features another online course by professor David Pérez, but the choreography is completely different.

This choreography was created for the students of level 3 Intermediate, and was worked on in the annual flamenco classes in the year 2024 – 2025. This dance premiered in June 2025 at the Pedro Pérez Fernández Municipal Theater in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Seville.

You can enjoy the full dance on stage in one of the course lessons.

Structure of this choreography

Its structure includes a traditional Alegrías entrance (a very entertaining tirititran performed by David Palomar) and four verses. In each of them, you can see typical alegrías markings and numerous remates and desplantes. There is also a small escobilla, between the third and fourth letters, which completes our Alegrías choreography.

Flamenco Alegrias Style

Alegrías are one of the most lively, elegant, and representative flamenco styles in the traditional Andalusian repertoire, especially associated with Cádiz. They are characterized by their 12-beat rhythm, the same as other forms such as the Soleá, but with a much lighter, more festive, and dynamic feel. The rhythm is marked and constant, and the singing is usually in a major key. The lyrics of the alegrías frequently evoke the sea, love, and everyday life.

This style originated in the 19th century, with influences from the Aragonese jotas, which arrived in Andalusia and were adapted to the flamenco style by local artists. Singing in Alegrías requires great rhythmic precision and clear diction to maintain the melodic structure. It is one of the most popular styles of flamenco dance, due to its marked rhythm and expressiveness. Dancing in Alegrías is notable for its elegance, the use of the shawl, and the work of the arms and waist. Great figures of flamenco, such as La Perla de Cádiz or Chano Lobato, have been fundamental references in this style.

What will I learn in this Alegrias Flamenco course?

• Dance this choreography step by step with 13 lessons and 55 minutes of content.
• With this choreography, you’ll learn a complete 5-minute dance.
• Many resources you can apply to other Flamenco dances.

Things to keep in mind

• Music: “El niño del Mentidero” by singer David Palomar
• It would be a good idea to have ample space to dance.
• It has 12-beat time, mixed time, or amalgamation.
• You must have flamenco dance shoes. We also recommend a mirror. You can get any flamenco product by following this link.

All Lessons in this Course

About Instructors

Esther Vélez

Director of Estudio Flamenco Sevilla

Director of Estudio Flamenco Sevilla. Bachelor in Pedagogy of Dance, Esther Vélez is a guarantee for learning at all levels