Flamenco Dance Class

I started taking a Flamenco dance class a couple of weeks ago. Since my first class it has become quite an obsession. My only regret was not starting classes back in 2008 when I first thought of doing this.

Taken directly from wikipedia - "Flamenco is a genre of music and dance which has its foundation in Andalusian music and dance and in whose evolution Andalusian Gypsies played an important part.^[1]
The cante (singing), toque (guitar playing), dance and palmas (handclaps) are the principal facets of flamenco."

My interest in Flamenco dancing is much more shallow than its rich history. I always loved how beautiful and strong the female dancers looked. Powerful yet feminine. Also the fact that so many dancers wore the color red. It's been years since my last dance class and I feel like dancing is a great way to exercise as well as meet some other women and learn a bit about Spain.

My first class was inspiring as well as completely surreal. There I was in a class of all these long haired beautiful women and some of them appeared to be in full Flamenco wear with frilly tops and flowers in their hair, which made me wonder if I was in the beginner class. The class was held in this old school ballroom with strong wooden floors that make an amazing sound when we all stomp on it with our shoes. There were elements of Spanish and Flamenco culture all around the ballroom complete with a large bullhead. (is it real? I dunno.)

Since I speak very little Spanish, it was a bit difficult. The most stressing was hearing "muy muy importante" after a long 10 minute intro. Umm yea.. didn't get what was so important, but I sure wish I did. I felt like I was doing well in the class until all of a sudden I didn't. The end of the class was quite a nightmare with opposite hands and feet but I am ok with that because I cannot wait until my next class!

Here's some Flamenco:

and some street performers: