Flamenco is a music, dance, and song form originating in southern Spain. Its various styles have evolved through the contributions of many cultures and peoples over the centuries, including (but not limited to) the Roma, the Spanish, the Moors and those of other African descent, the Sephardic Jews, and the peoples of certain Latin American regions. The development, care, and guardianship of the art form sits largely with the Roma (Gitano) people.

As a woman of color, I am drawn to the multi-ethnic influences within flamenco. The “cantes de ida y vuelta”, for example, are “old world” flamenco songs which underwent transformation upon contact with indigenous populations in the “new world”. My training as a flamenco dancer began in NYC, continued at the School at Jacob’s Pillow with Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca, and took me to southern Spain under renown artists such as Rafael and Adela Campallo, Andrés Peña, Pilar Ogalla, Ángel Atienza, Isabel Bayón, La Lupi, María Juncal, and Carmela Greco, among others.

Each day of this workshop we will visit one of the major flamenco “palos” (or “styles”), such as Alegrías de Cádiz, Tangos, and Bulerías de Jerez, among others (class input encouraged). We will cover their history, rhythm, and structure. Classes will include a quick warm up, technique, and then close with a simple choreography adapted to the class’ needs. This is a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment with an emphasis on play and exploration.

I am passionate about teaching flamenco because of its beautiful variety of sounds, dances, and stories.