Kids Flamenco

Class Description

This flamenco class is suitable for both absolute beginners and children with some flamenco dance experience. Students will learn fundamental techniques necessary for flamenco postures and steps, including footwork, and some choreography. Spanish language flamenco terminology will be introduced and used during class, and students will also learn about flamenco music. We will sing and play palmas (hand claps) while we learn to dance in a fun and inclusive environment! Class goals include learning how to feel and embody flamenco rhythms, learning choreography, and singing basic flamenco verses in Spanish that we will dance to. Students will have the opportunity to perform their learned choreographies with live professional musicians as part of Sabor Flamenco's annual recital, as well as participation in Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma's scheduled performance(s).

Instructor:

Ashley Cook began her flamenco studies in 2004 with master teacher Eva Encinias in Albuquerque, NM. She then continued her studies in Tacoma with Marisela Fleites-Lear and in Seattle with Ana Montes. In addition to long-term study with Eva, Marisela, and Ana, Ashley has taken classes with Teo Morca, Joaquín Encinias, Belén Maya, Lucía Alvarez "La Piñona," Iván Vargas, Miguel Ángel Heredia, Cristina Soler, and many others. Ashley is a professional orchestral clarinetist who performs and teaches throughout the Puget Sound region, and she is also currently a PhD candidate in ethnomusicology, with a research focus on flamenco in the United States.

Dress code:

Ankle length skirt over leggings or stretchy pants/shorts, character shoes or flamenco shoes. Ok to come to the first class without these items.

*Limit 2 drop-in classes per dancer.