why learn flamenco dance?

In 2010, Flamenco was inscribed on the representative list of the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de la Humanidad). Día Internacional del Flamenco (International Day of Flamenco) is celebrated on 16th November each year to acknowledge this achievement.

The artistic expression is a fusion of song (cante), dance (baile) and musicianship (toque) and its origins begin as far back as 6 centuries ago and encompass a mixture of cultures and peoples! ‘It may have its origin in Moorish Spain…there are also those who attribute the creation of this music to the gypsies, a people originally from India who settled in Spain in the early 15th century. Furthermore we cannot forget the different musical legacies left by the Andalusian mourners in the south of Spain, where the psalmody and the Jewish musical system, the Ionian and Phrygian modes inspired by Byzantine singing, the ancient Hindu musical systems, the Moorish songs and the Mozarabic popular songs. It is the result, therefore, of the mixture of all these races and cultures, but always with a folk origin. Flamenco emerges from the people themselves.’ (https://www.turismosevilla.org/en/culture/flamenco/history-flamenco)

Flamenco expresses many feelings from grief, fear and tragedy to love, joy and festivity! At Flamenco Solymar, students learn flamenco dance for many reasons. Some students have travelled to Andalucía and experienced a tablao (traditional flamenco show) and would like to learn how to dance flamenco, others come to lessons to learn new movement skills and exercise and many students just love the music and the passion that flamenco dance invokes in them!

marisol’s flamenco journey

Marisol’s flamenco dance career spans over 3 decades. She began formal dance lessons at the age of 11 where she studied ballet and flamenco dance at the GGY School of Dance in Canley Vale, NSW. In 1988 GGY established a performance group called Castañuelas (Castanets). Marisol was one of the inaugural dancers to perform with the company. Castañuelas performed extensively throughout NSW and the ACT performing at restaurants, functions, weddings, cultural events and festivals such as the yearly National Folkloric Festival at the Sydney Opera House.

In 1994, Marisol completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Dance) at Western Sydney University. Here she trained in ballet and contemporary dance. In 1996 Marisol travelled to Spain and studied at the ‘Amor de Dios’ Flamenco Dance School in Madrid.

In 1998 Marisol was a regular flamenco dancer at the Spanish restaurant Le Catalán in Mittagong NSW and at the Spanish Club restaurant in Sydney. She also began teaching at the Wollongong Spanish Artistic Society and at the GGY School of Dance. In 1999 Marisol completed a Grad. Dip. Ed in secondary Dance and Drama.

After moving from Sydney to Moss Vale, Marisol launched her flamenco dance school Flamenco Solymar (2013) where she began to teach classes in flamenco dance.

Marisol continues to share her love and passion of flamenco and Spanish culture with the Southern Highlands community. she does this by creating a friendly and fun atmosphere not only for children but for adults alike!

classes

Classes are designed for children from ages of three to adults of any age! Students do not need to have previous dance experience as classes are small and nurturing. Students learn basic flamenco dance technique including braceo (armwork) and zapateo (footwork) and percussion tequnique in castañuelas (castanets), cajón (box drum) and palmas (hand clapping).

Throughout the year, students learn choreography to specific flamenco palos (rhythms) like Sevillanas, Rumbas, Tangos, Bulerías and Alegrías. Students also have the opportunity to perform at community events around the Highlands such as The Moss Vale Show, Stars of the Highlands, Tulip Time and the Christmas Carols.

Click here for specific class information