It’s the first day of the new year, which means it’s time to reflect.
Let’s start with celebrating our happy flamenco memories from this past year!
What flamenco moments stood out for you?
Below see some of my favorite flamenco experiences from the past year (in chronological order).
Each occasion offered an opportunity to connect with fellow flamenco lovers to enjoy this beautiful art form together.
1. In Person, Hybrid & Online Group Flamenco Classes
We laughed, and learned, and danced together in the studio and virtually.
Nothing compares to the feeling of dancing together in person, and I’m so grateful for the technology that allows students who aren’t in town to join us for a hybrid class. Connecting with students through online classes from my home studio, with special appearances from Frances the Kitty Cat, lifted my spirits throughout the year.
2. Online Bulerías Workshops with José Mijita & Carmen Herrera
Speaking of virtual learning, flamenco lovers from across the globe gathered three times last year as José and Carmen came to us live from La Plazuela in Jerez to help uncover the mysteries of how cante and baile work together in bulerías. We loved listening to José sing all kinds of bulerías while watching Carmen demonstrate how to dance and break things down.
3. Online Theory Workshops with David Lagos
We also had the joy of learning about the origins and intricacies of flamenco and its different forms from renowned flamenco singer and lyricist, David Lagos. His dedication, perspective, talent, and attention to detail left us longing for more!
4. Emilio Ochando Workshops & Show
In May we sweated through three incredible days of workshops with our beloved Emilio and finished the weekend watching him give his all in Clásica Tradición. Amazing!
5. Opera a la Cart
It was a pleasure to join artists from the Portland Opera over the summer for outdoor performances for the community in the Portland area building excitement for Carmen.
6. Summer Workshops
We danced the month of August away in castanets, abanico, bulerías, and tangos workshops.
7. Performing with Antonio Rey
It was a great honor to join Latin Grammy winning guitarist, Antonio Rey, on stage for two nights last September in Flamenco Sin Fronteras. I was scared to pieces but knew I couldn’t say no to this opportunity.
(Often times when a big challenge comes my way I go into procrastination mode, so I wrote this quote, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” on a sticky note on my mirror to keep myself in line. It’s a rewording of Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” Seeing that multiple times per day helped keep me working toward my goals for the performance. )
8. Flamenco Retreat at the Oregon Coast
Dancers convened from different parts of the US for the twelfth Flamenco Retreat at the Oregon Coast last October where we danced, did palmas, and shared flamenco stories on the beautiful coast of Oregon. I LOVE this retreat so much, and this year was no exception. We had a group of veteran and newbie participants and giggled our way through a weekend of flamenco.
9. Teaching Flamenco to & Performing with the Portland Revels
I had a wonderful time teaching, choreographing for, and performing with the Portland Revels for their production of Andalusian Night at the Newmark Theatre. The Revels nailed embraced the flamenco spirit, and their jaleos were off the charts.
10. Private and Semi-Private Classes & Shows
It’s always fun to cater classes and shows for individuals and groups, and the past year was no exception. I loved working with students privately and focusing on their individual goals, teaching small group special classes that were full of laughs, and dancing for new audiences in a variety of venues ¡Olé!
Have a look at some of these moments here:
It feels good to look back upon and celebrate what went well in the past year, and I invite you to do the same.
I’m filled with gratitude for the wonderful experiences that 2022 delivered.
You may have noticed the absence of a Flamenco Tour to Spain in the list above…
2022 was one of the most difficult years of my life with the passing of my mom.
I miss her every day and continue to grieve her loss, and I’m so grateful to you, the flamenco community, for helping to keep me going during this time.
Because of my mom’s illness and passing I didn’t plan a Flamenco Tour in 2022, but I look forward to returning to Spain with a new group this coming year.
Thank you for being here.
May your new year be filled with wonderful flamenco opportunities.
!Feliz Año Nuevo!
What About YOU?
Enough about me.
What about you?
What was one of your favorite flamenco moments of the past year?
Please tell us about it below.