Flamenco
Brooke and I went out on the town this past Saturday night to watch Maria Bermudez and Sonidos Gitanos perform. It was so amazing, passionate. You can't help but sweat when you watch Flamenco at this level of expertise. Here is a link to the review from the Oregonian.
I started studying Flamenco about four years ago - from afar. It's history, jargon, music was so intriguing. I was introduced to it by a friend, Holly Stewart, who lives in 100 Mile House, BC (of all places). She led me to the water so-to-speak. I am fortunate enough to live in a city where Flamenco is taken seriously.
In February of 2006, I began studying "seriously". I say that in quotes, because with two children, I could only spare two sessions of lessons per week. I was completely taken off guard by this form of dance. I've studied ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom and modern dance, but Flamenco is like no other. My most favorite dance, the Buleria is done in 6/8 time. This rhythm is not heard in our culture. It took me about three months before I could actually understand the rhythm - and this is with 27+ years of dance experience. Buleria is the most difficult dance and highly improvisational. But I persevered, and was given a chance to perform in October of 2006.
Since that life changing performance, life has happened and I've not been to classes but a handful of times. This performance that Brooke and I went to on Saturday was inspiring. I might get back into it in the fall. I'll have to see what life throws my way then, and make a decision then. Brooke is going to post my October performance soon. You won't be able to see the whole performance - Brooke didn't want to "miss" it while capturing it on film.
Here's a picture of us before our Flamenco date.
I started studying Flamenco about four years ago - from afar. It's history, jargon, music was so intriguing. I was introduced to it by a friend, Holly Stewart, who lives in 100 Mile House, BC (of all places). She led me to the water so-to-speak. I am fortunate enough to live in a city where Flamenco is taken seriously.
In February of 2006, I began studying "seriously". I say that in quotes, because with two children, I could only spare two sessions of lessons per week. I was completely taken off guard by this form of dance. I've studied ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom and modern dance, but Flamenco is like no other. My most favorite dance, the Buleria is done in 6/8 time. This rhythm is not heard in our culture. It took me about three months before I could actually understand the rhythm - and this is with 27+ years of dance experience. Buleria is the most difficult dance and highly improvisational. But I persevered, and was given a chance to perform in October of 2006.
Since that life changing performance, life has happened and I've not been to classes but a handful of times. This performance that Brooke and I went to on Saturday was inspiring. I might get back into it in the fall. I'll have to see what life throws my way then, and make a decision then. Brooke is going to post my October performance soon. You won't be able to see the whole performance - Brooke didn't want to "miss" it while capturing it on film.
Here's a picture of us before our Flamenco date.
posted by Nicholette Hoyer at 7:22 PM
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