Tag: group class

Flamenco classes before summer?

Dear flamencos, 

It has been so great to be back in class! We have 2 levels currently thriving on Thursdays and are looking for some quick feedback about upcoming classes once this session is over so we can decide on how best to proceed.

I am hoping to have one more session of flamenco classes at Sugar Swing before summer hits. My plan is to continue with 2 levels, Thursdays at the same times, but for the next session the focus will be on footwork. Level 1 will stay within the song form of Tangos. Level 2, still within the 12 count. Character shoes or any shoes with a sturdy heel would be fine for beginner students. You do not need previous flamenco experience to take the Level 1 class.

If you are interested in a session of flamenco classes starting April 20, could you please take a few seconds to fill out the google form at the link below? Replying does not obligate you to commit to classes. Responses are anonymous so please only fill it out once so the response count is accurate. It is just 3 multiple choice questions about level and length of session. All the information about dates and pricing is at the top of the form.

Fill out the google form at this link

The next opportunity for classes after this will be in the Fall.

Jane

Fall flamenco update

Dear Students,

A quick note to update you on my flamenco classes. In what would have been the start of my 20th year of teaching flamenco in Edmonton I find myself instead taking a semester off for the first time. As an independent teacher, I’m not comfortable hosting groups of students in person in the studio at this point. Insurance does not cover this type of situation and Marrmac themselves have had to put some pretty strict protocols in place to keep their studio running. Many people are finding this a very uncertain time, I think it’s best to wait until the situation improves and we can see each other in person again.

I hope everyone is managing in these very interesting times and finding ways to stay positive. I am taking advantage of the time to work on my own development. I hope you are inspired to do the same! Since March I have been studying quite intensely with my own teachers in Spain and will have a lot to share with you when we finally meet again.

I will re-update everyone in the New Year about if a Spring session of regular classes will be happening or not. Until then, I hope everyone stays safe and healthy. If you have any questions or just want to connect for a chat, please do send me a note. I sure do miss seeing all of your lovely faces in class!

Here are some pics from the past few years to lift your spirits

Tangos master class with visiting Spanish dancer Farru, November 2019.

Tangos workshop with visiting Spanish dancer Carmen Ledesma, November 2019.

Romance workshop with visiting Spanish dancer Carmen Ledesma, November 2019.

Dancers Magdalena Difani, Jen Dunford, and Carmen performing the Alegrias from my Level IV class at the Flamenco Society of Edmonton’s 2019 Community Show. Photo – Earl Mckenzie

Song and Dance Workshops with Vancouver’s Stephanie Pedraza and guest guitarist Tosh Hayashi from Calgary – 2015

Soleá performers from my Level II/III class with guest singer Susan MacGregor and guitarist David Matyas at the Flamenco Society of Edmonton’s 2019 Community Show

Song and Dance workshops with Vancouver’s Oscar Nieto – 2015

Flashmobbers performing my tangos choreography created for the Edmonton Flamenco Festival in 2016/17

Class reminders. Flamenco Festival workshop deadline tonight!

News in this update:

  • Class Reminders – final group class Friday, March 6th 6:30 – 8:00
  • Edmonton Flamenco Festival – Workshop early-bird registration deadline tonight!

CLASS REMINDERS

Friday, March 6th final group class 6:30 – 8:00

A reminder that the final group class for all students is Friday, March 6th. Students will all get a chance to review their material from 6:30 – 7:00

    • 6:30 – 7:00 – review class work with your classmates. We will use available studios
    • 7:00 – group warm up and presentation of pieces

This is an informal opportunity for each class to perform their dance for the other students and to see what other classes have been learning. We will finish with a few videos to watch and coffee at a local café afterwards. It’s a really fun night and a great way to end the semester. There is no obligation to perform.

*Please note that March 6th’s group class is for current students only. Guests are not allowed.

If you registered but have missed a lot of classes or had to withdraw from class this semester, please feel free to come to the final class as an observer to see what others have been doing, watch some videos with us and meet other members of the community. It’s a fun night.

Next session

Classes will resume after the flamenco festival and will include rehearsal for the community concert. Info coming out later this week.

EDMONTON FLAMENCO FESTIVAL March 12 – 15

Festival Mainstage – Sevilla en Blanco y Negro – Winspear Centre March 13

Tickets here – edmontonflamencofestival.com/tickets/

Festival Workshops – Early-bird deadline midnight tonight! March 2nd

Don’t miss this chance to experience the artistry of our incredible guest performers from Spain!

Cante (song) class with José ‘El Pechuguita’  – for all levels.

I highly encourage everyone to attend. This class is designed to practice singing as a group and even if you are not interested in singing beyond the class, it’s invaluable for deepening your understanding of the dance. Never been to a cante class before? Not to worry we tend to all help each other out. This is a fun class with a lot of students attending. José ‘El Pechuguita’ was here as a guest of Jairo Barrull in 2018 and taught a fantastic class por tangos.

Compás (palmas) class with El Oruco  – for students that have experience with the 12 count.

El Oruco is a master at palmas and his compás classes are the best out there. This is the first class I look for when I go to study in Seville. If you are in my level I class or above, this class is for you.

Dance classes with El Oruco and Karolina González – have a look at which level is appropriate for you below.

    • Are you in my Beginner level tangos classes?
      The Introductory level Tangos with Karolina González is aimed at your level.
      You can sign up for Package A if you want to take both days of dance, and Package B if you want to add the cante class as well.
    • In my level I – III bulerías or soleá por bulerías classes?
      The Beginner/Intermediate level bulerías with Karolina González is aimed at your level. Level III’s, the Intermediate/Advanced level is also for you.
    • In my level III – IV classes?
      The Intermediate/Advanced level Alegrías with El Oruco is aimed at your level.

Full workshop information and registration can be found at this link.

Looking for private or semi-private classes? Guitar classes? Contact info at the link above.

hope to see you this Spring!
Jane

Want to keep up to date with the flamenco community? Click here for some tips.

Class reminder. Flamenco Festival News!

CLASS REMINDER

Friday, February 14th there are no classes due to Family Day long weekend.

EDMONTON FLAMENCO FESTIVAL – March 12 – 15 – Show and Workshops!

Join us for the Edmonton Flamenco Festival featuring dancer El Oruco and guests from Spain!

I’m beyond thrilled to be bringing dancer El Oruco from Seville who has been my mentor since 2010. We now have the final line-up and are excited to host his wife, dancer Karolina González, as well as 2 singers returning from past festivals. José ‘El Pechuguita’ was here as a guest of Jairo Barrull in 2018 and Jonathan Reyes was here as a guest of Sonia Olla and Ismael Fernández in 2019. Guitarist José Luis Medina is the final last minute addition.

El Oruco and guests – March 13th performance at the Winspear – Tickets now available!

Weekend workshops – March 14th – 15th

Don’t miss this chance to experience the artistry of our incredible guest performers from Spain. The Early-bird deadline is March 2nd. Wondering what classes are for you?

Cante (song) class with José ‘El Pechuguita’  – for all levels.

I highly encourage everyone to attend. This class is designed to practice singing as a group and even if you are not interested in singing beyond the class, it’s invaluable for deepening your understanding of the dance. Never been to a cante class before? Not to worry we tend to all help each other out. This is a fun class with a lot of students attending. José ‘El Pechuguita’ was here as a guest of Jairo Barrull in 2018 and taught a fantastic class por tangos.

Compás (palmas) class with El Oruco  – for students that have experience with the 12 count.

El Oruco is a master at palmas and his compás classes are the best out there. This is the first class I look for when I go to study in Seville. If you are in my level I class or above, this class is for you.

Dance classes with El Oruco and Karolina González – have a look at which level is appropriate for you below.

    • Are you in my Beginner level tangos classes?
      The Introductory level Tangos with Karolina González is aimed at your level.
      You can sign up for Package A if you want to take both days of dance, and Package B if you want to add the cante class as well.
    • In my level I – III bulerías or soleá por bulerías classes?
      The Beginner/Intermediate level bulerías with Karolina González is aimed at your level. Level III’s, the Intermediate/Advanced level is also for you.
    • In my level III – IV classes?
      The Intermediate/Advanced level Alegrías with El Oruco is aimed at your level.

Dancers, there is a lot of interest from dancers in Edmonton and other cities in Canada and we anticipate our usual high registration levels. Class sizes are limited and we encourage you to register early so you don’t miss out.

www.edmontonflamencofestival.com

hope to see you at the festival!
Jane

Want to keep up to date with the flamenco community? Click here for some tips.

Final Class, photos and next session

News in this update:

  • November 29th – Final Group Class
  • Classes with Carmen Ledesma – November 20 – 24 – photos
  • Next session begins in January

Final Group Class this Friday:

A reminder that our final group class for all levels is tomorrow Friday, November 29th from 6:30 – 8:00 for all levels. This class is only open to current students and those that have dropped in at some time in this session.

Observers/guests/family/friends are not able to sit in on this class.

There is no obligation to perform! If you are a current student but have missed a lot of classes this session or are uncomfortable performing, please do join us as an audience member to get a taste of what other students have learned, see some inspirational video, and meet other flamencos in our community. If you’re not performing, you should plan to arrive just before 7pm.

Schedule: The evening’s events are as follows

6:30 – review of pieces learned
depending on how much studio is available, we will split up by level or will take turns in the studio for a quick review
7:00 – group warm up and presentation of pieces
7:30 – we will watch some flamenco video clips and then head off for a coffee at a local cafe for food/beverage/conversation

Classes with Carmen Ledesma

What a great week of classes with Carmen Ledesma last week! It was an utter privilege to have her back in Edmonton. Thanks to Nyles Varughese for accompanying on guitar and a special thanks to the students that traveled in from Calgary and Regina. I am grateful for funding from the Alberta Dance Alliance Community Workshop series and collaboration from the Edmonton Flamenco Festival and Maria Serrano in Toronto (sorry for my blurry camera shots).

 

Next Session of Classes

My next session of classes will begin near the end of January. Review classes may be offered earlier in the month. Information will be posted in mid December.

thanks for a great Fall session!
Jane

Want to keep up to date with the flamenco community? Click here for some tips.

Class reminders. Flamenco Festival in two weeks!

CLASS REMINDERS

Friday, March 29th flamenco dance classes cancelled.

A reminder that all dance classes are cancelled on Friday, March 29th. If you missed last Friday’s classes I will have your refund at the final class. Cante classes are still running with Irena Dumicz from 6 – 7.

Friday, April 5th final group class 6:30 – 8:00 (dancers) 7:00 – 8:00 (singers).

A reminder that the final group class for all students is Friday, April 5th. Students will all get a chance to review their material from 6:30 – 7:00 as below. We only have two rooms so please be there for your timeslot if you want to review.

    • 6:30 – 6:40 – Tangos letra and Solea
    • 6:40 – 6:50 – Alegrias and Bulerias
    • 6:50 – 7:00 – Tangos footwork and Cante
    • 7:00 – 8:00 – combined class for all levels

This is an informal opportunity for each class to perform their dance or song for the other students and to see what other classes have been learning. We will finish with a few videos to watch and coffee at a local café afterwards. It’s a really fun night and a great way to end the semester. There is no obligation to perform.

*Please note that the group class is for current students only. Guests are not allowed.

If you registered but have missed a lot of classes or had to withdraw from class this semester, please feel free to come to the final class as an observer to see what others have been doing, watch some videos with us and meet other members of the community. It’s a fun night.

Flamenco Society of Edmonton – Community Show May 26

The deadline for the call for performers for the Community Show is April 19th. At the April 5th group class we will revisit who is interested in performing this year’s material. I will also send out an email to confirm who is interested. Classes will resume after the flamenco festival and will be for rehearsal for the community concert.

EDMONTON FLAMENCO FESTIVAL April 10 – 14

Festival Mainstage – Tierra Flamenca – Winspear Centre April 12

Tickets here – edmontonflamencofestival.com/tickets/

Festival Workshops – Early-bird deadline April 2nd

Don’t miss this chance to experience the artistry of our incredible guest performers from Spain!

Weekend cante (song) classes with Ismael Fernández – for all levels.

I highly encourage everyone to attend. These classes are designed to practice singing as a group and even if you are not interested in singing beyond the class, are invaluable for deepening your understanding of the dance. Never been to a cante class before? Not to worry we tend to all help each other out. These are fun classes with a lot of students attending.

Weekend dance and song classes with Sonia Olla and Pol Vaquero – have a look at which level is appropriate for you below.

    • Are you in my Beginner level tangos classes?
      The Introductory/Beginner level Tangos with Pol Vaquero is aimed at your level.
      You can sign up for Package A if you want to take cante and dance, or if you prefer only dance you can choose Intro/Beg Choreo under Individual Classes.
    • In my level I bulerías or II/III soleá classes?
      The Beginner/Intermediate level Soleá with Sonia Olla is aimed at your level.
    • In my level III – IV classes?
      The Intermediate/Advanced level Siguirilla with Pol Vaquero is aimed at your level.
    • Wondering about the bata classes?
      Sonia Olla will be offering technique and movement combinations.

Full workshop information and registration can be found at this link.

Looking for private or semi-private classes? Guitar classes? Contact info at the link above.

hope to see you this Spring!
Jane

Want to keep up to date with the flamenco community? Click here for some tips.

Important class updates. Flamenco Festival Workshops!

IMPORTANT CLASS UPDATES

Friday, March 29th flamenco dance classes cancelled.

Due to a family funeral out of town, I have cancelled all dance classes on March 29th.

    • Beginner Tangos (6 – 7) and Level I Bulerías (7 – 8) you will be refunded for that date.
    • Level II/III Soleá students, extra class time has been added on March 15th & 22nd.
    • Cante classes will still be running with Irena Dumicz from 6 – 7.
    • Missed a few classes or will be missing the next ones? Please make sure you have looked at the class calendar and understand when the remaining classes will run.

Friday, April 5th final group class 6:30 – 8:00 (dancers) 7:00 – 8:00 (singers).

A reminder that regardless of the regular weekly class day/time, all classes have their final week of class on Friday, April 5th. Dancers will warm up from 6:30 – 7:00 and then the class is a combined group class for all levels including cante from 7:00 – 8:00. This is an informal opportunity for each class to perform their dance or song for the other students and to see what other classes have been learning. We will finish with a few videos to watch and coffee at a local café afterwards. It’s a really fun night and a great way to end the semester. There is no obligation to perform.

*Please note that the group class is for current students only. Guests are not allowed.

If you registered but have missed a lot of classes or had to withdraw from class this semester, please feel free to come to the final class as an observer to see what others have been doing, watch some videos with us and meet other members of the community. It’s a fun night.

EDMONTON FLAMENCO FESTIVAL – April Workshops!

Information on the Edmonton Flamenco Festival weekend workshops in dance and song on April 13th – 14th has been posted. Don’t miss this chance to experience the artistry of our incredible guest performers from Spain. The Early-bird deadline is April 2nd.

Weekend cante (song) classes with Ismael Fernández – for all levels.

I highly encourage everyone to attend. These classes are designed to practice singing as a group and even if you are not interested in singing beyond the class, are invaluable for deepening your understanding of the dance. Never been to a cante class before? Not to worry we tend to all help each other out. These are fun classes with a lot of students attending.

Weekend dance and song classes with Sonia Olla and Pol Vaquero – have a look at which level is appropriate for you below.

    • Are you in my Beginner level tangos classes?
      The Introductory/Beginner level Tangos with Pol Vaquero is aimed at your level.
      You can sign up for Package A if you want to take cante and dance, or if you prefer only dance you can choose Intro/Beg Choreo under Individual Classes.
    • In my level I – III bulerías or soleá classes?
      The Beginner/Intermediate level Soleá with Sonia Olla is aimed at your level.
    • In my level III – IV classes?
      The Intermediate/Advanced level Siguirilla with Pol Vaquero is aimed at your level.
    • Wondering about the bata classes?
      Sonia Olla will be offering technique and movement combinations.

Stay tuned for potential other optional classes, including advanced cante and more.

Dancers, there is a lot of interest from dancers in Edmonton and other cities in Canada and we anticipate our usual high registration levels. Class sizes are limited and we encourage you to register early so you don’t miss out. This is especially true for the bata class.

Full information and registration can be found at this link.

Looking for private or semi-private classes? Guitar classes? Contact info at the link above.

hope to see you this Spring!
Jane

Want to keep up to date with the flamenco community? Click here for some tips.

Final Flamenco Classes and Flamenco Festival Workshops

News in this update:

  • Final week group classes – April 10th and 13th
  • Flamenco Festival Intro/Beginner level class – April 21st
  • Flamenco Festival registration deadline – April 6th

FINAL WEEK GROUP CLASSES – April 10th and 13th

We have one more week of regular class before our final week of group classes. A reminder that students from all levels are welcome to attend both Tuesday and Friday evening group classes in the final week. Please note the time change on those dates.

Final week group classes – ALL LEVELS WELCOME
Tuesday, April 10 – 7:00 – 8:00
Friday, April 13 – 6:30 – 8:00

These final classes are combined group classes for all levels. This will give each level a chance to perform their dance for the other students and to see what other classes have been learning. Students are welcome to attend one or both nights. There is no obligation to perform if you prefer to just observe

On Friday, April 13th we will finish with a few videos to watch and coffee at a local café afterwards. Please note that these group classes are for current students only. Guests are not allowed.

FLAMENCO FESTIVAL INTRO/BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS – April 21st

The Edmonton Flamenco Festival has just added a festival baile (dance) class for Intro/Beginner students on Saturday April 21st. This class is aimed at students with up to 2 years experience. Participants should have a minimum of 4 classes of flamenco as a foundation.

Students in my beginner class, this is for your level! Don’t miss this chance to experience a class with top notch artists from Spain!

There’s a discount if you are taking the cante (singing) class that day as well. Cante classes are not just for singers! They are a great way to deepen your understanding of the dance. These por fiesta classes have students from all levels and we sing as a group.

Intro/Beginner level – Saturday, April 21st
2:15 – 3:15 – Intro/Beg – Baile – Tangos – Irene la Sentío – 1 hr
5:00 – 6:00 – All levels – Cante por tangos – José El Pechuguita – 1 hr

FEES
Single class – $42*/hour Early-bird  – $47/hour after April 6th
or
Package AA –  (Tangos class – Cante por tangos class)
2 hrs – $70* Early-bird / $75 after April 6th

Information and Registration can be found at this link.

The Early-Bird registration deadline for all festival workshops is April 6th.

Weekend cante (song) classes – for all levels.

I highly encourage everyone to attend. These classes are designed to practice singing as a group and even if you are not interested in singing beyond the class, are invaluable for deepening your understanding of the dance. Never been to a cante class before? Not to worry we tend to all help each other out. These are fun classes with a lot of students attending.

Weekend dance classes – for dancers with a minimum of 2 years flamenco dance experience.

  • Are you in my level I – III classes?
    The Beg/Int tientos workshop with Irene la Sentio is aimed at your level.
  • In my level III – IV classes?
    The Int/Adv level with Jairo Barrull is aimed at your level.

Information and Registration can be found at this link.

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