Solea is one of the heavy hitters of all of palos (rhythms) of flamenco. It’s profound, somber and the mother of all palos (imho).

It’s a 12 count, but unlike the other 12 count palos, this one tends to start on 1 rather than the 12 for the letra. Also, the end of the compás is emphasized.

1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 –12

The structure of a dance of Solea is similar to all the others:

• Salida (singer & guitarist start, dancer makes entrance)
• Llamada (rhythmical accent from dancer that “calls” the singer to sing)
• 1st Letra (1st verse)
• Llamada
• 2nd Letra
• Falseta (guitar interlude)
• Escobilla (footwork section)
• Buleria (fast ending letra)
• Estribillo (chorus that the dancer ends with)

Of course, there are many variations to this structure. There can be more letras and falsetas. Or there can be more spots for different escobillas. The dancer could even add a letra of Solea por Bulerias after the letras of Solea and before the Buleria. Options!!! Choices!!!