This course is an introduction to
the passionate, exciting, beautiful dance of Flamenco, one of the most popular
dance forms in the world with over 10 million people enjoying weekly classes.
Tutored by an expert from Camino del Flamenco, during this course you will
learn about the dance, its culture and history. Accompanied by a Flamenco
guitarist, you will also learn basic Flamenco dance technique including
posture, arm and hand movements, footwork, rhythm, style and an enjoyable dance
choreography. Please note that Flamenco is not a partner dance.
This
course is an introduction to the passionate, exciting, beautiful dance of
Flamenco; one of the most popular dance forms in the world with over 10 million
people in weekly classes. Taught by Rosa Maria Reed from the UK based company
Camino del Flamenco, during this course you will learn Flamenco dance including
its culture and history.
Accompanied
by a Flamenco guitarist, you will learn basic Flamenco dance technique
including posture, arm and hand movements, footwork, rhythm and style plus a
level appropriate and enjoyable dance choreography.
MONDAY
- Learn
Flamenco dance basics - posture, arms and hands, marking steps, basics of
footwork and turns.
- Introduction
by tutor Rosa Maria Reed on Flamenco with a Q & A session.
- All
students will be given a handout on history of Flamenco and one on common
Flamenco terminology.
TUESDAY
- Class begins to learn their Flamenco dance choreography.
- This choreography has been created to include all the basics movements,
plus a range of Flamenco dance skills which will build up during the course to
a completed dance.
WEDNESDAY
- Class continues learning their Flamenco dance choreography.
- Learning how to play the different types of palmas (Flamenco rhythmic
clapping).
- Learning the different types of compás (rhythm structures of Flamenco).
- Incorporating these new skills into the dance you are learning.
THURSDAY
- Class continues learning their Flamenco dance choreography.
- Learning to use a range of Flamenco dance accessories.
- These will include learning to play the Palillos (castanets), a Spanish
fan and a mantón (large Spanish shawl).
- Learning how to incorporate these into a Flamenco dance and the
different dances which use them.
FRIDAY
- Complete
the Flamenco dance choreography incorporating all the new skills learned over
the course.
- Spend some time polishing the dance and going over any queries.
- We will be joined today by the Flamenco guitar tutor and his students
who will accompany our dance.
- Students and tutor perform their Flamenco choreography in the marquee at
the end of class.
Students
should dress appropriately in non-restrictive, stretchy clothing that allows
them to move freely. Female students should
wear long, wide skirts. Shoes are very important in Flamenco. If you own
Flamenco dance shoes please bring them. If not, a pair of shoes or boots with
small, low and strong heels (NOT flats). No open toe shoes, no high or
stiletto type shoes, no platform shoes or boots. Absolutely NO TRAINERS,
no ballet shoes or soft soled type character shoes (as sometimes worn in ballet
and ballroom dance) and no tap shoes.
The
tutor will have a small supply of Flamenco dance skirts and Flamenco dance
shoes for sale. Please note, for hygiene
reasons we do not lend shoes or skirts.
Rosa Maria Reed
About Rosa Maria
Rosa
Maria is from Gibraltar, Southern Spain and began dancing as a child, turning
professional in her teens. She came to
the UK in her twenties and has been based here since then, marrying and bringing
up a family.
In
her professional Flamenco dance career she appeared in films, on television and
in videos. Rosa Maria has now been teaching Flamenco dance for 32 years
Rosa
Maria founded Camino del Flamenco in 2003 and she is considered to be a
particularly good teacher for adult beginners. She concentrates on
ensuring they have a good understanding of Flamenco and find classes enjoyable,
interesting and fulfilling.
Rosa
Maria believes that learning Flamenco is rather like learning a new language
and she teaches the history, language and culture of Flamenco, as well as
Flamenco dance technique and Flamenco choreography. This enables students to have a more complete
understanding of Flamenco.
For
this reason her classes include information on the history and development of
Flamenco and its place in Spanish culture.
