So we wanted a flamenco show that didn't feel like a WWE match with smoke machines and stadium lights. We chose EssentialFlamenco in Madrid and they nailed it. It is literally that hidden gem, a cozy cellar gig with probably 30-40 people in three rows. Zero frills. They politely toss you a complimentary sangria, then give you a 5‑minute history lesson. After that, one singer, one guitarist, a box-drum or two, and dancers so close you could theoretically moonwalk onto their stage. Traditional flamenco realness, no nonsense. THIS is the way to see flamenco. Bravo. read more

Essential Flamenco - Tablao Flamenco Near Me - Madrid, M

A terrific demonstration of authentic Flamenco music and dance and origins, in a century-old Flamenco cave whose acoustics enhance the entire experience. It is a cozy atmosphere of perhaps 100 or so people in a half-circle around a small stage. Metal chairs could all use some cushion, or bring your thick sweatshirt to sit on for the 70-ish minute show. Intimate atmosphere, intense connection with the audience, passionate plucking on a flamenco guitar echoing against the curved brick. What an engaging performance by a couple dancers and musicians. Just the right length of time to give you a taste of this art form. No matter what their web site says, it is best not to have children under 10, or children who cannot be quiet or sit still enough to respect the performers, at any time of day or night. A child far too young for this environment did detract and distract from our show, and came dangerously close to the performers in this tight space. Be courteous, parents. Unless your kid is hypnotically enthralled by all song, dance, and instrumentals, do leave them home. Otherwise, this was a terrific performance preceded by a pre-show drink you can bring down to the cave with you to finish during the show. On a side note, I had no real interest in a Flamenco demonstration before, and only booked this because another member of our party wanted to go. However, seeing this show live in the cave, only a few feet from the stomping feet and strumming instruments, I must say it was a tremendously different and enriching experience than seeing a YouTube video or hearing a sample of this music. It was worth going, and a very enjoyable experience. read more

Essential Flamenco - Authentic music and dance in a century-old Flamenco cave? Si, por favor. - Tablao Flamenco Near Me - Madrid, M

If you love dance and/or taking in local culture, Essential Flamenco is essential! My friend and I went to a Friday 9pm night show which ran us 94,60€ and included a drink for each of us. You buy your ticket online, then they scan the QR code in person - super easy. You can get drinks at their bar before entering and hang out a bit - don't be late for your showtime though! For the show, you go into this super cool, underground cellar-cave area. It's small, intimate and dark but it feels kinda cool and exclusive. These performers work hard and my-oh-my did they SERVE FACE and outfits. Theatrical dance at its finest! It was a really thorough show, ranging through some slightly different styles of flamenco but it was very fun to watch. Crazy legs had some crazy legs, sheesh! Truly great at their craft and it was kinda strange to us, but an entertaining hour well spent. We had a wonderful time, great memories, and highly recommended to others if it sounds fun to you. read more

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We had drinks upstairs before the show - tables and servers were available. They had some drink choices, and we opted for the red sangria as white was unavailable. It was a small theater, two or three rows at most, with a handful of performers- two flamingo dancers--one man and one woman--and three other musicians. We also heard from musical talents, which was also very enjoyable. read more

This was an experience! The big disappointment was that we requested a glass of wine and got Sangria. Yes, we know you didn't give us what we asked for. After that, nothing was disappointing! They went through the history on Flamenco dancing which was very interesting. There were two Bailaoras and one Bailaor, 2 guitarists, one drummer, and one cantaor. They were each amazing. The show was only an hour long but very entertaining. read more

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Wonderful flamenco performance. Loved the brief introduction about the history of the dance form and the fact that they didn't serve food during the show. Complimentary beer, wine and sangria before the show was a nice touch. Dancers were amazing and there was also an instrumental performance. Definitely recommend this place for those who want to see flamenco for the first time. read more

Essential Flamenco - Flamenco - Tablao Flamenco Near Me - Madrid, M

Great show, but the venue is extremely small. I was on the front row on the edge and had a terrible view. Anybody not sitting in the middle won't have a good view. I was very interested in seeing the guitarist but I could only see the back of his guitar unfortunately. The performers were all amazing though! read more

Essential Flamenco - Tablao Flamenco Near Me - Madrid, M

I'm visiting from the USA and booked this in advance. It's a central location and easy to find. Upon entering you are pleasantly greeted and offered a drink voucher for 1 drink. I recommend the large glass of sangria . You are then moved downstairs to the cellar which is a bit crowded and very intimate. It probably seats about 50/60 people total. The stage is very small but every seat is pretty much a front row seat. You get a history lesson of the origin of the dance and then the show begins. It was very entertaining and I'm glad I experienced it. If you haven't seen a Flamenco show I highly recommend it. read more

Amazing! We enjoyed everything about this Flamenco Show. After experiencing Flamenco Dancing for the first time in Valencia, Spain, we decided to try a show here in Madrid. This venue is very intimate with "No bad seats". The musicians and dancers were very talented and the show was so very entertaining. Everyone at the show was friendly and welcoming. It was an enchanting evening to be sure! If you are in Madrid, check out this show! read more

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Best intimate flamenco show with only three rows of seats and also in domed brick cellar. We bought tickets in person because website wouldn't accept my card. Near Sol subway. Yummy sangria. So close, I could just feel the warmth onstage. Good value. Highly recommended! read more

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They do not offer food. Our ticket was purchased and we received a complementary drink (they offer sangria, beer or refreshments). The performers were great. However, the show is underwhelming for an an hour only. read more

Essential Flamenco - Inside the building. - Tablao Flamenco Near Me - Madrid, M

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The BEST, most authentic Flamenco show you will ever see!!!! Located in a cellar underground, this show encompasses all the aspects of traditional Flamenco-cante (singing), toque (guitar playing), baile (dance), jaleo (vocalizations and chorus clapping), palmas (handclapping) and pitos (finger snapping). The dances, the vocals, and the music were truly mesmerizing. The outfits were beautiful and both dancers (male and female) were truly on point with every beat of the music. Really small and intimate audience (only 2 rows) so you'll have a great seat anywhere "in the house"!! I would recommend this show to anyone- REALLY fun (and entertaining) night!! read more

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Oh. My. Word. What a welcome to Spain. We had booked tickets for Essential Flamenco our first night in Spain and it did not disappoint!!! I was literally moved to tears with how much passion there was - from the musicians to the dancers - and I cannot say enough good things about this performance. Every aspect of the show was well rehearsed. The musicians were incredibly talented and everyone complemented each other so well! It is an incredibly cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a small stage and only two to three rows of seats. The audience is so close to the stage, it feels as though you're a part of the performance! The experience truly moved me and my soul. Would highly recommend!!! read more

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The thing I enjoyed the most about this show was how close and intimate you were with the performers. You start off upstairs next to the bar. The tickets said to come 30 minutes early, which we did. I think most people came about 5 minutes before and it seemed to be fine. You then go downstairs and get to enjoy the show in a small room. The show was fun, you really get to enjoy some live music with flamenco dancing. Getting to watch flamenco dancing is a must in Madrid! read more

Absolutely gorgeous! No dinner is served to interrupt the performers. Very intimate. Very intimate! Each person is highlighted ~ dancers, guitarist, singer, percussionist. I will probably go back tomorrow! read more

Stellar flamenco experience in its most authentic form. This was a very intimate experience with acoustics of natural form since, it is performed in a 100+year old cellar where flamenco was traditionally showcased. If you want to take in a powerful exhibition of dance and music if find yourself in Madrid stop on in. Immigration comfort space, in a cellar. About the $35 for performance and includes a free drink. Try the sangria it is very good. Numerous places in the area to have dinner before or after. Absolutely wonderful performance!!!! read more

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Great experience very intimate setting in a basement. The street it is on has a good place for tapas and is a popular area. I puchased my ticket on their website and it included a cocktail. The musicians and dancers were superb, read their bios and wow what talent. Truly a must see when in Madrid. They let you video and take pictures. read more

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It was a very nice and cosy atmosphere in an underground cellar, to me it felt a bit touristy because there was a lot ppl, over 50 ppl a bit cramp. S The performance was passionate & strong from all the performers. A good introduction to flamenco near Puerta del Sol. Tickets we bought on the night included a drink each. read more

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Buyer beware!! So we bought tickets online for the 8:30 show and an email receipt showing as much. Then we showed up they had no record of our reservation. We waited for over 30 mins while they let other people in. Then we were told they would have to refund our money, but had no ability to do so but would rather have to call someone. We were told not to worry though because "this has happened before and the money would be refunded". Yet we are still waiting for that happened. Sure the reviews are great, but do you want to risk it? read more

If your confused, let me save the trouble A MUST SEE. I haven't never seen Flamenco but I have no desire to after seeing the performances here. Everyone is so very kind and welcoming. We left feeling the show with so many emotions! read more

Adorable, highly emotional, beautiful performance! We ordered ticket via business website. Everything was just perfect, the tickets awaited us at the entrance. We took sangria as a refreshment drink, which was just great to have during the show! The place is very authentic, probably the closest experience to the roots of Flamenco. The performance was so dramatic, so when we left the place we were literally speechless and needed few minutes to "recover". Extremely suggested show, I believe the best in Madrid! read more

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I had a wonderful experience in Madrid watching this flamenco show in an underground area near the square. I would recommend this show to anyone who is a first time visitor to Madrid. For 35 euros you will not be disappointed! read more

We attended a 10pm show and it was absolutely wonderful. It's a small space so very intimate. The musicians, the dancers did a great job. The one-hour show left us wanting more! read more

Beyond amazing !! I didn't think Madrid could get any better and then we bought tickets to this show! Amazing experience, incredible feeling- it's so intimate, you can feel every performers passion while they were up there on that stage! Highly recommend. read more

Essential Flamenco - The band and the Flamenco dancer - Tablao Flamenco Near Me - Madrid, M

At first, you enter and feel the place is dark. But the staff are warm and helpful. They quickly put you in a happy mood with drinks for everyone (they even had juice for the small kids, even though children under 5 are free). In a few minutes, we descend into the belly of the building for these cave like structures with a small stage and 3 rows of chairs. That's it. No fancy froo-froo. One can quickly imagine this is how it was many years ago. The unassuming and highly talented artists just get up on stage and start singing and dancing and their talent speaks for itself. And one can tell from their chemistry that they've done a jam or two together. The camaraderie and love for art is easy for everyone to see. They follow a music only, then music-and-dance, back and forth and back and forth. You are completely immersed in this experience. We loved the performance and we can't wait to come back again. read more

This show was the best example of Flamenco dancing and Music that I've ever seen. Very authentic, passionate and talented dancing and the musicians were talented and diverse. I loved the violin and drumming. Each of the performers were featured as well as the dancers. The venue seemed a bit small and cramped at first, but once the dancing started it all faded away and only the joy of that dance was to be had. read more

Authentic and made with passion. The players, singers and dancers were impeccable. The space is not big, it feels like a private show. Good value. read more