How to dance flamenco, flamenco travel in Spain, flamenco dance students and their experiences, interviews with flamenco artists, translations of flamenco letras (songs) from Spanish to English
...This one being Srta. Laura Onizuka during her first week:
Perhaps you're wondering, How might I spend my time were I to attend the Festival de Jerez? Here is what a typical day might include were you to rent a centrally located apartment with some amigos and sign up for a couple of cursillos:
GUEST POST: Below read reflections from a flamenco workshop with Manuel Liñan at the 2011 Festival de Jerez from Heather Williams, flamenca from Portland:
March 1, 2011I'm writing this from Jerez, Spain, where I'm making my first important flamenco pilgrimage: the annual Festival Flamenco de Jerez; an opportunity to study baile with the best dancers, to see performances every night, and just soak up the lively Andalucian culture. Jerez is definitely a flamenco town- walking the narrow winding streets you can hear it everywhere; the guitarist practicing a soleá in a rooftop garden, thundering footwork coming from a tiny studio, and the ubiquitous town drunks, who sing (in several cases, quite beautifully) for a cigarette or a few spare coins. Ah, it's so wonderful to finally be here!
February 26 Saturday Our first day of classes...Nervous as ever to go to Manuel Liñan's class, and I think my nerves were contagious. Sorry, Heather. We were like eager kindergartners on the first day of school arriving 20 minutes early, the first ones there, I don't know if I've ever been the first to arrive. Actually, Manolillo was there and even said hi - we soooo enjoyed class. Went to find the supermarket afterward, and on the way (I hadn't put my jacket on yet; it was warm and we'd just worked hard!) I pass an older woman on the street. Without making eye contact she looks at my clothes and says, "Hija, hace calor pero tampoco para irte así" Haha, I love Spain! Went home to make lunch, rest a bit and review what we'd learned in class. Then off to afternoon class with Marco Flores. Was wonderful to see him again and to thank him in person for the letter of invitation he wrote me to come to the festival.
I am extremely honored to have received a professional development grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council to attend the 2011 Flamenco Festival de Jerez. I leave for Spain February 22nd and will remain until the 24th of May. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to further my studies, gain inspiration, and network with artists to possibly bring to Portland in the future. I look forward to sharing with you upon my return! And, actually, I intend to keep those interested updated while I am there with my blog. Students, no need to worry, classes will continue while I am away with guest teachers from Portland and out of town!~ Laura
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