AN IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT OF FRANCO'S MODERNITY. TRADITIONAL DANCES AND THE NO-DO

This study argues that the NO-DO, a visual project blending news and propaganda, serves as a reflection of the Franco regime's vision of modernity and progress. To achieve this, it was necessary to position tradition in a specific context and reconstruct the concept of a shared origin for all Spaniards. Traditional dances, therefore, emerged as a pivotal element in the construction of Francoist modernity, national identity, and social cohesion. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that the NO-DO archive contains deliberate silences and omissions that offer valuable insights into the society and culture of the era. In this regard, the NO-DO functions as a historical document revealing not a singular narrative, but rather fragments of identities and remnants open to diverse interpretations. In conclusion, this analysis invites readers to contemplate the complexity of the NO-DO as both a cultural artifact and a historical document, highlighting the interplay of traditional dances with political propaganda in shaping national identity during the Franco era.