Understanding Bulerías: A Series of Workshops

Third & Final Workshop: JANUARY 7, 14, 21 – Bulerías Solidification of it All

As much as I would like to say I can give you the perfect formula and it will make any and all bulerías a breeze, I cannot.   Well, I kind of can…I can give you a structure and show how you adjust this and that to make it work.  I can teach you certain rules that will help ensure your success and that if you fail to follow will absolutely screw up everything for you.  Sí, sí, sí, so this is good news, especially for those of us who like both doing and having things explained, who like to know when why and how.  HOWEVER  simply knowing  the “formulas” is not enough.  We need to understand the theory, understand the why, and know what to do with it.  Through teaching, guidance, and practice we can gain comfort in dancing this form.  We can relax into it so that when something goes differently than anticipated (cante for example) we are comfortable adjusting.  Doing, doing, and more doing, trying with different scenarios, and receiving feedback will all support you on your journey to complete bulerías mastery.

Why You, Why Me?
I learned the hard way, and that’s not how I want things to be for you.  After much of doing, messing up, analyzing and figuring out, and thoughts of, “Why didn’t you just say that in the first place?” I realized it was time to create a method [a FUN method] to present the necessary information in an understandable manner while providing a format for practicing and perfecting in a variety of scenarios.   Consider these workshops a synthesis of everything I’ve learned in order to make bulerías more accessible to you and hopefully help you learn from my mistakes!  (Because, let’s face it, often times it is simply too frustrating trying to learn these things from the people who have been doing it their whole lives and can’t begin to comprehend where we’re coming from…)

Why A Series of Workshops?
The upcoming series of bulerías workshops exist to broaden your knowledge and to make you feel truly comfortable in this flamenco style.  Each workshop at the very least will provide you with a deeper understanding of bulerías and with set dances that can be deconstructed and reconstructed, giving you all of the pieces you need to adapt to any given scenario.

First Workshop: NOVEMBER 5. 12, & 19 – The Ins & Outs of Bulerías de Jerez
To TRULY understand the structure of Bulerías de Jerez and how to respond to the cante.  Leave this workshop confident in dancing a bulerías by yourself, in compás, and with the cante.

Second Workshop: DECEMBER 3, 10, 17 – Bulerías Sin Cante
Ay!  How to dance and more importantly how to give incredible jaleos so the cante is not missed.

Third Workshop: JANUARY  7, 14 & 21 – Bulerías: Solidification of it All 
Enhanced understanding of responding to the cante and using jaleos & palmas alone and with baile and cante

Next Series Coming Soon…FEBRUARY – Bulerías to different types of cante & Estilo: 
Using dynamics to enhance the baile and cante

Do I need to take ALL of the Workshops?
Each workshop is designed to build upon the previous however it is not necessary to take them all.  Though for the most comprehensive understanding, taking all workshops is recommended.  [The first one , The Ins & Outs of Bulerías de Jerez, is especially important, acting as a foundation for the rest. Don't worry, if you missed it, I'll be offering it again in the near future.]  Still, if there are certain aspects you want to focus more on than others then you can pick and choose which months to attend!  Each workshop will strengthen your understanding of bulerías, support you in the subsequent ones and support your other flamenco endeavors.

Why a Workshop Format?
The intensity of a workshop allows us to fit what might normally be spread out over several months into a few sessions. The opportunity to focus on one thing in a concentrated format with a set group of people attending each time facilitates progression and generates an excitement very conducive to learning.

And, why, again do I need to learn bulerías?
Because they are essential and beyond FUN!  This is the palo of the fín de fiesta.  It is where you get to be silly and really let your personality show.  It is what even the guitarists and the singers can dance.  You can’t do flamenco and NOT do bulerías.  Simplemente, no puede ser.

“I love how you are teaching the Bulerías de Jerez on Saturdays-I have never learned so much from a bulerias class!!  We learn little bits, identify where they go in the cante, and then mix them up.  It is really beginning to sink in!!  I have learned so much material in this class and I am able to mix pieces from one choreography with another.  Thanks!!” – Stefani

Third Workshop: JANUARY 7, 14, & 21 – Bulerías Solidification of it All

When:
Saturday, January 7 – 12:10 – 2:10
Saturday, January 14 – 12:10 – 2:10
Saturday, January 21 – 12:10 – 2:10

Price:
$85*   [for 6  hours of classes & e-workbooks] 
or
2 payments of $42.50 (first payment due Jan 7, second payment due January 21)

DROP-IN: $45

Discounts?
By attending this first one in November, you will receive a 10% discount on the future workshops in this series (December and January) should you choose to take them as well. January Session is $76 for participants of the Ins & Outs.

What if I’ve never done any flamenco before?
Some previous flamenco experience necessary.  If you are uncertain, feel free to contact me.  Check out our class schedule if you’ve never danced before and would like to start.

Next Series begins in February with: - Bulerías to different types of cante & Estilo: Using dynamics to enhance the baile and cante