Start flamenco dance from scratch! This is the perfect opportunity for those who were always curious to learn about this mesmerizing and beautiful gitano-Andalusian art form but haven’t had the opportunity to try it. Learn the basic elements of the art form while improving your balance, flexibility and strength in a comfortable setting- all while having fun! Note for Beginners: Flamenco or character dance shoes are best for class, but other sturdy, close-toed footwear will work (i.e. low, thick-heeled shoes or boots approx. 1.5 – 3in high) and comfy clothing to allow movement like stretch pants. Skirt is not required.

All classes include a rigorous warm-up focused on building strength, balance and stylization followed by upper body and footwork drills, turns, and combined exercises to improve fluidity of movement and coordination. The goal of our technique work is to improve execution while integrating a deeper understanding of flamenco compas (rhythms). The choreography portion of the classes will continue building on choreographic material introduced in the Fall Session while also introducing new material all with the goal of exploring flamenco dance structures, and deepening an understanding of compas and cante. 

All classes include a rigorous warm-up focused on building strength, balance and stylization followed by upper body and footwork drills, turns, and combined exercises to improve fluidity of movement and coordination. The goal of our technique work is to improve execution while integrating a deeper understanding of flamenco compas (rhythms).

This workshop is open-level for both musicians and dancers and is led by Gaspar Rodriguez, master flamenco guitarist with over 30 years of experience in the art form, accompanying some of Spain’s most acclaimed dancers and singers, offering us authentic knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the art form. He will teach us proper palmas technique (rhythmic hand-clapping), leading us through various patterns and helping us understand accompaniment both for music and for dance. In order to play or dance properly in Flamenco it is essential to understand the basic structure of the cante and familiarize yourself with the letras (lyrics). We will learn a few different letras- not with the aim of being singers but rather with the goal of understanding how we can best accompany and interpret these letras as both dancers and musicians. A special focus will be on the rhythmic structures we are currently studying in our Fall Session, but we are also here to answer your questions so come with an open-mind, a notebook, and, of course, get ready to have fun! 

The workshop is mandatory for Live Oak’s pre-professional dancers.
Spaces for this event are extremely limited! Please email jarina@liveoakdance.com to register. Ages 11 and up only, please.

Two-week Artist Residency in Nov/Dec 2018 with A Través Arts teaching adults and youth in the Atlanta area. The youth education initiative includes imparting cante and baile classes to youth at Glenwood Elementary. A Través is a not-for profit organization dedicated to the art of Flamenco in Georgia. Their mission is to unite national and internationally renowned Flamenco artists with Georgia residents in the hopes that cultural exchanges anchored in creativity will hatch new perspectives for all involved.

To read a review of my artist residency visit: http://www.atravesarts.com/2018decemberflamencoresidency/

Tuesdays & Saturdays, October 2 – 20, 2018. Classes in Beginner & Intermediate Flamenco Technique and Choreography and a new Saturday class for Absolute Beginners.