FLAMENCO DANCE - INTRO.

No prior dance experience is required! Introduction to Flamenco for Absolute Beginners is the ideal way to start dancing flamenco. This fun 1 hour class is taught in order to be able to cover and practice all basic aspects for students without prior dance experience. Classes will focus on strong footwork, upper body coordination, understanding flamenco music and compás (rhythmic/melodic patterns), and proper posture. We will begin to develop the muscle strength and dance skills necessary for flamenco dance. The latter part of class will introduce the very popular Sevillanas. Prepare for the Feria! This regional dance of Seville is performed in schools, parties, weddings, bars, and of course the annual Spring Fair, the Feria. Danced in four short sections called coplas, Sevillanas are known for their charismatic, lively gracefulness. Each copla ends with a sudden stop as dancers strike a pose, inspiring the audience to shout ¡Olé! Beginners will learn basic steps and arm movements to the First Copla.

What should I wear to class?
Something comfortable! Women can begin with any comfortable shoes with sturdy, wide heels that are 1 1/2 to 3 inches high and hard soles (no platforms). Character shoes are a good, inexpensive option. Comfortable pants (yoga pants, for example) are fine; if skirt, slightly full so you can move. Men can wear fairly close fitting shirts and pants, and sturdy shoes or low boots with 1 to 1 1/2 inch heels.

About Ana Diaz:
MosaicoFlamenco’s Ana Diaz, La Canela, is originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela and moved to Birmingham, AL in 2006 after finishing her studies in Metallurgical Engineering back home at the UNEXPO-Barquisimeto. She then started her professional career as an engineer in the steel industry. She began studying Flamenco at the age of 4 with the Ballet Sacromonte, the oldest Flamenco Academy in Venezuela, founded by Antonio Lopez Lopez from Granada (Spain). There, at that prestigious school, under the guidance of Leti and Mari Trini Lopez, she studied for 10 years. After a long break from flamenco to concentrate on her academic studies, she resumed her flamenco studies in 2009 with Irene Rimer who, together with Martha SidAhmed of Atlanta, have been her most influential Spanish dance mentors before now.  She continues her studies with MosaicoFlamenco’s visiting master instructors, and is enthusiastic about frequent instructors Alexandra and Ryan Zermeño, who regularly teach in Birmingham.  She is also well versed in various dance forms including Salsa, Merengue, and Venezuelan Tambores and Joropo. Ana is currently a member of Birmingham’s MosaicoFlamenco.