Riyaz: Behind the Scenes of Flamenco Dance
Dance is my daily meditation. This is where the magic happens—the raw, unfiltered hours of practice that define my craft.
Dance is a freedom of expression and a roaring emotion. Here I am in the studio, a space where I can explore, create, and lose myself in the movement.
The daily ritual. A simple practice session in the studio, working on footwork and rhythm. Consistency is everything in this art form.
A moment of emotional expression in the studio, dancing to the soulful voice of the late KK. His music provides a deep well of inspiration for my improvisations.
You have to breathe to develop speed with consistency. A clip from a practice session focusing on building up the speed and clarity of my footwork, which sounds like a 'railgaadi' (train).
Just move, just dance. Sometimes the best thing to do is to let go and allow the body to explore movement freely, blending elements of Flamenco and Jazz.
My thoughts on the artist's journey. Every artist's path is different, filled with ups and downs, but the key is to keep practicing your art with faith and dedication.
Experimenting with a new percussion instrument, the 'castanuelas' for the foot. My journey is one of constant exploration, always looking for new rhythms and sounds to incorporate into my dance.
A dedication to one of my favorite bands, Las Migas. This is a small piece from my studio, interpreting their powerful song 'Muerte' through my Flamenco expression.
A tribute to the band Indian Ocean, whose music has been a huge inspiration. This is a raw, heartfelt Flamenco rendition of their iconic song 'Bandeh', straight from the studio.
A fun jam session in the studio with my brother Abid Khan, a folk singer from Rajasthan. We love to blend the sounds of Flamenco with the melodies of his homeland.
About Riyaz: The Artist's Practice
The sound you hear in my performances isn't just music, it is the result of years of practice on specific wooden surfaces. My zapateado (footwork) requires a proper, resonant wooden stage to come alive. If you are planning an event, please remember that a high-quality wooden overlay is essential to capture the clarity and power of the rhythm we bring to your guests.
For me, the stage is only the final destination. The real work, my 'riyaz,' happens here in the studio. It is a spiritual connection—a daily practice of sweat, rhythm, and devotion that bridges the gap between Spanish Flamenco and Indian folk traditions.
Why the Studio Matters
My practice sessions are not just about repeating steps. They are about finding 'duende' (soul). Whether I am jamming with a tabla player to map out a 12-beat Bulerias cycle or exploring the percussive nuances of Rajasthani Khartaal, the studio is where we experiment. This is where we break boundaries, mashing up Jazz, Waacking, and Kathak to create the fusion acts that make my performances distinct.
Technical Realities
If you are looking to book a performance, understanding the 'how' is as important as the 'what':
- The Floor: My footwork is percussive. I need a wooden stage or a high-quality plywood overlay to ensure the zapateado is audible. Concrete or tile floors simply cannot produce the sound this art form demands.
- The Soundscape: My shows are live. We work with live musicians, not backing tracks. This requires specific mic placement—especially for the floor and the percussion instruments—to maintain that raw, energetic connection.
- Customization: Because I view every show as a unique dialogue, I don't use 'cookie-cutter' routines. We rehearse, we adapt, and we tailor the intensity based on your event vibe, be it an intimate sangeet or a large corporate concert.
If you want to bring this level of authenticity to your event, let’s talk about the space and the energy you are planning to create.
Kunal Om
I am Kunal Om. For me, dance is a 30-year spiritual journey from the streets of India to the heart of Spain. I do not just perform; I pour my riyaz—my lifelong devotion—into every movement to create something raw and real for your guests.
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