How to Choose a Flamenco Shawl (Manton)

[@karolinapek4461]

I have become enamoured with the manton. I was very lucky that the first time, I had a friend who had gone to Sevilla to study go with me to get my first manton. For me, I need the fabric (not the flecos part) to be longer than the ends of my hands and I want heavier so that it can fly with the air underneath. Also, I like more embroidery especially closer to the rim as I find that it helps with the flight of the manton. Recently, I have been looking at the designs for mantons that look more 19th century ( I love those mantons with beige embroidery and beige flecos.) One of my classmates just came to class last weekend with her new gold manton - oh that is simply stunning and had a good weight. Another of my classmates just purchased a black embroidered manton of ebay and had the flecos replaced as we have a contact here in China who runs a factory that exports mantons to Spain. ( I might even replace my flecos as they have become too frayed.) My practice manton is purple and I did not much like it but now I am so accostamed to it that I think it looks stunning when I move it. Now, that I am studying longer, it's like having wings.

[@ArleenHurtado]

Thank you for sharing your story and your personal preference. I also LOVE the vintage looking flecos that are beige. Perhaps you can share with the community where we might restore/repair our worn out flecos as this unfortunately does happen. As you can see my purple one is getting very frayed. Thanks again for your comment! :)

[@lorianaintili8954]

Where can I find one? Everywhere I look online I can't find one with fringe that long🤗

[@rinaz]

I've always wanted to learn how to dance with a Manton. Can't wait for the day ehehe

[@ArleenHurtado]

It's lots of fun, you should definitely try it!

[@edahacisagir551]

I am sooo in love with the purple one 💜 It would be nice to see a few movements with manton if possible?💃 Can the embroidery design be used to convey a story along with the flamenco dance style or are mostly plain ones preferred for performances?

[@ArleenHurtado]

Great questions! I have not seen an embroidery design with a story associated with it but I am sure that can be done. The mantones from China sometimes have figures and buildings and animal designs on them, the Spanish ones usually just have roses, sometimes birds. Usually they have embroidery and are not plain. I have many classes on my website teaching technique and choreographies or you can always check around here on KZbin. :)

[@k-cdavis4023]

I have many large square Russian shawls and I came here wondering if there is a way to make them work as mantons? (I know, they are Russian ones-- duh. And they are lighter. I just have a few and I would rather make them work.)

[@ЕКС-с2в]

If you mean the Pavlopasadskiy shawl (a shawl made of light wool or wool with silk), then it can be made into a flekos and it will be an excellent training shawl. It's different from the classic manton, but it works.

[@Brigand231]

Well, since you prompt us for questions... What got you into Flamenco dancing in the first place, what's your inspiration? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the dance?

[@ArleenHurtado]

Nice questions! I got into flamenco dance when my mother took me and my grandma to Andalucia when I was little, after that I was addicted forever! My least favorite aspect of flamenco is the exclusivity, I like everyone to be included. My favorite things are everything else! The traditional, the modern, the dance, guitar, singing! It's all so fun to focus on all of the many aspects of the flamenco world! :)