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It looked simple: One man played guitar, one played double bass, one slapped a stool-like instrument, another clapped his hands and a lady danced. The powerful rhythmic energy created by the five performers surged through the audience, who could not help dancing to the captivating music.

It was a short flamenco show at Beijing's Institute Cervantes this week featuring guitarist Gerardo Nunez, double bass player Yelsy Heredia, cajon (a percussion instrument) player Angel Sanchez-Cepilo, singer Jesus Ruiz Mendez and dancer Carmen Cortes.

The five won an ovation and long applause after the opening ceremony of the Flamenco Pa' Tos (Flamenco for Everyone) Festival in Beijing on June 26.