Palmas is a style of
handclapping used in
Flamenco music as an essential form of
percussion to help punctuate and accentuate the song and
dance. Good palmas can be a substitute for music, such as in the
corrillo at the end of a show. Good palmistas can assist the musicians by keeping a strong tempo, or the dancer by accentuating the end or beginning of a phrase. In any case, an understanding of
palos is essential.