What's included
Homework
Students should practice steps and movements at least three times a week for optimal dance experience. Weekly activities will be completed individually and should be presented by each Monday. Each activity should take no longer than 15 minutes.Class Experience
Each week class will focus on a different aspect of Flamenco-a traditional Spanish dance. Learners will work on technique of arm work, foot work, steps/combinations, rhythm and clapping, castanets and the course will end with your learner dancing a short choreography to a Rumba Flamenco in full Flamenco fanfare and costume. Each Monday I will post a class video that will include the lesson for the week. Interacting with your peers- The classroom is a positive and unique learning environment. Along with sharing your activities, we will check in with one another and provide positive feedback on each others work and accomplishments! Throughout the week, I will be responding and answering any questions that may arise. Keep in mind that the level of interaction will vary by the number of students enrolled and their willingness to share. This flex class will allow you to take the classes at your convenience and learn the art of Flamenco at your own pace. Week 1: Focus will be on movements of the body. Learners will warm up and work on flamenco technique of arm movements (brazeo), arm and body opposition as well as proper posture and head movements. History of the Flamenco will be presented via google slides. Activity 1-Write a poem about the music you heard or how the Flamenco movements made you feel to share with the class. Week 2: Focus will be on safe and strong footwork, proper posture, and compass (rhythm) with palmas (clapping). Students will learn to produce footwork combinations set to four and 12 count rhythms. They will learn how to recognize the different rhythms and create graceful body movement. Activity 2-Make a musical instrument to play a Flamenco compass to share with the class. Week 3: Focus will be on rhythm with an introduction to castanets. Castanets are a classical, yet traditional musical instrument used classical flamenco dances. Students will learn to keep tempo to four and 12 count rhythms. They will learn how to recognize the different rhythms and create loud and soft hand clapping sounds. They will learn how to count to 12 in Spanish as well as learn the names of Flamenco rhythms. An introduction to syncopation, castanets and castanet finger movements will also be included. Activity 3-Decorate a Flamenco Dancer and share your creation with the class. Week 4: Flamenco Finale! Focus will be on putting the previous weeks into practice by combining arm work and footwork to start dancing Flamenco. Class will begin with a warmup of brazeo and footwork and conclude with short pieces of dance combinations (marcaje) for learners to practice for the week. Learners will be shown traditional costumes from Spain and the proper way to fashion themselves for a Flamenco performance. Tips on hair and make-up will be included. Learners will be taught a Rumba routine. Ole! Activity 4-post a picture of yourself in your final costume or share a video of your Rumba dance with the class. Challenge: Each week learners will be asked to research a famous Flamenco artist, such as Carmen Amaya (dancer) or Paco de Lucia (guitarist) and present their findings to the class with any interesting facts they learned from their research.
Learning Goals
Your child will learn beginner Flamenco movements in a creative learning environment. They will also learn a choreography to a short Rumba dance which will teach them various patterns. In addition, they will learn about the history of Flamenco and learn about various artists known in Flamenco. Studies show that music, art, theater and dance are crucial to the development of our children’s critical thinking and communication skills. Through flamenco, children will acquire the tools for exploring self-expression, while simultaneously opening the door to Spanish culture and language. Through their voices, hand clapping and through the movement of their arms and feet, children are encouraged to interpret the poetry that is sung, and the mood created by flamenco music.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Learners should have an open workout space, wear a leotard or fitted top, proper footwear and a water bottle. If your child has long hair, it should be pulled back into a ponytail or bun. Students are responsible for listening to their bodies and should discontinue a movement if it feels uncomfortable to prevent injuries.
Supply List
If available, a hard wood surface would help in the production of sound. Character shoes or shoes with a small heel would also help with sound production. Girls should wear a leotard or form fitting top, have a long skirt that is light and can move freely. Boys should have a form fitted t-shirt and exercise pants for easy movement. For activity 1- No supplies needed. For activity 2-learner could use an empty container; or 2 plastic spoons, plastic egg and rice; any materials to make a percusion instrument. For activity 3-picture of a Flamenco dancer will be provided. Supplies could include crayon, markers, water colors, colorful tissue paper and glue. For activity 4- If dressing up, girls could have a flower for hair, scarf or shall, black top and any color long skirt. For boys, white t-shirt, black pants and a vest or scarf for neck tie.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! I offer classes in traditional Flamenco dance movements and footwork. I also offer classes on how to play the castanets and other improvisations to enhance a Flamenco dance choreography. I have been dancing Flamenco since the age of 5 and have been teaching and dancing professionally over the past 30 + years. My studies have brought me as far as Spain! I have taught and performed throughout the New England area which I call home.
I believe that Flamenco is fun and has so much to offer with its rich culture, beautiful music and graceful yet powerful movements. My goal is to teach students a bit of Spanish, to develop their musical ear and raise awareness of the subtle movements which will help strengthen posture, build endurance all in a positive learning environment.
I am a Mom to three wonderful kids who I have been able to share my love of music and dance with. I also have a golden doodle, beta fish and six chickens to take care of when I'm not dancing.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly or $60 for 4 weeks4 weeks
Completed by 5 learners
No live video meetings
Ages: 7-12