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Frequently Asked Questions

Learning flamenco         List of Categories        

I get more email asking about flamenco classes than anything else. If you would like me to add or correct some info, just email me.

  1. I just moved to DC from (insert city), where I can take flamenco classes here?

  2. Can you recommend a good flamenco dance/guitar teacher?

  3. Where can I buy flamenco shoes, skirts, castanets and other dance accessories?

  4. Where can I find instructional books and videos for flamenco dance/guitar?

  5. How do I go about renting a dance studio for practicing?

  6. Can you recommend some CD's?

  7. I want to learn the cajon. Does anyone teach?

  8. Who teaches flamenco for young children?




  1. I just moved to DC from (insert city), where I can take flamenco classes here?

    Just go to my teachers page or if that is too overwhelming, just go to a local tablao show (see my weekly events) and talk to the performers afterwards. Most of them are teachers themselves and give you some guidance in finding the right teacher for you abilities/aspirations.

    Bear in mind that some dance studios have enrollment only at the beginning of the semester. This is to make sure that the class progresses normally and isn't setback by a first-timer who shows up and forces the class to review old material.

    Other dance studios have open enrollement or drop-in where you can sign-up anytime. Each type of enrollment has its pros and cons so you'll have to figure what works best for your situation.

    If you can, see if you can observe a class offered by a teacher you are interested in studying with. This is a good way to see if this particular teacher suits your learning style.

    Sometimes good performers are NOT necessarily good teachers and vice-versa. Occasionally there are those who are both good performers and good teachers. If you're not sure which is which, talk to some of the local students for recommendations.



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  2. Can you recommend a good flamenco dance/guitar teacher?

    Before anyone can begin to answer your question, you'll need to ask yourself a few things such as:

    Go to a local tablao (see my weekly events), checkout the show and talk to the performers afterwards. Many of the performers are also teachers. If not, they can certainly recommend you to one based on the criteria mentioned above.

    I used to answer individual emails and give customized recommendations but I've gotten too many requests that I can no longer give individual replies.

    Each teacher has his/her own strengths and specialties. It's best for you to meet the prospective teacher and decide for yourself if he/she is the right one for you.

    A good thing to do is attend one class (or sit and observe with the teacher's permission) and get a feel for the teacher's method to see if it suits your learning style. Now visit the teacher listings. Good luck!



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  3. Where can I buy flamenco shoes, skirts, castanets and other dance accessories?

    There are a number of individuals in the DC area such as Paco de Málaga (202)244-4200 and Torcuato Zamora (301)587-2266 who usually have these supplies in stock.

    Regarding Flamenco Export, DC flamenco dancer Mariya Kostystka writes: "I got the shoes from www.flamencoexport.com, I am pretty happy with the service. Here is why: the guy who manages the orders was communicating with me by e-mail, answering all my detailed questions instantly, the shoes/catalogues do get here in 2 days, they do special orders and accept measurements, the shoes fit perfectly and are neatly done, the price turns out to be roughly the same as buying the shoes from local retailers, but at least you get exactly what you want."

    Other online resources: Lands Far Away Imports and Flamenco Connection.



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  4. Where can I find instructional books and videos for flamenco dance/guitar?

    There are a number of good places if you look on the web. I recommend that you visit the Flamenco Connection. Ask for catalog.

    you can always special order stuff from places like Borders, Barnes and Noble, Tower Video etc etc if you know exactly what you want.

    If you don't mind paying for international shipping charges, try Flamenco-World.

    Sometimes you can find stuff at Paco de Malaga's Guitar Gallery in Cleveland Park. Call 202-244-4200.



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  5. How do I go about renting a dance studio for practicing?

    First of all, congrats on making the effort to become a better dancer!

    Not all studios are "flamenco dance friendly" so bear that in mind when calling around. Understandably, dance floors are very very expensive and some studio owners don't like us flamencos to scratch them up.

    Some studios will ask if you have insurance. This is a standard question if they don't know you, but usually shouldn't be a problem if they have flamenco dance classes there already and you say that you are one of the students.

    Rental rates range anywhere from $10 an hour to $30 and up. It almost always helps if you mention that you are a student of one of the teachers. Better yet, split the costs with several other dance students. The more the better...to a point. If you have more than four students, a practice session can get a little chaotic. Each person will constantly interrupt saying things like, "No, the teacher taught the step like this..."

    It certainly helps if you have one person designated as the leader, usually the strongest dancer in the group.

    One hour is usually sufficient, two hours max. Give yourself a workout but be focused and concentrate. Most people can't keep focused for longer than two hours in my experience.

    Ready? OK. Call up some of the dance studios listed on my teacher page. Be sure to bring cash (exact change) and arrive on time and leave on time as a courtesy to your fellow dance studio users. Have fun!



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  6. Can you recommend some CD's?

    Recommending CD's is a very very subjective thing so I'll start off with the stuff that has greater mass appeal that I know that most people will like.

    No collection of flamenco CD's would be complete without anything by flamenco singer Camaron de la Isla. He teamed up with guitarist Paco de Lucia and the two of them revolutionized flamenco and increased its popularity without watering it down. He has a long discography, but fortunately he has a "best of" compilation that is available:

    Lo Mejor de Camaron de la Isla

    Here's a CD by guitarist Paco de Lucia that contains some of the most beautiful solo guitar playing that inspired me to study flamenco guitar:

    Siroco (Paco de Lucia)

    Here's another one by Paco. The DJ at Citron plays the title track at least once every Monday night. Mention to any flamenco guitarist that you love "Almoraima" and you're totally "in" :)

    Almoraima (Paco de Lucia)

    Some of the more commercial stuff that may serve as gentle introduction to flamenco includes the young female singers Estrella Morente and Nina Pastori.

    My Songs and a Poem (Estrella Morente)

    Listen to the preview track #6 titled "For Pastora"

    Maria (Nina Pastori)

    One last one before this email gets too long. Young flamenco singer Miguel Poveda's CD Zaguan has a killer flamenco tangos that many of my friends absolutely love. Listen to the previews on the Amazon website. Miguel will be coming to DC in February 2005!

    Zaguan (Miguel Poveda)

    I hope this is enough to get you started.

    NOTE: the above links are on Amazon.com and may change slightly. If that happens, just do a search for the album title.

    Also, go to Flamenco Connection. They may not be cheap but it's the quickest way to get just about any flamenco CD that you normally don't find in your local store.



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  7. I want to learn the cajon. Does anyone teach?

    Yes. I know of two people who teach cajon locally:

    Behzad Habibzai (703)948-6274 behzad_habibzai@hotmail.com

    Debra Belo (703)998-9269 http://www.furia.net

    They can also direct you to places where you can buy a cajon or order online. Good luck!



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  8. Who teaches flamenco for young children?

    Working on this...stay tuned. If you'd like to contribute to this topic, please email me.



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