Zapateado is a Spanish word which means ‘tapped with the shoe.’ It names a type of specialized dance footwork called ‘punta y tacon,’ (‘point and heel’), performed in the Flamenco Baile. The term Zapateado can refer to a particular dance, as well as a solo choreographed for the most accomplished male dancers. In the Zapateado, the dancer dazzles the onlookers with his speed, agility, and control in the taconeo.
The music for this dance is played with the Tanguillo rhythm, in 6/8 time (it can also be scored as triplets in 2/4 time). The toque uses the chord positions found in the key of C major: C major, F major and G7. Sometimes, these dances are played in other major keys. Not an intensely passionate toque, the Zapateado can nevertheless be an enchanting solo that showcases the guitarist’s technical skills.
Zapateado has a regular compas, its rhythm having a distinguishing pulse. In the following song, it is written as 2/4 time for the transitional parts, the rasgueo, with 6/8 for the falsetas. When the tempo changes, the music reflects the diversity found in the variations of the dance. Slower passages follow accelerations to a climax, followed by yet another acceleration. Some versions include passages in a more solemn minor key (the tonic minor), as well as modulations to other keys. The solo consists of rasgueos and falsetas, which follow a conventional pattern which includes C major and G7 chords. A song titled ‘Zapateado para baila’ (‘for dancing’), a featured piece in Los Angeles Guitar Academy’s online Flamenco lessons, illustrates these principles well. A traditional accompaniment to the dance, this piece builds upon students’ previously-learned techniques as it introduces students to this form.