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What To Expect From The Cantaor/a

Do you know how the letra works and what options the singer has for singing it?

If not, here's what you need to know because..

Adapting your moves to suit the way the letra is sung is ESSENTIAL when improvising.

And also the scariest 😱 because you don't know how the singer will sing it until you're out there. In front of everyone!!

That's why it's always safer to watch someone else doing it.

Haha just kidding. Kind of 🤪 But I know you really do want to give it a go. Soooo......

Here's a simple, four-step strategy for getting to know the letra, so it will be.. less scary.

1. The Typical Structure
Before worrying about all the different ways the singer could sing the letra – learn the ONE way the singer will sing it the MAJORITY of the time:
- First sung line
- Respiro
- Repeat of first sung line
- Second sung line
- Repeat of second sung line

This is the typical structure of a letra AND the ONE way the singer will sing it the MAJORITY of the time....

2. The First Sung Line
✏ The first sung line will usually last one compás (12 counts)
✏ If the singer feels like being fancy, they might extend the sung line by repeating words or extending vowel sounds for another 6 or 12 counts (sometimes longer!)
✏ After this the singer has 3 options:
- repeat the first sung line,
- take a respiro, or
- sing the second sung line.

There's literally no other choices.

The singer is not obliged to repeat the first sung line, or take a respiro. But he or she is obliged to sing the second sung line, at some point..

3. The Respiro
✏ The respiro is when the singer does no singing. They take a break, or a 'breath'.
✏ The respiro can last as long as the singer wants, sometimes 6 counts, sometimes 12, sometimes longer. But usually one compás.
✏ The respiro can go anywhere the singer chooses:
- after the first sung line,
- after the repeat of the first sung line,
- or even after the second sung line.

4. The Second Sung Line
✏ The second sung line usually lasts two compáses
✏ Again, if the singer feels like being fancy, they might extend the sung line by repeating words or extending vowel sounds
✏ After the second sung line the singer has 3 options:
- finish the letra there
- repeat the second sung line, or
- take a respiro then repeat the second sung line
 
The singer is not obliged to repeat the second sung line. But in a Por Fiesta situation where there is a dancer, it is most likely the singer will repeat the second sung line.
I hope you found this helpful!
 

If you want some more help with learning how the letra works, and what to expect from the singer, stay tuned – I will be hosting a FREE live masterclass next month (June 2022), where I'll be going deep on this topic and more 🔥🔥🔥🔥

More details coming out soon 😊

Until next time, happy dancing 💃🏻
Belinda x
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