Flamenco fun at the Spanish ferias
The ferias (festivals) in Spain are legendary for their music, atmosphere and wonderful food, but they would not be complete without the traditional flamenco dance the Sevillanas. You will see this lovely dance being performed by dance troupes on stages, as well as people of all ages in their flamenco finery and it really is a sight to behold and loads of fun. Every town and village has their own feria and I urge you to go and get involved, it’s such a great way to see the community coming together and letting their hair down.
The dance itself isn’t too complicated, but my first attempt at learning didn’t go that well! I joined a Spanish class which was apparently for beginners, but because everyone was Spanish, their beginners’ level was not mine. As soon as the music started they were clapping away and seemed to know when to start whereas for me it was totally baffling. They really weren’t used to someone who knew nothing about it at all and I gave up after a few lessons, but I am itching to try again.
So I was really pleased to be sent this information from Spanish Tea & Chat, which is an intensive flamenco course, as well as an opportunity to improve your Spanish in a fun way. They are able to explain things in English if you need them to, and they are set up for novices like me, but the classes will be conducted in Spanish so you can improve listening and get a chance to practice. You have just over 1 hour per day, every day for a week and at the end you should be at a good level to be able to join in the fun at the next feria!