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Flamenco Class Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do new classes begin? I want to wait and start at the beginning 2. What if I have no previous dance training? 3. What should I wear to class? 4. What kind of shoes are used for flamenco? 5. Can I wear a street shoe if I don't own flamenco shoes? 6. Where can I purchase real flamenco shoes? 7. Can I make up a missed class? 8. What if the teacher cancels a class? 9. What style of Flamenco do you teach? 10. What can I expect in a class? 11. Am I too old to start flamenco dancing? When do new classes begin? I want to wait and start at the beginning. The classes are ongoing. You can join at anytime. In addition, new students can arrange for private lessons at any time you want extra instruction to get caught up with some aspect of the class. Keep in mind that learning a new dance form is like visiting a foreign country and learning a new language. You arrive to that foreign country and everyone but you speaks the language. Maybe there's a few other foreigners that have arrived before you and depending on the their length of time there, are at various levels of learning to speak the language. You start off by learning a few basic words, then the words make sentences and then after a period of time, you are able to hold conversations! Don't worry about comparing yourself to someone who knows more than you! This can be very self defeating! There will always be someone who might know more than you in a class. YOU too, will someday be in the position of knowing more than someone who joins the class after you. Just get started! There's no time like the present! What if I have no previous dance training? While having experience in other dance forms is helpful, I have taught many students with no prior dance training who progressed to the point of performing on stage. Only YOU are the one to decide how quickly you will progress and how much time and effort you want to put into learning and practicing. Women should wear a close fitting top or leotard and comfortable long, full skirt. Men should wear a comfortable shirt and flexible pants. Athletic or sweat pants are good. What kind of shoes are used for flamenco? Flamenco dance shoes are specially constructed to receive the impact from footwork, to have traction on the floor and to create sound. They have very sturdy, thick heels, a thin rubber half sole that is glued to the shoe for traction and tiny nails at the tip of the sole and covering the bottom of the heels for sound. Can I wear a street shoe if I don't own Flamenco shoes ? Flamenco shoes are an investment. I always recommend trying some classes before buying flamenco shoes. You can start class with a street shoe. No tennis shoes, please. For women, wear any comfortable, hard sole, sturdy street shoe or flexible boot with a thick heel which is 2 to 1/2 inches high. Character shoes work well. It is ideal if the shoe has a strap. If not, make a wide elastic band to slip on the shoe to secure it. No open toes, spike heels, sling backs, or thick platform shoes, please. If you own tap shoes, they're OK too - but remove the taps as they are slippery! For men, wear a shoe or dress boot that has a hard sole and a raised or Cuban style heel or the kind of heel used on cowboy boots. Thrift shops are a good source if you don't own the type this type of shoe or don't want spend much money to buy new shoes. Traction on the ball of the foot is very important for flamenco footwork. If you use a street shoe, it's advisable to use a non skid shoe pad on the sole of the shoe. These are very inexpensive and can be purchased at Walgreen's or other stores that carry shoe accessories. Kiwi (brand) makes them. Please click on this link: Non-skid soles. If you have sensitive feet, a foam innersole or metatarsal foot pad inside the shoe will help absorb the impact. These can be found at most drugstores in the Foot Care section. Dr. Scholl carries many of these type of products.
Where can I purchase real flamenco shoes? If you decide to invest in shoes, please check the following links for information. There are many sites of the internet that sell flamenco shoes. Prices range between $60 for student models to $160 or more for professional quality shoes. Below are some of my favorite websites which offer a huge selection of not only shoes but many other flamenco items such as music, videos, flamenco dance attire. Make up classes are a courtesy extended to the student and not an obligation of the teacher. If you have a class card, credits for classes are not carried over to the following month, nor are refunds offered for missed classes. Make up class must be made up within 4 weeks of the date of your missed class or they are forfeited. You can make up a class by attending a class offered in another time slot and ONLY when there is a scheduled group class available. At present, since I am new to the Cleveland area, class sizes are small. On occasion, class is canceled if there are not enough students to hold class on a scheduled day. This is especially true during summer months when student attendance is lower. You must schedule your make up class in advance and confirm with me first before taking the class. * I hope that the demand for classes will be so popular that I can add on more classes and provide more flexibility in making up classes. Until then, this policy is the most fair to both student and teacher. What if the teacher cancels a class? If I have to cancel a class, due to bad weather, illness, etc, you will receive a credit for any class I cancel. What style of Flamenco do you teach? My style of flamenco dance is based in the traditional style of the Spanish Gypsies of Andalucia. It is earthy and at the same time, elegant with emphasis on understanding and interpreting the music, song and ryhthms. The focus is on developing a wholistic knowledge of the art form and techniques which enable a student to improvise and express their own individuality while respecting the rules and traditions of flamenco. I also teach full choreographies for student performances. I won't lie. Flamenco dance is challenging both physically and mentally. It is very important to remain patient with your self in the learning process. I am a very patient and supportive teacher. I do not believe in humiliating a student and I encourage all students to be supportive of their fellow students. Always feel free to ask a question in class. There is no such thing as a stupid question. I also have a very wacky sense of humor and while I may give you a rigorous work out, and constructive criticism, I also want you to have fun. Am I too old to start flamenco dancing? Age should never be a limitation. There are many ways to dance flamenco. I have taught people in their seventies! Flamenco is danced by people of all ages, sizes and shapes. That is the beauty of this dance form. While a lot of technical skill and stamina is required for someone who is young and wants to pursue a flamenco dance career, the bottom line is "Arte" - the art, grace and authenticity which one expresses while dancing. Flamenco dance is not all about flashy footwork and dazzling technique. Any Spaniard will be the first to shout "Olé" to a dancer of mature age that can while dancing in a simplified manner move you to tears, or smiles. Do you have a question that is not answered here? |
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