Photo by Casey Campbell

Flamenco Fusion with Duende
ELENA VILLA * 2hr ALL

Sun Aug 12, 10a-12p

This workshop explores the phenomenon of duende (“spirit” or “soul”) in Flamenco Fusion belly dance. In the cultures of the Mediterranean basin that gave the world the arts of flamenco and raqs al-sharqi, music and dance are connected to a powerful shared affect, or feeling. Live music and dance experiences that create a performer-audience connection through this feeling are highly praised. Exploring the duende of flamenco (like the tarab of Arabic music and dance) can bring our dancing to a whole new level and uplift and empower both dancer and audience.

We will begin with a standing warm-up, followed by a brief lecture component, including video clips of live performances. Next, there will be a short journaling activity, and physical exercises and movement patterns designed to put us in touch with the affective register of embodied expression. We will then learn some combinations that integrate flamenco and Oriental dance movements and connect them with Middle Eastern rhythms and flamenco fusion music. Our goal will be to combine the “energetic” element of deeper expression with our movements as well as to take home some technique and movement patterns for study. Handouts provided.

• Difficulty: For advanced beginners through professional level
• Please bring: plenty of water, a pen or pencil and a notebook, and something to sit on if the floor is uncomfortable for you. Dance shoes such as ballet shoes or dance paws will be helpful for turns.
• Other considerations: Dancers with shoulder injuries, etc. should let me know as we will be working with some upper body technique. Please feel welcome to modify movements if you have injuries.

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  43 presale

  
  53 at the door

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