Joy of Motion Dance Center

Flamenco/Spanish Dance
The dances of Spain are varied and rich in ethnic and regional traditions. Joy of Motion Dance center offers classes that give students the opportunity to study a full range of Flamenco and Spanish Dance.

Fluid arms and percussive footwork are hallmarks of Flamenco dance that are paralleled in the beautiful melodies and intricate rhythms of Flamenco music. Originating in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, the fire of Flamenco dance is reflective of its gypsy (Gitano) dancing roots and influences from Arabic traditions. Learn traditional as well as original dances that are steeped in folklore and melding cultures dating back to the 1500’s in then Moorish Spain.

Encompassing regional and folk dance as well as classical and neo-classical dance, Spanish Dance uses a wide variety of traditional music and features castanets. Castanets are handheld, percussive instruments that highlight and accent the intricate rhythms of the many dances they accompany. Classes that are listed solely as Flamenco will not include the study of castanets. Learn about Spain and it’s history through the exciting and challenging dances that represent it’s regions, people and culture.

Castanets & Braceos
Castanets are handheld, percussive instruments that highlight and accent the intricate rhythms of the many dances they accompany. Braceo (Arm Movements) is an essential element of flamenco. It is part of the way through which the regality and grandiosity of flamenco is expressed. This class will dedicate half of its time to learning and perfecting the technique for playing castanets. The other half will focus on the integration and variations of hand, arm, and torso movements with stylistic implementation.

Sevillanas is an internationally renowned Andalusian folk dance which can be classified as a form of Flamenco. It is a very popular dance for individuals and couples of all ages. Sevillanas has a series of four sections: la primera, la segunda, la tercera, y la cuarta. Each of the four Sevillanas contains its own three verses (coplas). This class will focus on teaching each of the four Sevillanas in their standard forms and with some variations. No prior flamenco experience is required.

Sevillanas with castanets:

Skills and Technique
Prerequisite: No prior Flamenco/Spanish Dance experience necessary. All levels welcome.
This class will focus strictly on the perfecting of specific skills and technique. Class will cover all aspects of flamenco technique including arms, upper body work, footwork, markings, and turns. The class will include strengthening exercises and drills specifically geared to improve posture and body control. Class will emphasize development of strength to gain speed and clarity in footwork, and strong upper body movements. Short choreographic sequences will be taught as part of technique training, but no full choreography will be taught. This class is meant to supplement study in regular flamenco classes and is geared for all levels, but is taught at an intensive pace and may be more suitable for students at the Beginning I Flamenco level and above. Parts of the class will be taught on the floor, please dress comfortably. Flamenco skirts are not necessary for women, however, both women and men should have proper Flamenco footwear for class. Students may either register for the full semester or drop-in and pay $15.00 per class.

Flamenco/Spanish Dance Theory
This class will explain the ins and outs of selected flamenco rhythms (palos) as it applies to flamenco dancing. The compas (musical measure) and structure of the dance will be explained through theoretical explanations as well as exercises in which the students will participate. Exercises will include hand clapping (palmas) rhythms and variations, marcajes (marking steps), as well as footwork, aimed at providing a full understanding of the theory explained. Please note that this class, while it will include some dancing, WILL NOT be strictly a dance class. The class will implement both theory and practice, therefore, students should not expect to dance during the entire class.
Level: Beg I and above. Basics students are welcomed with the understanding that some of the exercises may be challenging.

Flamenco/Spanish Dance Levels of Instruction
Note: Students should discuss changing levels with the instructor. Repeating a level for more than one semester is common and many times required for the development of proper technique and artistry. Progress is dependent on the student’s commitment to class participation and home practice.

Basics
Prerequisite: No prior experience necessary.
Class is an introduction to Flamenco and/or Spanish Dance that encompasses basic arm positions, rhythms, palmas (hand clapping), and the fundamentals of footwork. Spanish Dance will include an introduction to the use of castanets. While no previous dance training is necessary, students without previous dance experience are advised to take Introduction to Dance Technique.

Beginning I
Prerequisite: Mastery of Basics and permission of instructor
Building on the skills covered in Basics, this class will highlight further skill development in the areas of footwork, arms, turns, and palmas. Class will include traditional and choreographed dance routines. Spanish Dance will include castanets.

Beginning II
Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning I and permission of instructor
Class is a continuation of material covered at the Beginning I for students who have mastered basic Flamenco and/or Spanish Dance arm positions, footwork, turns, and palmas. Class will include traditional and choreographed dance routines. Students are required to have a basic proficiency in the use of castanets for Spanish Dance classes.

Low Intermediate
Prerequisite: Mastery of Beginning II and permission of instructor
Class includes further instruction in more complex Flamenco and/or Spanish Dance rhythms, footwork, additional arm work and palmas. Class will include traditional and choreographed dance routines. Spanish Dance will include accelerated castanet work.

Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisite: Mastery of Low Intermediate and permission of instructor
Class emphasizes complex usage and layering of footwork, arm positions, turns, and palmas. Students will work on more intricate rhythms and dances and focus on mastering Flamenco and/or Spanish Dance as an art form. Spanish Dance will include advanced castanet work.

Dress
Students should wear exercise or dance apparel or similar clothes that permit viewing of body movement. It is recommended that women wear long skirts and men, slacks. Flamenco shoes/boots (preferred), hard soled shoe with a heel acceptable. Consult instructor for specific information on where to buy or obtain Flamenco shoes (women), Flamenco boots (men), or other Flamenco attire.