Flamenco classes for Amateurs

What the classes are like

My classes last one hour and start with a warm up.

Then I teach different steps and movements: foot and body technique, expression in the hands, posture, expression in general...

We practice each movement separately, or combining arms and hands (which is usually difficult to coordinate with the rest of the body).

Description of the beginner flamenco classes

The way of teaching varies in each class, and is adapted to the level and rhythm of learning of the students in the following groups:

FLAMENCO INITIATION I (basic level)

In this class, starting from zero, we work on the footwork (zapateado), body technique and on our natural expression.

We give exercises to find and stabilize our body axis, to work on our coordination and learn the foot and body techniques; all of which is the basis of flamenco dance.

We stimulate the ear of the student so that he or she can understand and seize the 12-count rhythm (bulerías) or the 4-count rhythm (tangos). This is done in a light easygoing, but focused, spirit.

In the class, we listen to the bulerías and the tangos and touch on some of their theory in order to understand their meaning and their rhythm or compas with precise accents. We educate the ear to be able to identify the place where we mark, call (llamada), enter or exit the dance in accordance with the language of these palos or styles.

We learn how to walk, mark and stop, as well as how to properly enter a dance in any flamenco fiesta.

These classes are held four days a week and you are free to enrol in one, two or all of them (we charge by the class), depending on your schedule and your desire to learn.

FLAMENCO INITIATION II (non beginners)

In this level we continue with the exercises to gain stability, to improve our coordination, and our foot (zapateado) and body technique, introducing, furthermore, turns and marking.

We listen to the compasses or rhythms in 12 or 4 (alegrías, soleá, soleá por bulería, tangos, tientos, taranto) and some theory is given so that the student can identify the difference in each style. A little choreography is taught in a few of these styles, that the student will be able to dance with control and precision, dancing to and within the compas.

SEVILLANAS CLASSES

These are classes of coordination and of body placement from head to toe.
Once the four basic sevillanas are learned, we give the movements more of a flamenco touch and we learn variations on the movements in order to be able to have fun with our partner while dancing.

Depending on the rhythm and pace of the Sevillanas, the variations will be:

Sevillanas Corraleras (with loose, flowing movements)
Sevillanas Lentas (movements that pay particular attention to the beauty of the arms)
Sevillanas Flamencas (playing with the Buleria rhythm).

What do I need to wear

Flamenco shoes are extremely important when taking flamenco classes (but not necessarily Sevillanas). Their prices vary according to their quality: for amatures or for professionals. In any case, you can come without shoes for the first day and I will advise you on what is best for you.

I also recommend that you wear a light shirt, a skirt and confortable pants or tights under the skirt to warm up the muscles. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and pretty, with a desire to learn and escape for a little while.

The schedule for all classes can be found in the following link.