When you buy a Mantón… for dancing

Detail of an embroidered rose in a mantón

A mantón is a big shawl used to decorate a woman's body, traditionally, used at weddings and parties.  Word of caution, don't take your expensive mantón to Feria, because you could return home without it.

In Flamenco, a mantón is a great dance tool and accessory for stage.  It is square, but it is usually folded in a triangle and should span your entire arm's length and then some more.  The material is satiny, could be silk and the heavier it is, the better for dancing. 

Mantón de Manila is its full name, and that is because many years ago, the shawl was brought from the Philippines.  Over the years, the oriental designs changed into the beautiful embroidered roses and flowers we know today.   A good mantón can cost several hundreds of Euros!  … And every week I go to class, dragging mine all over the floor. Yikes!

This mantón was special ordered to match her skirt,
 but better leave this to the experts .
A traditional one, can be used with all your outfits in and out of a stage.

Buying a mantón (for dancing):

Length:
When buying a mantón, try it for size, spread your arms as far out as you can while holding the mantón in a triangle.  The widest part of the mantón should be longer than the length of your arms by several inches on each side.  This will help you hold onto the mantón, and it will cover your arms and hands much better, which is the main purpose of the mantón, to cover.  

It is hard to resist.  So many colors and styles.  I want all.

Weight:
The weight of a mantón is very important too, no chinese imitations allowed, you know the ones that are triangular, polyester, and really light weight.  A mantón has to be a full square with hand knotted edges, plenty of embroidery, and long fringes, called "Enrejado", this is what gives the mantón the proper weight for dancing.  As a matter a fact, a heavy mantón is easier to move than a light one.  The mantón uses gravity to move across and around the dancer, just like in a bata de cola.  As a matter a fact, I was recently watching a dance contest, and the dancer had to borrow a heavier mantón at a the last minute, because the one she brought, was not considered heavy enough, by the judges.  So weight and size do matter.

  
Sevilla is a great place to find mantones, they are never on sale.   Sometimes, Sevilla's Corte Inglés has them reduced, not much, but if you happen to be there around January 6 (Epiphany) you may get lucky.  Check out this manton's webpage for styles and prices.  My recommendation, look for shawls starting at €300 and up.

Window shopping in Seville