...is a song and dance form from Andalucía, the Southern province of Spain. It was borne by the mixing of different cultures between the Spanish and the Rom Gypsies, whose roots trace back to Northern India. Other cultural influences include Moorish, Jewish, and Byzantine, as well other Spanish folk music and dance forms, which all contributed to what flamenco has become today.
Flamenco is a wonderful dance discipline that is highly sought after by professionally training dancers, as well as by people who wish to dance for recreational and fitness purposes. Dancing requires a lot of brain work as much as it gives physical exercise, therefore it is the perfect exercise that compliments the mind and the body.
Flamenco embraces all age and body types...
Flamenco can bring a lot of wonderful benefits to adults. It is exciting and the challenge is very healthy to the mind and body. It is very age-forgiving, as maturity is highly regarded in the flamenco world, unlike most other dance forms where the focus of beauty is on youthfulness. Flamenco celebrates life, the tragedies are turned into comedy, and life moves on, no matter what the challenges have been - something that perhaps a mature person can only understand to express it fully.
For children, flamenco's discipline helps them gain healthy self confidence, keeps them active, and the intricate rhythms and musicality awaken their anlytical and creative brain. Flamenco is a dance discipline that is a great alternative to other serous dance forms such as ballet. It also introduces children to a world of rich culture and music, all while keeping them active and involved in a community.
Flamenquitos (age 7 +)
January - June 2011
Currently full. Registration is now open for summer school (July and Aug) and September 2011
July, Aug 2011 Summer Program
Registration is now open! Contact Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts for details.
Class description:
Children learn the rhythms through palmas (clapping), basic technique, and simple footwork, which is put together into a choreography in preparation for the summer performance in at the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver. This year's performance is held on June 12th, 2011 at 2pm (matinée).
Where: Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts (1457 Marine Drive, West Van, BC)
When: Saturdays 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Registration: Call the school at 604.926.6535, or email: info_annawyman.com
Cost: Contact the School for details
Uniform: Black long sleeve leotard, beige leggings, black character or flamenco shoes, and rental skirt made to measure. All uniform material is available at Duck Feet (1447 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. Phone: 604.925.1131).
Summer camp topic is...
Intro to Flamenco Footwork! Everyone, even students with little or no dance experience are equally welcome.
When: July 15 - 20 / August 17 - 22
Adults and Seniors (Absolute Beginners)
Fandangos de Huelva
April 14 - June 30 (Thursdays 3:45-5:00)
Registration NOW OPEN!
WHERE: John Braithwaite Community Centre (145 W 1st St, North Van, BC)
REGISTRATION: Call JBCC at 604.982.8300, or online www.jbcc.ca
COST: $67.20 (seniors) / $78.40 (adults)
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable, fitted active wear. Flamenco shoes or low-heeled, closed-toed shoes that wrap completely around the feet. Skirt available for purchase through the instructor. Flamenco shoes available for purchase at Duck Feet (1447 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. Phone: 604.925.1131).
Fandangos is a joyous, fun song form that is often used to open a flamenco dance and music set in a tablao (performance at a restaurant or cafe) setting. It can be counted in 3's, much like a waltz, and is played on a major key, which is what gives it a very light-hearted feel. This class is a great introduction class to the dance, music, and culture. Through simple introductory steps, you will be dancing from the very first class!
778.378.1341 - www.juliacha.com - juliacha_gmail.com
