The first full flamenco dance I learned was with abanico.
After our first class Ana, my teacher in Sevilla, told me to go out and get a flamenco fan.
(She also told me to get flamenco shoes which I did not do. )
But I did purchase a fan.
A big red fan.
I loved the sound it made when I opened it.
And, of course, I loved flicking it open.
Having the fan seemed to help me get through our classes.
But let me back up…
Ana was one of Matilde Coral’s dancers and students who ran a flamenco school for kids in her home in Triana five minutes away from Matilde’s academy.
I had gone to Matilde’s academy in search of flamenco classes.
I felt scared. I felt hopeful. I felt excited.
I was in Spain on my own.
I was there to learn to dance flamenco.
Would this be the place for me?
But as soon as I stepped inside I wanted to turn around and walk out.
Everything seemed so formal.
It was a real dance academy.
So real it reminded me that I was not a dancer.
I wanted to run, but I stayed, and I talked to Matilde.
She proudly told me about all of their offerings, flamenco dance, castañuelas, escuela bolera, other things I can’t recall.
I didn’t even really understand what she was talking about, but it all seemed very serious,
And it all felt extremely intimidating.
I explained my situation.
I explained what I was looking for.
I explained that I was not a dancer.
I explained that I needed the most. basic. class.
According to Matilde I had arrived just in time, for a beginning class was just starting. Why didn’t I join them?
But I refused to dance.
I insisted on watching first.
Reluctantly Matilde gave in.
After observing this so-called beginning class I informed her that I was DEFINITELY not ready to study at her academy.
She seemed to disagree.
Dancing in the classes themselves was what I or anybody needed to become ready she seemed to think.
Still, once she realized I was not going to budge, she gave me another option.
She put me in contact with Ana who had a school for kids. She could help me get started.
So I called Ana, and thus began my flamenco studies in Sevilla.
As I mentioned, right away, Ana had me buy a fan.
At first I was hesitant.
I didn’t even know any basics, why should I be adding something unnecessary at this point?
But I quickly came to discover that she had made a good call.
I loved dancing with the abanico.
It motivated me and gave me confidence.
Movements of the fan felt much simpler than any steps or footwork.
And sometimes holding the fan took my hand off hook.
It made me feel beautiful.
And it felt so satisfying because I could get it.
The technique and movements just made sense.
And I felt good doing it.
To this day I love dancing with abanico.
Don’t you?
Here's a short video clip from a beginning abanico workshop:
You can find out more about my first encounter with Matilde Coral and my time studying with Ana here.
What was the first flamenco dance you ever learned?
Let me know in the comments below.
