Flamenco Practice Sessions Are Back…y mejór que nunca

It’s the Revival of the Flamenco Practice Session

With LIVE guitarra and cante para vosotros

We began these last summer as the finale to our Por Fiesta nights…And now it’s time for more, with a bit of restructuring.  These sessions will be similar but more focused.  As we all know, flamenco is not a solitary art form; it is important to practice collectively and become accustomed to working with others.  These sessions are something in-between a class and a juerga.

This is a chance for students to practice choreographies learned in class with live accompaniment. It’s one-on-one time between you and the musicians (Nat Hulskamp, guitar & Diana Bright, cante) with guidance, a time to take what you’ve been learning in class a step further. Dancers will take turns running pieces of their choosing (pieces learned in class with Laura or in a workshop with a guest artist.) When not dancing you will practice accompanying fellow dancers with palmas and jaleos.

Who Are these Live Musicians You’re Talking About?
Well, they are both incredibly talented and (equally important in my view) very kind and patient!  The perfect people to accompany you sin estrés so that you feel comfortable, at ease and ENJOY this! You can find out more about Nat here.  Lately we’ve been performing together at the coast and he plays regularly out and about all over Portland.  And, Diana, well, we all know Diana.  And if you haven’t heard her lately, you’re in for a treat.

Where?
Southwest Portland – in combination with the Holiday Party.  Contact us for details.

When?
Sunday, December 18, 6:00 – 7:00 pm.  Limited slots, so please let me know if you’d like to participate.

How Much Will it Cost?
Pay what you can (This month, we’ll likely have a set price soon…)

Why Would I Want to Do This?
- To sink the dances in
- To take what you’re learning in class a step further
- To have one-on-one time with the musicians
- To receive personal feedback & guidance
- To have a safe place to experiment & mess up!
- To learn what to do/how to go on when you do in fact mess up (because it happens, somos humanos)
- To become more comfortable getting up in front of people
- To dance in front of people who are supportive and educated about flamenco & interested in growing and sharing
- To better understand the compás
- To have a clearer picture of where you’re at with a give dance/step/palo
- To understand how to support fellow dancers with palmas
- To become more comfortable giving jaleos
- To observe the interplay between the dancer and musicians
- To push yourself
- To have something to work toward
- To recognize your progress
- To become better-prepared to get up at a juerga
- To become begin preparing for the 2012 Student SHOW (if you so desire to participate)
- Para pasarlo bien!

With regular participation , you are bound to see improvement in your compás, comfort level, conocimiento of the different dances, and improvisational skills!