El Tablao Cardamomo has become the first flamenco venue flamenco 100% inclusive of the world for people with visual and hearing impairmentwith the aim of breaking down sensory barriers and restoring the flamenco to all the senses. It was recently presented Flamenco without barriersThe project encompasses the measures adopted to achieve this full inclusivity, led by the actress and journalist. Patty Bonetwho explained the details and its implementation. The artists attended the event. Antonio Canales, Claudia de Utrera, La Flaka and Karime AmayaAlso present was the director of the Center for Coordination of Cultural Industries of the Undersecretariat of the Ministry of Culture, Juan Melgar.
The project Flamenco without barriers This has been made possible thanks to exhaustive management work and technical advice from the ELEVEN and collaboration ILUNION Accessibility, A pioneering company in the design and promotion of accessible environments, products, and services for people with disabilities and all citizens, with a 360º approach. Together with the Cardamomo flamenco venue, they have implemented state-of-the-art technological solutions to eliminate sensory barriers and allow the emotion of flamenco to be fully appreciated. flamenco sits on equal terms.
In the words of Ivana Portoles de Val, owner of Cardamomo, “this project has been an extraordinary journey with an ending that makes us very happy: to bring the flamenco to the whole of society. We can't think of a better legacy.” “We have transformed Cardamom into a complete sensory space and we have transformed the flamenco "in an accessible and universal way," Portoles de Val emphasized. Jose DiazThe general manager of the flamenco venue explained that the initiative's development was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Programme. He also expressed his gratitude for the support from ONCE (Spanish National Organization of the Blind) and other Cardamomo partners in bringing this project to fruition. “We combined art and technology so that the flamenco "It can be experienced through all the senses and appreciated by all people," he emphasized.
Ana González ArenasA specialist in culture and lifestyle, collaborator with ONCE and promoter of the project, explained that the flamenco It's not seen with the eyes, it's seen with the soul. “The idea for this inclusive flamenco venue was born from a powerful night at Cardamomo, when I realized that the magic of the guitar, the cajón, and the footwork is felt in the brain and the heart. If the 'duende' (spirit) can quicken our pulse and make us vibrate without the need for sight, it was only right to create a space where those sensations were accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” González Arenas pointed out.
"The magic of the guitar, the cajón, and the footwork is felt in the brain and in the heart. If the 'spirit' is capable of accelerating our pulse and making us vibrate without the need for sight, it was only right to create a space where those sensations were accessible to everyone."
Accessibility Ecosystem
During the event, the so-called Accessibility Ecosystem through which technology is put at the service of art. The first component is the touch stations of Sensory JourneyFive points where people with visual impairments can understand the space and the clothing flamenco through touch. The models provide sensory access to a dress, a shawl, flamenco shoes, castanets, and a guitar.
La Hearing Accessibility This is achieved using two tools. First, the latest generation magnetic loop, a clear and direct sound system for hearing aid or cochlear implant users. Second, Subpac vests, which allow deaf people to feel the rhythm and tapping of the heels in their own bodies. These are the so-called haptic vests, that allow you to perceive the rhythm and frequencies of the show through vibrations in the skin.
The presentation culminated with a performance by the flamenco dancers. Paula Rodriguez y José EscarpínThrough this event, those present were able to see the scope of the measures adopted for the full inclusivity of Tablao Cardamomo. Paula Rodríguez is the winner of the 'Desplante' award at the International Festival of Cante From Las Minas de La Unión (Murcia), José Escarpín is known for his speed, strength, and rhythm, balanced with moments of great delicacy. In fact, he holds the Guinness World Record for the most heel taps per minute. A true spectacle for the senses. The closing act was by Jose Galan and her student Lola García-Baquero, who performed a unique Sevillana.
The Cardamomo flamenco venue was born in 1994 on Echegaray Street as a space of freedom for the flamenco Under the direction of Ivana Portolés. In its three decades of history, it has evolved from fusion towards purity of flamenco Traditional flamenco venue, it has established itself as a vital platform for launching young talents who are now international figures in this art form. It is the only flamenco venue in Madrid recommended by The New York Times and was recognized in 2014 as a Cultural Heritage Site of the City of Madrid for its promotional work. Legends such as Enrique Morente, Tomatito, and Diego El Cigala have graced its stage, maintaining an artistic excellence that combines tradition with modern management and educational content for the public.
Its social commitment is highlighted by the promotion of children's talent through scholarships and educational projects, as well as ongoing charitable work in collaboration with organizations such as UNICEF. Under the leadership of its founder, Cardamomo acts as a driving force for inclusion and equality, reaffirming its role as a cultural space that seeks to bring art closer to all of society. ♦
