Stuart Macbeth clicks his castanets and catches flamenco fever with dancer Amarita Vargas

I picture it so clearly. Packs of pale Brits, jammed into a Boeing and jetting off to sunny Spain.

These were the heady days of the late 1970s package holiday. You’d be dumped on a Torremolinos beach faster than the airline hostess could stub out your in-flight cigarette.

But what was that peculiar music coming from the hotel bar?

The yell of “olé” and the lascivious crack of castanets! Flashy costumes, more exotic than an Hawaiian umbrella in a pint of sangria.

For so many of us, this was our first exposure to the brilliant, complex world of flamenco.

And it was only the tip of iceberg.

For those wanting to find out more about this dense, brilliant, complex culture then the real thing is heading to Oxford later this month.

Oxford dancer Amarita Vargas will be joined on stage by Ramon Ruiz on guitar and singer Lola Rueda for a night of authentic flamenco. It takes place at the Jam Factory in Hollybush Row on February 28.

Amarita says her epiphany moment with flamenco came one summer 15 years ago. Not on a package holiday, but on the scorching backstreets of Seville.

“Flamenco pulled me in,” she blazes, pulling the air around her apart with her hands. “The music drew something out of me. I sensed that I would have a life-long connection with it.”

“I loved the music from the outset because flamenco is a really emotive form. There is a story in each song that is told by the singer. Her mood is embellished by the guitar and decorated by the dancer. It’s an ancient form but it is continually evolving.

“You will find themes of joy, loss, grief and love in the music. Flamenco is about themes that people from all around the world can connect with.”

Amarita’s Oxford show has been passionately put together for one night only. Her fellow performers Ramon and Lola, she says, are at “the very top of their game”. Ramon for instance, has been lauded by critics for his virtuosity, and has appeared on BBC1.

So what can people expect?

“It will be pure flamenco!” she smiles, “but in an intimate and informal setting. The audience can experience traditional pieces, with different moods and rhythms. Those who like to dance will love it!

“It’s the perfect way to beat the winter cold!” Amarita finishes with a flourish.

The dancer was born in London, to Irish and British parents. Although Amarita enjoyed dancing to music as a child, she didn’t receive any formal training. Instead, repeat visits to Spain sharpened her art.

She spent two fruitful years living in Jerez de la Frontera, the cradle of flamenco, where she also became fluent in the Spanish language.

“I learnt to dance through discipline, dedication and above all patience,” she enthuses. “Now, when I am at home I only ever listen to flamenco, and I am never without a frill or a flower!”

So from those shady first impressions on package holidays, flamenco has come home. Amarita promises a great night out for all.

“I absolutely love performing. Being on stage demands tapping into inner strength and confidence to reach the audience. I am a quiet person in daily life, but once on stage I step into different shoes. Literally!”

Flamenco Intimo, Amarita Vargas and guests 
Jam Factory, Hollybush Row, Oxford
Sunday, February 28 
£12 on the door