Flamenco dancing!!

[Sagitta]

I believe that I have an opportunity to learn some flamenco dancing on Sunday, specifically "Sevillanas", a dance from Spain. It will be a one hour free lesson. So, I'm considering whether I should go.

Has anyone had any experience with flamenco dancing and "Sevillanas", or heard stuff about it that they are willing to share to help me make up my mind? Does anyone have any tips to help me absorb this dancing style faster? A particular technique, a common mistake that beginners make that I should make sure to pay attention to so I don't learn any bad habits?

[tintinnabula]

Hope you have great coordination skills. I tried flamenco a couple of times and had a blast. Although I never really got the hang of it, it is something that I would like to perfect. (It's also a really good workout).

[pygmalion]

It looks like it requires an amazing connection to the music -- at least, when you see good flamenco dancers in action.

[Sakura]

I've not had any experience with Flamenco dancing, but I'd say take the chance when you've got it! I think Flamenco is soooo cool, so I'd love to take it someday! So, please go and then tell me what you think, okay?! :D :wink:

Sakura Kitty :kitty:

[squirrel]

Sagitta, I would just go for it! Sevillanas are beautiful... and I would love to learn flamenco one day... if I only could... think Joaquim Cortes... such an excellent dancer!

[Sabor]

two words for u Sagitta.. 'DO IT!'

oh yes! i luv Sevillanas! luvitluvitluvit.. pride and passion.. strength and vulnerability .. hothothot!! :banana:

[Sagitta]

Okay I'm going to do it, but it is going to be a really crazy day, Sunday. Mass 10-11:00, lunch, then 4-5p.m. jump swing choreography practice, 6-7:30 fmaenco lesson and maybe a little dancing, 8-9p.m. rueda demo practice, 9:30 ruedo demo at ball, then dancing until....? :)

I'l report back on my experiences.

[danceguy]

Sagitta - This is weird, I just found out that a well known Flamenco dancer teaches in my area...and I was going to post a similiar topic. I don't know much about it, but I think my Spanish blood was telling me to see if it called out to me. :wink:

Hmm, that settles it, I'm going to check out one of the classes! I don't think I've ever seen flamenco dancing in person...it ought to be a lot of fun. :)

SG

[Sagitta]

Okay, reporting back. The free lesson was a lot of fun. The only criticism that I have is that they only put on the music at the end and realized they had taught the steps to us really slowly. I could follow the music, but my feet weren't ready to keep up. There are four basic parts to the dance that these Southern Spaniards do, and we learnt one. I just wish I could have stayed longer, as they continued, but I need to eat and head out for my rueda demo practice. :( But, tons of fun. For all you dancers out theer on df. It helps to have some dance experience and you'll have a blast if you ever do it. So, i the opportunity comes up, don't miss out!! :D

[Sakura]

Aww! That's too bad you couldn't stay longer! :( 'Cause it really sounded like you had a lot of fun! Maybe there'll be another chance sometime soon, eh? And then you can stay longer! 8)

I hope something like this comes up soon in our area! :D

Sakura Kitty :kitty:

[Sagitta]

The basic goes as follows. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Then put your left foot out at a 45 degree angle (clockwise), right foot toe taps at left foot heel, then goes back. Left foot, toe taps at right foot toe, and then goes back. Now start with right foot at an angle of 45 aticlockwise, switching feet. Do this 5 times, then in place left foot stamp, right foot stamp. left foot raise and forward switching places with partner. Now while left foot goes forward the left hand is down and right hand is up, and this switches, so the hand down is the same as foot moving forward first. However, when you switch places, after the two stamps it is the reverse. Also your fingers are supposed to move. Just to give you a taste from the perspective of a humble beginner. :wink: :D

[Stuart]

Cant comment that much on flamenco dancing but i do play flamenco guitar ( done a couple of master classes in Seville with Pacco Penna). The important thing to remember with flamenco this is that you dont dance TO the music but that you are part of the music. It really is an ensemble thing and musicians and vocalists ( the vocals take a bit of getting used to)and indeed dancers should interact and take their leads off each other.

I would encourage you to take the lesson tho the more people in the flamenco world the better ........... have fun

[Sakura]

Thanks for the pattern! I shall have to try this sometime! :D

And, look! A guitarist *AND* a dancer! You two will have to get together and give us a performance sometime! =^_~= (Of course, there's that nasty little thing known as distance that would have to be covered, but it can wait until later, righr?! 8) :wink: )

And, Stuart, welcome to DF! I hope that we shall succeed on pulling you into the addiction that is posting! =^__^=

Sakura Kitty :kitty:

[johnnywalker]

I had the opportunity to try it several years ago at a Dance Expo. I don't know what style though. Every hour at the main outdoor stage there was a beginners class running on different styles with different schools. Flamenco was more difficult than I had anticipated. From memory we were taught a 12 count step with, as Sagitta described, a stamp of the foot on the 6 count and, I think, the 10 or 11 count (someone please correct me if i'm wrong). Mixed in with this was clapping and 'twirling' of the fingers and hands.
I was clapping and tapping (or stamping as it were) merrily, but unfortunately out of time with the class. :oops:
I would love to try it again in the future, money and time permitting, as it's a great dance.
From my enquiries the schools in Sydney teach both the dance and the guitar as well. I admire anyone who can do either. My hat's off to you Stuart; it's both beautiful and passionate.

[glitterfairy]

Hey hey! Another Sydneysider!

I'm looking at starting next term :) Looking forward to it!

[Sagitta]

Hey hey! Another Sydneysider!

I'm looking at starting next term :) Looking forward to it!

Welcome glitterfairy! :) Yes, there are quite a few people from Australia, and even Sydney here.