Flamenco is a captivating art form. Yet, beyond the characteristic movement style, there's a fundamental aspect that is often overlooked but lies at the core of flamenco dance – musicality.  In this post, we'll explore why musicality is of absolute importance for flamenco dancers. What is Musicality? Before we dive into why musicality is important, let's clarify what we mean by musicality in flamenco.  Simply put, it's the ability of a dancer to feel, understand, and interpret the rhythms, melodies, and emotions conveyed by the music and cante that accompanies their dance.  It ..read more

If you've been immersed in the world of flamenco dance for a while, chances are you own a dedicated skirt for your practice sessions. Wearing this skirt regularly is more than just a habit; it's a strategic choice that can significantly enhance your skills. Yet, merely putting on the skirt is not enough; mastering its technique is as crucial as any other facet of flamenco dance. The skirt becomes an extension of your body, teaching you not just the art of movement but also the art of improvising to the unpredictable things that can happen when you dance. Embracing its unpredictable nature is y ..read more

Welcome to our guide tailored for complete beginners in flamenco dance. If you're entirely new to this art form, you've come to the right place.  Flamenco is a multifaceted dance style rooted in rich historical and cultural influences which can seem intricate and challenging to grasp initially.  In this guide, we aim to provide fundamental insights and essential knowledge for those starting their flamenco journey.  “Every movement a flamenco dancer makes is intricately tied to the rhythmic structure” Whether you have no prior experience in dance or are transitioning from other s ..read more

For aspiring flamenco dancers, making the time to listen to cante is as important as spending time in the studio practising technique. We often hear from members that they have trouble identifying the compás of the cante they listen to or, if they do recognise the compás, they struggle to accompany what they are listening to with palmas. This is why it’s important to understand the difference between ‘cante para escuchar’ and ‘cante para bailar’. Cante para Escuchar: Listening for Appreciation 'Cante para escuchar,' which translates to "singing for listening," is a style of flamenco singing pr ..read more

Flamenco, with its footwork, intricate rhythms, and emotional expression, is a dance form that demands your dedication. However, if you live in an apartment, the noise factor is a concern. Fortunately, there are ways to practise flamenco without annoying your neighbours. Let's look at some practical ways can make your flamenco practice apartment friendly. Palmas Palmas, the rhythmic hand clapping that accompanies flamenco, is a skill every dancer should cultivate. All dancers need to have good palmas and most dancers could do with devoting more time to working on their technique and rhythm. P ..read more

Flamenco dancing is an expressive art form that captivates audiences with its virtuosic footwork, intricate hand movements, and emotional storytelling. For beginners, the journey into the world of flamenco can be both exciting and challenging. While making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process, understanding and addressing common pitfalls can help students progress more smoothly. In this post, we will explore five common mistakes we often see beginner flamenco dance students making in their first year and provide guidance on how to overcome them. 1. Neglecting the Basics It i ..read more

When dancers join our online studio, we're eager to empower them to set meaningful goals for their dance journey. The worst outcome for both us would be for students to join but never fully utilize the available resources, hindering their progress. Establishing clear objectives is vital, as it provides direction and allows you to track your advancement. In this article, we'll explore some crucial questions to help you generate ideas for your dance goals. Mastering Compás Compás, the rhythmic heartbeat of flamenco, demands continuous refinement. Reflect on your ability to control rhythm. Do ..read more

Do you remember the first time you witnessed a mesmerizing flamenco performance? I certainly do. Everything about it was captivating, but what truly stood out was the breathtaking speed of the dancer's feet. In this post, we'll explore the significance of speed in flamenco dance and how it should be harmoniously balanced with control, technique, and musicality. Flamenco dance is renowned for its rapid footwork, which appears as a mesmerizing blur of motion. The accompanying sound is equally incredible, with each beat resonating clearly. The footwork in flamenco is a blend of precision, playfu ..read more

Jose and I are extremely happy to be able to share a very special interview with you today. Last Saturday afternoon Manuel Reyes took some time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to us. Manuel is an incredible artist and a very wise and generous teacher. We hope that his words inspire you and that perhaps one day you'll be able to come to Madrid to study with him. Every year in July, Manuel hosts a month long intensive at Amor de Dios called 'Amalgama Flamenca' with an inspiring faculty of teachers. There is still time to join this year's edition if you are going to be in Madrid. Follo ..read more

Today we want to share with you an excerpt from a masterclass that Jose taught for our members last year. The class was for the palo of Soleá por Bulerías and to begin the short combination that José created he set 3 compás of palmas as the salida or entrance before the first llamada. Before we get started here is a question for you. How often have you had to do palmas before the first official ‘step’ of a dance or combination and just spent the whole time you were doing the palmas thinking about that first step? There is actually more to those first compás than meet the eye and you can use t ..read more