Tuesday, July 29, 2008

What are Jaleos? (How to applaud in Spanish.)

Jaleos (“ha-lay-ohs”) are the words and phrases audiences in Spain call out to express their pleasure with a performance, and to provide encouragement to the artist.  These “shout-outs” are intended to incite greater passion in, and to propel forward, the artist in his or her performance.  The performers themselves often call out jaleos to their fellow artists to keep up the momentum and add to the excitement of the performance. This interaction between the audience and the artists is all part of the flamenco experience. 

The following are some common jaleos that you can call out during Flamenclorico: Lore of the Miners: 


Agua  (ah-gwah)
Translated, this is the word for water.  As a jaleo it means something along the lines of “it’s so hot, I need water.”

Alé (ah-lay)
A version of “olé.“

Así se baila (ah-see say bi-lah)
That’s dancing!

Así se canta (ah-see say cahn-tah)
That’s singing!

Así se toca (ah-see say toe-cah)
That’s playing (guitar or other instrument)!

Bien (byane)
Well done!

Eso es (A-so Ace)
That’s it!

Guapa (gwah-pa)
Beautiful!

Hassa (ah-sah)
Great!

Olé (oh-lay)
The most common of all jaleos.  It is akin to an American’s hand-clapping applause.

Sí Señor (see say-nyor)
Yes sir!

Toma que toma (toe-ma kay toe-ma)
Take it!

Vamos alla (vah-mose ah-ya)
Let’s go there!

Vamos va (vah-mose vah)
Let’s go!

Posted by Pasion Flamenca at 02:09:00
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