Chuflas

“Chuflas” is a singing, dancing and "toque" (guitar) flamenco style with a casual air and mocking spirit. Currently, they are almost dissolved into “bulerías”.

 

There exists a picture of flameco dancers which was published in "Alrdedor del Mundo" (1901), and refers to Antonio de la Rosa "The Pichiri" as "chufla" dancer. "Chufla" dance is similar to black "tangos".

 

With current “bulerías”, “chuflas” share a large number of elements. “Chuflas” could even be a genuine "palo" earlier than “bulerías“. At the beginning of the 20th century, "bulerías" started to be part of the repertoire of singers from Jerez, Cadiz and Seville. "Chuflas" could be a traditional form of bulerías in Cádiz.

 

In 1906, "el Pena” senior recorded “chuflas” which show their relation to “bulerías”. They were also recorded by Garrido (Jerez). But in this case, he sang them in a major tune than "bulerías” of Cadiz and “cantinas”.

 

In Cadiz, “chuflas” are performed in a very particular way, with all the charm typical of this town. “Chuflas” rhythm is identical to “bulerías”, but with more emphasis on ternary than “bulerías”; having clearly influence of “soleares” and “cantinas”.

 

"Chuflas” tone is also the same as in “bulerías”, which can be tonal (lower or higher). They can be performed with all kinds of lyrics, the same as “bulerías”.

 

Mariana Cornejo was one of the most outstanding performers.