Flamenco
About Flamenco Dance
Flamenco? What’s that?
Flamenco dance is a traditional art form from the south of Spain, and is known for its graceful hand movements, fiery footwork and expressions of raw emotion. Flamenco is danced by both men and women, and does not discriminate against either age or body type. Taking flamenco lessons is a fantastic way to learn some hypnotic Spanish rhythms, improve your posture, increase your confidence and get your feet stamping. Warning: Flamenco is extremely addictive!! Once you are touched by its passion, your life will never be the same again.
What to Expect
Each class will begin with a warm up, followed by technique and strengthening exercises, and palmas (rhythmic clapping). Depending on the class, students will work on a palo (musical form) suitable to the class level. The palo will be announced at the first class of the semester. Each class will end with a cool down and light stretching.
Your instructor may guide the class through movements that do not work well with your own body – if you reach a point where the movements feel strenuous or painful, please let your instructor know and she will find a modification that is suitable for you.
Flamenco classes are generally held in the upstairs studio and as a result, class sizes are extremely limited. Be sure to register and pay ahead of time to secure your spot as no exceptions beyond the maximum will be accommodated. Occasionally, and sometimes for smaller classes, we will have to schedule Flamenco in Studio A – if your class takes place in this downstairs studio please be conscious that the floor is quite hard and you should modify your footwork as to avoid shin splints and other potential injuries. This issue is being looked at and we are hoping to resolve this over the next 16 months. We do apologize for this inconvenience. Your instructor can offer some guidance on how to adjust your dance to make it more suitable, please talk with her if you are having difficulties.
What to Wear & Bring
It’s important to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.
- Women: Body suit or T-shirt with work out pants and/or a long, wide skirt. For the beginner level a skirt isn’t so important, so a short skirt over pants would be fine, or even just pants.
- Men: T-shirt and comfortable pants.
Everyone will need a pair of shoes with a thick, stable heel. If you already have character shoes, or tap shoes with the taps removed, they would be suitable. Comfortable street shoes with a 1-1/2” heel will also work just make sure they have a chunky heel (no spiked heels!) and you’ll want to avoid rubber soles that will stick to the floor.
If you are interested in ordering authentic flamenco shoes, please contact your instructor for advice on shoe quality and the best online flamenco stores. Although proper flamenco shoes can be somewhat expensive, they will last for many years and are a good investment for those who are serious about studying flamenco.
For Beginner Students: Please do NOT buy any footwear before your first class. Your instructor will discuss suitable footwear in the first class and make recommendations as to what to buy (this is to try and prevent students from wasting money on inappropriate shoes!).
Flamenco Classes
Flamenco: Technique
A complement class for all levels of Flamenco focused on drilling technique, posture and coordination.*Please discuss proper footwear with Christina prior to purchasing new shoes. This technique class is intended for students of any level of flamenco dance. Students will work on exercises to increase fluidity in the arms and hands, as well as learn how to isolate upper body movements. The second half of the class will focus on footwork drills to build stamina and speed. Note that this class is mandatory for Intermediate students (the price for the Flamenco: Intermediate class reflects the inclusion of both the 1 hour Intermediate choreography class and the 30 minute Flamenco: Technique class weekly), but all other levels including Flamenco: Fundamentals and Flamenco: Advanced are welcome, and encouraged to register if space permits.
Class Length: Varies each term. Typically 30 minutes weekly. Skill Level: Multi-Level. Suitable for beginners new to drilling, with multiple layers and optional level increase items for advanced learners as well. Please Wear: Body suit or T-shirt with work out pants and/or a long, wide skirt. Flamenco shoes* Please Bring: A water bottle & notebook is advised.
Flamenco: Fundamentals
*Please discuss proper footwear with Christina prior to purchasing new shoes.
Class Length: Varies each term. Typically 60 minutes weekly. Skill Level: Beginners Please Wear: Body suit or T-shirt with work out pants and/or a long, wide skirt. Flamenco shoes* Please Bring: A water bottle & notebook are advised.
This introductory class is intended for students with no prior experience in flamenco dance. Students will learn basic technique for the arms, hands and upper body, as well as footwork and palmas (rhythmic clapping).
Flamenco: Intermediate
*Please discuss proper footwear with Christina prior to purchasing new shoes. This class is intended for students with some experience in flamenco dance. Students will continue to work on increasing confidence when combining upper body movements with footwork. A choreography of one of the traditional flamenco palos (musical forms) will be taught – palo TBA in the first class. Note that Intermediate students must also register for the Technique class, as this class will focus mainly on choreography. By registering for Flamenco Intermediates you will automatically be registered for Flamenco Technique if you have not done so already yourself. The price for this class includes the Technique class as well.
Class Length: Varies each term. Typically 60 minutes weekly. Skill Level: Intermediate. To register for this course you must have permission from the Instructor Please Wear: Body suit or T-shirt with work out pants and/or a long, wide skirt. Flamenco shoes* Please Bring: A water bottle & notebook are advised.
Flamenco: Advanced
*Please discuss proper footwear with Christina prior to purchasing new shoes.
Class Length: Varies each term. Typically 75 minutes weekly. Skill Level: Advanced. To register for this course you must have permission from the Instructor Please Wear: Body suit or T-shirt with work out pants and/or a long, wide skirt. Flamenco shoes* Please Bring: A water bottle & notebook are advised.
This class is intended for more experienced flamenco dancers who already possess a solid foundation in technique. Emphasis will be placed on developing fluid arm and hand movements, as well as strong footwork. A choreography of one of the traditional flamenco palos (musical forms) will be taught – palo TBA in the first class.