Flamenco Dance Lessons

FLAMENCO DANCE classes continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at Pointe by Pointe Dance Studio. NEW STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ENROLL FOR THE NEW 2012 WINTER SESSION! To enroll and for information, contact Katerina at katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net or 626-403-7489

STUDIO FLAMENCO GROUP DANCE CLASSES are held at Pointe by Pointe Dance Studio, 1315 Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 104, South Pasadena, CA 91030.

Due to popular demand, we are pleased to announce the return of FLAMENCO DANCE & GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT CLASSES at LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE. Enrollment is open soon for the 2012 winter session, which takes place on Sundays, February 26 through March 25, 2012. LACC Community Services dance classes are open to the public, and are held on campus in the Women's Gymnasium Dance Studio, 2nd Floor, Room 206. Please check below for enrollment information.

For INFORMATION, FEES and CLASS PLACEMENT, please check in: Group Classes

About Us

Rates

Directions

Mojácar Flamenco

Study in Spain

Student Shows

BACKGROUND

In Spain I was exposed to incredible artists and the overall ambience of flamenco in the southern Spanish cities of Córdoba, Granada and Jerez de la Frontera. You have to get up close and personal with the flamenco way of life – study the dance and music, see flamenco shows, attend social events, meet people, eat Spanish food - to understand its complexity. I’ve tried to bring the feeling of being in Spain to my dance classes - the excitement, energy, beauty and charisma - all of which are necessary to make a flamenco dancer.

In becoming a flamenco dancer, basic flamenco dance techniques are the necessary first component - the footwork, arms, hands, and rhythms. As well, there are more than thirty popular, currently performed dances. It seems a daunting task to learn all of these new forms, so it's good to know that the choreographic framework for all flamenco dances is basically the same. Particularly important and given emphasis in our classes is this framework, and how choreographic cues (remates, llamadas, desplante llamadas, and cierres) are created and used, which is essential information for all students learning flamenco dance. All technique and structural dance training is in service to performance and style.

In both private and group classes, and in beginning through professional levels, I strive to teach students at the highest level possible. Most students are surprised and pleased at how far they can go in just a short time if they are diligent in their studies.

WHERE? MY HOME STUDIO, 721 MOUND AVENUE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030
WHEN? PRIVATE LESSONS ARE ONE HOUR LONG. LESSON TIMES ARE AVAILABLE TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS.
HOW DO I GET STARTED? CALL KATERINA AT (626) 403-7489 OR E-MAIL katerina@studioflamenco.com
WHAT SHOULD I BRING? FLAMENCO OR CHARACTER SHOES, BOOTS FOR MEN, FLAMENCO SKIRTS FOR WOMEN
HOW MUCH - 2011 PRIVATE CLASS FEES (Please note: There are no refunds for purchased class cards):
- $60 FOR A SINGLE PRIVATE LESSON
- $200 FOR A SERIES OF FOUR WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS
  - Note: All four classes must take place within four weeks of the first class.
- $360 FOR A SERIES OF EIGHT WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS
  - Note: All six classes must take place within eight weeks of the first class.
CAN I PAY FOR MY LESSONS ONLINE? YES, ONCE YOU'VE SET UP YOUR LESSON TIME WITH KATERINA . . .

1: Choose the number of lessons you'd like to buy.
2: Click the button to buy classes via PayPal.
3: Print out your PayPal receipt and bring it to class.

About Us

Rates

Directions

Mojácar Flamenco

Study in Spain

Student Shows

FLAMENCO DANCE WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

In group classes, we work on technique (hands and arms, upper body posture, turns, footwork, rhythm, rhythmic handclaps), choreography, phrasing, timing, style, performance qualities, improvisation, and the structure of flamenco dance.

We also learn to use flamenco props, such as the pericon abanico (large flamenco fan), mantón (long fringed shawl), bata de cola (long trained skirt), sombrero cordobese, and castanets.

Group classes include a live guitarist and singer, allowing students to study the other essential element of the art of flamenco: the constant dialogue between dancers, singers and guitarists in class and ultimately, on stage.

WHERE?
POINTE BY POINTE DANCE STUDIO
1315 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE, SUITE 104
SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030

2012 GROUP CLASS CARD OFFER! Purchase an unlimited class card at Pointe by Pointe for $120 to take any group class. PLEASE NOTE: This card expires 1 month from date of purchase

NEW 2012 GROUP CLASSES for CHILDREN and ADULTS WILL BE FORMING SOON - CONTACT US FOR INFORMATON at 626-403-7489 or email Katerina at katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net

WINTER 2012 DANCE CLASS SCHEDULE:

BEGINNING LEVEL I/II CHOREOGRAPHY
TUESDAY	7:30 - 8:30 PM	1 CLASS $15
		4 CLASS CARD: $56
INT./ADVANCED TECHNIQUE & CHOREOGRAPHY
TUESDAY	8:30 - 9:30 PM	1 CLASS $15
		4 CLASS CARD:$56
*REHEARSAL CLASS - REPERTORY CLASS
WEDNESDAY	8:30 - 10:00 PM	FEES VARY
BEGINNING LEVEL I & INTERMEDIATE TECHNIQUE & CHOREOGRAPHY
SATURDAYS-Beginning I	1:30-2:45 PM	1 CLASS $16 4 CLASS CARD: $60
SATURDAYS- Intermediate	2:45-4:00 PM	1 CLASS $16 4 CLASS CARD: $60
ADVANCED TECHNIQUE & CHOREOGRAPHY
SATURDAYS	4:00-5:15 PM	1 CLASS $16 4 CLASS CARD: $60
*NB: $3 ACCOMPANIMENT FEE PER CLASS TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE GUITARIST* *PLEASE NOTE: There are no refunds on class cards for group or private dance lessons. Extensions ON PRIVATE OR GROUP CLASS CARDS are available ONLY with prior approval from the instructor.* *Checks and money orders for the above GROUP classes are payable to Pointe by Pointe Dance Studio.* *The Wednesday Rehearsal/Repertory class is by invitation. Please contact Katerina for information.* *DANCES FOR 2012 - POINTE by POINTE CLASS DANCES WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DANCES:* Guajíras with the FAN/PERICON ABANICO; Siguiriyas with the MANTON/large shawl, Soleares, Soléa por Bulerías, Bulerías de Jerez, Tangos Gitanos, Sevillanas and Fandangos de Huelva with CASTANETS and Alegrías. Contact Katerina at katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net for information and to enroll.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Call Katerina at (626) 403-7489
or e-mail her katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Flamenco or other hard-heeled shoes or boots.
- Note: Traditional flamenco shoes are recommended for classes, and have nails in the toes and heels. If you're just starting out, any hard-heeled shoes such as character shoes from a dance supply store are fine in the beginning. Avoid stilettos or other small-heeled shoes.
Flamenco skirts (waisted, long flowing skirt) for women; trousers and vests for men.
I teach the use of props such as castanets, fans, shawls and hats in specialized classes only. You'll be told when and where to purchase these items.

CAN I PAY FOR GROUP CLASSES ONLINE?
Group classes are offered through Pointe by Pointe Dance Studio, so you pay when you come for class via cash, check or money order. You can, however, try our online introductory special of four group classes and two private lessons for $135. Contact Katerina for details at katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net

FLAMENCO CLASS LEVELS - Please check the information below prior to enrolling in classes, or contact Katerina at katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net for class placement:

Beginning Level I - no prior experience is needed to join class

Beginning Level II - 6 or more months experience necessary, or with the consent of the instructor

Intermediate Level - 1 or more years experience necessary, or with the consent of the instructor

Advanced Level - 2-3 years of experience necessary, or with the consent of the instructor

Combination Intermediate/Advanced Level - 2 years of experience necessary, or with the consent of the instructor

VENUE	Los Angeles City College 855 N. Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90029 Location on Campus: Women’s Gymnasium, Dance Studio - Room 206
DAYS	WINTER 2012 SESSION - ENROLLMENT OPEN SOON FOR NEW WINTER SESSIONS! SESSION I - FALL - Sundays, FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 25, 2012
TIMES	TWO SECTIONS EACH SESSION: Beginning level – 1:30-3:00pm - Tangos Gitanos & Rumba Flamenca – No previous experience necessary Intermediate level – 3:00-4:30pm – Alegrías - Previous experience - 1 or more years
FEES	$55 per section (for five classes) $15 materials fee (for five classes-acompaniment fee)
TO ENROLL	CALL: LACC Community Services at 323-953-4000, ext. 2650, 2651 or 2652. Enroll online via credit card. Check the LACC Community Services website for information.
WEBSITE	LACC Community Services
	For further information about classes, call us at (626) 403-7489 Or e-mail us at: katerinatomas@sbcglobal.net stephendick@sbcglobal.net

Essential Palos For Dancers

Certain flamenco forms are essential to any artist's knowledge of their art form. Others are more challenging or rare. Below, we've grouped all the major forms so that you can get an idea of what one you'll be learning at each level as you progress.

Beginning Level
Tangos	A foundational form, this is the parent form for all the 4-count forms.
Soleares	A foundational form, this is the parent form for all of the 12-count forms.
Bulerías	This exciting, high-energy 12-count form is closely assoiciated with the city of Jerez.
Rumba	This quick 4-count festero form is closely associated with the Gypsy Kings.
Sevillanas	This 6-count folk and classical dance from Sevilla is an instrinsic part of the Feria de Sevilla.
Tanguillos	A variation of the tangos from Cadíz.
Garrotín	A 4-count count song popularized by Federico García Lorca
Intermediate/Advanced Level
Tientos	A slow, 4-count form.
Alegrías	An upbeat, 12-count form in a major key closely associated with Cádiz.
Guajíras	A 12-count Ida y Vuelta form based on Cuban rhythms.
Fandangos de Huelva	A 6-count song and dance from the province of Huelva; performed frequently in tablaos.
La Caña	A 12-count form thought to be the ancient prototype for the soleares
Zorongo	A 4-count song popularized by Federido Garcia Lorca.
Advanced Level
Soleá Por Bulerias	The hybrid form combining the music of the soleares and the tempo and beat structure of the bulerías.
Siguiriyas	A 12-count form with an unusual beat structure.
Tarantas	An arythmic form associated with a companion 4-count dance form, the tarantos.
Farruca	A four count, primarily dance form.

There are some wonderful instructional resources available for flamenco dancers these days: Books, CDs, DVDS, websites, and stores. Here are are some of our favorite resources:

Instructional Materials

Flamenco Básico

We created this series of CD/Booklets to directly answer the needs of our students and our own needs as teachers.

We put a lot of emphasis on not just "doing" flamenco, but on understanding flamenco. We needed an English-language resource that would take a flamenco piece apart section by section and show students exactly what the singerr, guitarist and dancer was doing at each moment in a performance. We also needed a practice tool useful for us as professional artists and for students.

We couldn't find anything like that, so we created our own.

Each Flamenco Básico CD presents one or two flamenco forms. That form is presented in its entirety and the companion booklet breaks down that form, explaining moment by moment what's going on.

The CD also includes rhythm tracks for practicing. The booklet includes chord diagrams, and guides for playing the falsetas.

You can order Flamenco Básico CDs directly from us using PayPal or through CDBaby.

You can alos download individual tracks directly through iTunes.

Order your copy of Flamenco Básico: Tientos y Tangos today via PayPal.

The booklet for Tangos y Tientos is only available online.
Download your copy here.

Order your copy of Flamenco Básico: Bulerías today via PayPal.

The booklet for Bulerías is included with the CD.

Websites

Google.es	If you want to research flamenco from a Spanish point of view, one great trick is to use the Spanish Google, You'll get more useful results than you would if you used Google in English.

Flamenco-World	This is often the first site we go to when we want to find out what's new in flamenco. For over ten years, it's been a central source for information and products. We love their products, especially the shoe brand Begoña Cervera. These are expensive, high-quality, custom made shoes with an excellent fit and look. Another great brand stocked on the website are Gallardo's shoes.

esflamenco	This site carries most of the same products as Flamenco-World, and we've had good luck getting things we order in a reasonable amount of time. They carry different shoe brands, so make sure to order professional level shoes for a better fit and a longer, more beautiful lasting look. Don't purchase cheaper shoes, which will wear out sooner. Also remember that suede shoes wear out sooner than leather, but they are also more comfortable.

colordeflamenco.com riversedgedancewear.com revuelo.net	These are some more websites that stock flamenco shoes, skirts, CDs, costumes, fans, hats, mantons, castanets and more great items. We don't have as much experience with these sites, but give them a try, and let us know what you think!

Stores

Flamenco Shoes on Catalina Island:	Our friend Elena Maria provides good, often excellent quality shoes from Spain (Gallardo's and Coral's). It is best to phone at: 310-510-2474 (best) or email at elena@flamencoshoes.com. Not all sizes are available, so check with Elena. Other accessories are also available: Skirts, practice CDs, shawls, hats, fans, videos and jewelry. A great option for those who live in southern California

Lands Far Away	A wonderful online store with flamenco products - shoes, fans, jewelry, castanets, shawls, hats, mantillas, skirts and dresses, and other gifts from vendor Tina Benayas. This merchant has especially beautiful fans and shawls; I can't vouch for the flamenco shoes except for the fact that Tina, a reputable and knowledgeable vendor recommends them. You pay a premium for these products, but this is an excellent vendor, who will ship your items immediately upon request if they are in stock. This store is located in Florida, and you will generally receive your items with 1 to 2 weeks.

Menke's in New York City	Call Senora Pepita at her shop to know what is available off the rack in New York. The shoes are good, though you should purchase lower heels. Don't get heels higher that 1 1/2 to 2 inches. They also sell lovely skirts and other products. If you purchase through their on-line store, you'll wind up ordering from Spain. Be sure to call them at 212-541-8401 or at 877-227-5460.

Local businesses in the Los Angeles area

SHELLEYS Discount Dancewear 310-475-1400 2089 Westwood Blvd	Shelleys offers a wide selection of Flamenco skirts in all colors and sizes, leotards, character shoes, flamenco shoes, and other dance supplies. An excellent resource for those living in West Los Angeles.

KARABEL'S Dancewear 818-955-8480 3901 W. Magnolia Blvd. Suite K, Burbank, CA 91505	Karabel's supplies dancewear of all types, plus flamenco skirts and a new line of flamenco shoes – Sodanca of Argentina. This is a good resource for those living in the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys in the Los Angeles area.

THE RED SHOES 626-799-8615 1018 Mission Street, #1 South Pasadena, CA 91030	This shop is close to both of our dance studios in South Pasadena. They have flamenco and character shoes, skirts, and pretty leotards.