Although it is widely accepted that the cultural hearth of the musical art form of flamenco is in Andalucia Spain, its roots can be traced to many other places around the world, so many in fact that it has created a debate about who created the musical art form. Spanish poets have written that it is the greatest invention of the Spanish people, but the gypsies of Spain say it is in their blood. It is hard to deny that the sad lyrics, and tones of the flamenco guitar are reflections of the pain and suffering that the gypsies people have sustained.
It is believed that the gypsy people were originally from northern India, but fled to northern Africa from to get away from invasions from the north. They stayed mainly in Egypt until they were thrown out; their new destination was Europe. The gypsies split into three main groups because they knew that their numbers were too large to be accepted at any one place. One of the groups ended up in the southern part of Spain in the 15th century. The gypsy people didn't have their own musical form, but instead were known for taking other culture's music and making their own renditions of it. In Andalucia the gypsies found a melting pot of musical ideas that included Moorish, Jewish, Catholic, and local music.
Flamenco music is often improvised and spontaneous. It is a mix of complicated rhythms and beats that are hard to tap ones foot to. The traditional flamenco ensemble is one each of a singer, guitarist, and dancer. The foundation of flamenco lies in its singing, which in some writings was said to bring on a state of ecstasy in the listeners. Guitar was originally just an accompaniment to the singer and dancer. Often the guitarist does not know where the singer is going to lead to and must be able to keep up. The most popular flamenco recordings today are usually of the solo guitar variety. Although the other two aspects of flamenco can also be done solo as well.
The flamenco dance is actually oriental in nature. Complex foot patterns add to the rhythmic beat of the song. Its the dancers job is to convey the mood of the song and remain within the time signature. The female dancers wear elaborate costumes and special shoes that tap as they pound their feet to the ground.
Flamenco is still popular today in Spain and many parts of Europe. It is also having an effect on newer pop music. You can hear its style and scales in music from groups such as Dave Mathews Band and Pink Floyd.
http://www.flamenco.org/otherflamenco.html