Hello. I am a total noob when it comes to flamenco, but maybe I could add my 2 cents. I too have heard that tocarores will often make liberal use of rubato. However (drawing from my experience as a piano player), you shouldn't necessarily forget about staying in time. By this I mean that the time value of each measure (for example 60bpm in 4/4 time, each measure is 4 seconds) should be the same, while the time values of the notes you are playing are the things that you change (traditionally by first speeding up, then slowing down) -- rubato means "stolen time", but it has been said that a good musician always gives it back (the stolen time). Having said that, there are many instances and occurrences in music where this definition of rubato is ignored, and the musicians freely modify the actual tempo of the performance. It seems to me that, as musicians, we should be able to perform with both of these musical directions when they are warranted. In other words, don't forget to practice with a metronome (or other compas app)! Even if the rubato wishes to ignore the tempo, you should still first practice in time at the appropriate tempo so that you can modify the phrasing from a good starting point. Just my 2 cents :P
