John Singer Sargent, Spanish Dancer

The region’s parliament has passed a law that “establishes a legal framework for flamenco for its protection, conservation and the promotion of knowledge about it, ensuring its transmission to future generations”, Arturo Bernal, the government’s culture councillor who oversaw the drafting of the legislation, told The Times.

“Introducing it into schools does not mean evening classes or some such but making it a fundamental part of the curriculum as part of our identity, culture and history,” he added.

The law aims to settle the definition of the dance, emphasising the influence of Andalusia and gitanos, or gypsies.

Flamenco is described as a “cultural manifestation and genuine artistic language of popular roots, with an important contribution of the gypsy people and the historical influence of other cultures”. It is a “symbol of Andalusia, its cradle, even though it has links with other regions”.

It has been welcomed by flamenco and gitano groups but they said it must be implemented carefully, especially in schools.

“When we [gitanos] arrived in Andalusia in 1462, flamenco did not exist,” said Antonio Ortega, a writer and flamenco expert.

“It is not about demanding paternity, but it is not logical that there are no gypsy researchers and experts in flamenco in the masters degrees, chairs and commissions that are financed with public money. The law should remedy this.”

He added: “To legislate flamenco could be the most anti-flamenco thing in the world. Are you going to send inspectors to check what is flamenco and what is not?”