ALEGRIAS is a lively 12 count palo (rhythm) that is danced with joy. The accents are on 12, 3, 6, 8 and 10, with 12 being the beginning of the compás.

If you know the structure of the letra, then you can *always* improvise it! The general letra is 7 compases long with the resolving or accented lines on the 5th and 7th compás. Afterward the singer generally sings an estribillo (a chorus), also known as la colitilla (the little tail).

The structure of the complete dance:

• entrada (entrance, usually the singer sings "tiri ti tran tran tran, etc")
• llamada (call for letra)
• letra (1st verse)
• llamada (call for 2nd letra)
• letra (2nd verse)
• escobilla (footwork section with the main accent on 12)
• subida (footwork pattern that raises the tempo)
• silencio (a slow falseta or guitar interlude that is particular for Alegrias)
• escobilla (this footwork section follows a particular melody and the main accent starts on 1, so the compás "ends" on 12)
• buleria de Cadiz (final fast letra of dancing in 12 count)
• estribillo (the chorus at which the dancer ends)