Level 1 - Flamenco Dance Course

About This Level

You have been dancing for around 6 months (assuming once-a-week classes) or under 1 year. You should be familiar with the basic terminology for footwork steps (tacon, golpe, palmas, marcajes) and have some experience with choreography, particularly sevillanas or tangos. You may still be getting comfortable with flamenco arm combinations, coordination, and rhythms. This course is ideal if you started earlier this year or took flamenco in the past and want to ease back into the dance at a comfortable level, allowing you to review and build upon your skills.

Course Content

Technique, Technique, Technique! This fall term will emphasize technique, with a focus on developing footwork and rhythmic understanding. :Intensive practice to improve footwork and arm movements, with a weekly "tabla de pies" or "footwork drill sequence" that will increase in difficulty, speed, and length.

Choreography: The last half an hour at the end of each class will be dedicated to learning sevillanas. Later in the term, we'll start a second and fun choreography:Tanguillos de Cadiz. Staggering the amount of choreography to memorize will allow the students to first focus on technique and sevillanas, adding the tang hullos later on, rather than managing it all at once.

Schedule

Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm (1.5 hours) from September 9 to December 9

Structure:

• 5:30-6:30 pm: Technique (with emphasis on footwork and arm movements)
• 6:30-7:00 pm: Sevillanas* (combined with Level 2) Students familiar with Sevillanas may opt out of the first six weeks and receive a $30 discount. They can join in November as the class progresses to Sevillanas 3 & 4.

🗓️ Important Dates to Remember

• No Class: Monday, October 14 (Canadian Thanksgiving)
  No Class: Monday, November 11 (Remembrance Day )
• Last Class: December 9, 2024
• December Fiesta & Showcase: Saturday, December 14, 7:30 pm at
  Northwood Community Campus, Halifax. Participation is welcome but not mandatory

Support Material

The footwork sequence as well as key elements and choreography will be recorded and shared in a private Vimeo library for class participants.

About Sevillanas

Sevillanas are a traditional folk dance from Seville, danced in pairs. It is a must-know dance for any flamenco student, often performed at fairs, festivals, and gatherings. At our school, Sevillanas are frequently showcased at various events, highlighting the vibrant and communal spirit of flamenco. The dance is structured in four parts, each with distinct steps and choreography, making it both a fun and essential part of flamenco culture and does hardly have any footwork, so it is quite accessible for all those wishing to learn. Maria has developed a comprehensive Sevillanas Tutorial that will help you through the fall.

Our students dancing sevillanas at one of our school fiestas.

About Tanguillos de Cadiz

The tanguillo or tanguillo de Cadiz is a folkloric variant of the tangos or tangos de Cadiz. The lyrics are ironic, humorous and satirical, although they are always festive, for fun. The tanguillos in flamenco were long reserved for carnivals due to its festive tone and lyrics. In the 1980s, a new tanguillo was born, promoted by Paco de Lucía, who enhanced the original polyrhythm, making the most of the variety of accents.

Just as it happens in other flamenco palos (styles), the tanguillo has different melodic variants and we can listen to different songs depending on the one used, although always maintaining the rhythmic cadence. What does differentiate the tanguillo from other flamenco styles is the joy they give off (which is why they became very popular among carnival-goers). Check out our "Tanguillos de Cadiz"

For New Students

Not sure which level is right for you? You can explore our course levels to find the perfect fit for your flamenco journey. If the level proves too challenging, you can request to move down a level, and the same applies if you find it too easy. Full withdrawal and refunds are available before the third class. We also offer free trial classes to experience our teaching style and environment.

Joining Late?

It is possible to join the course later in the term, however since this is a course that develops weekly, you might require additional support or depending on your skills, it might be too hard and you might have to consider moving down a level. If you discover our classes after the term has begun, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you in the class. We are alway happy to welcome students to our flamenco family. Fees will be prorated accordingly.

Not sure which level is right for you? You can explore our course levels to find the perfect fit for your flamenco journey. Should you find the level too challenging, you can request to move down a level, and the same applies the other way around. You can also fully withdraw from the course and get a refund before the third class in the term. We also offer a free trial classes for all potential students. This allows you to experience the magic of our classes without any commitment. You can explore our course levels to find the right fit for you.

Check out our Discounts and Offers. Student and Multiple Course Discounts are available.

6 Tips for a Fulfilling Dance Experience

To make the most of your flamenco journey with us, here are six tips:

• Ask for Help in Class: Don't hesitate to seek clarification or additional repetitions of a step from your teacher.
• Commit to Regular Attendance: Consistency is key to mastering flamenco. Regular attendance ensures you don't miss out on vital progress.
• Practice Regularly: Just 5-10 minutes of daily practice can work wonders in developing muscle memory and technique.
• Communicate with Your Teacher: If you ever feel challenged or overwhelmed, your teacher is here to support you. Discuss any concerns or adjustments you need.
• Focus on Your Progress: Everyone progresses at their own pace. Avoid comparing yourself to others and embrace your unique journey.
• Cherish Your Own Progress: Remember, you're here because you love flamenco. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your accomplishments.