How does the Ronda school of bullfighting differ from the style associated with Sevilla?

The Ronda and Sevilla schools represent two classic, distinct approaches to the corrida (bullfighting) that emerged in the 18th century.1

The Ronda school, associated with the legendary bullfighter Pedro Romero, is characterized by a simpler, more sober, and restrained approach to the spectacle. A hallmark of this tradition is the recibiendo method of killing the bull, a highly dangerous and difficult technique in which the matador stands perfectly still and receives the charging animal on the sword.1

In contrast, the Sevilla school, associated with Joaquín Rodríguez Costillares, is noted for a more flamboyant and aesthetic style. This school helped establish much of the pageantry seen in modern bullfighting, including the elaborate embroidered costumes and the volapié method of killing, where the matador lunges forward to meet the bull. While the Ronda style emphasizes sobriety, the Sevilla tradition is often associated with a refined, sophisticated focus on the grace and artistry of the performance.1