SPRING FLAMENCO TOUR TO JEREZ
Dates TBA | Jerez, Spain
The Flamenco Tour is a personalized flamenco vacation to Spain to study this art form in its country of origin. It’s a small-group flamenco trip including workshops with master artists, performances, visit to the Arabic bathhouse, palmas classes, Q&A time with Laura, opening night tapas reception, walking tours, trip packet with tips and info, small group support and individual attention…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much prior flamenco experience is necessary?
You can be at any level, literally. In the past we've had people who had barely danced flamenco at all to people who had been dancing for 20+ years, together in the same classes. And it worked. As long as you’re open to learning and ready to dance, you’ll be fine. This trip is set up for students at different levels to learn together. That said, if you are an advanced dancer and do not like to learn alongside people who are at a lower level than you or are a beginner who does not enjoy being in class with people at a higher level then this won’t work for you.
*If you are an absolute beginner, we recommend attending some flamenco classes locally prior to the trip though this is not required. If you are interested in classes in your area, upon registration, we can point you in the right direction for this.
What if I don’t know anyone else who is going on the trip?
No problem at all. Many participants join the Flamenco Tour on their own while others come with a friend. Either way, people always make new friends on the trip.
But will everybody know each other except for me?
No. Some people may know another coming on the trip, some people won't know a soul. Everyone will end up meeting new friends, myself included.
Past participants talk about the camaraderie & group synergy, how do I know that I’ll fit in?
Each group will connect in its own way. If you approach this opportunity with an open mind, a sense of humor, enjoy having fun, want to study flamenco in Spain with top-notch instructors in small classes alongside a group of others interested in the same, you should fit in perfectly. And you’ll be part of the creation of that group synergy the others have talked about.
What if I don’t speak any Spanish?
No te preocupes. Don’t worry. That’s why I’m there, and that’s why I’m arranging all of this for you. And, whether you want to or not, you will learn at least some Spanish while you’re there. You’ll hear it every day, so it will be impossible not too. I am in the classes with you, there to interpret when need be. I provide you with a list of survival words and phrases to assist you when you’re on your own in the town.
I’m scared out of my mind, can I really do this?
I know what you mean. I write a lot about my own fears on my blog, you can explore those posts here. I guess fear is part of what sparked the idea for this trip. So, yes, you can totally do this, and I’ll be right there with you!
What if I want my family wants to come too?
The trip itself is set up for the flamenco participants. If a family member or friend wants to join with you, great! If they just want to come and enjoy Spain while you’re there that’s fine too, but know that the activities are set up for paying participants only. (There are some activities that friends/family members may participate in for a fee.) There are a variety of ways for friends and family to join you: You might like to come to Spain early or stay later and meet up with them after or before the trip. Or they might want to hang out in Jerez while you’re there and meet you for a meal or see you during your free time. That would be just fine as long as they understand that you’ll be spending time in classes and with the group. (If they want to stay with you in the apartments; please contact me to discuss this possibility.)
Besides food and transportation, is there anything else I should budget for that’s not included in the price?
Shopping, additional optional shows, or additional travel.
What is the daily schedule?
Hereis an idea of what one day might look like. A detailed itinerary will be provided to participants upon arrival in Jerez.
How many classes do we have each day?
It depends. Sometimes we have class with Mercedes, sometimes we have bulerías, sometimes we have both. Usually when there is only one dance class, we have a palmas class or a solidification session with Laura. Everything is optional for you. If you are tired and want to take a class off, that’s okay.
I want to get new flamenco shoes and clothes, will I be able to do that?
Yes. I’ll take you to some great places while we’re there. We’ll visit one of Mercedes’s dressmakers, a stylist to the pros. And, even if you don’t buy anything, we’ll have all kinds of fun looking at and trying on all of the beautiful shoes and trajes.
How do I sign up?
Click here to register. After receiving your registration, we will send you a confirmation email along with payment instructions and next steps.
What date should I plan to arrive?
The trip begins September 24th at 7:00 in the evening. You may arrive at any time that day.
What date should I plan to leave?
Departure day is October 8th. Our final organized meeting together is October 7th in the evening. (In less official speak, that “final meeting” entails going out to celebrate on our final night together!)
Do we all fly to Spain together?
No. Flamenco Tour participants come from all over the world, so we meet directly in Jerez.
Where do we meet the group?
We all meet in Jerez at the apartments we stay in. Upon confirmation of your registration, I will send you the exact address along with information on how to get to Jerez and to the apartments.
What if I have to arrive a day late or leave a day early?
There can be some flexibility if you need it.
What documentation is required to enter Spain?
The documentation required to travel to Spain varies according to your country of origin. Please visit this link for detailed information. If you are traveling to Spain from the United States, you can visit this link for further info. Please contact usif you have any questions about the requirements for entering Spain.
How do I know if my passport is up-to-date?
Please check the expiration date of your passport, and renew if necessary. Passports expiring within 6 months of your return date may disrupt travel, meaning that if your passport expires less than six months from your return date, you may not be allowed to board your plane for Spain. Visit this link for further info if you are traveling to Spain from the United States. If you will be traveling from another country, please visit this link.
What if the trip is cancelled?
The Flamenco Tour requires a minimum number of participants in order to take place at the stated price. If a trip does not have enough participants, we will we will refund your deposit along with any other payments you have made toward the trip, or you may pay a trip supplement to continue the trip with fewer participants. (Should additional participants sign-up after you have paid the trip supplement, this fee will be refunded.) Should we need to cancel the trip for any other unforeseen reason, we will issue you a refund in full. We suggest that you purchase travel insurance and flight cancellation insurance.
What if I need to cancel?
If you decide to cancel, you must notify us by email. Your deposit of $800 is non-refundable. If you cancel at least three months before the start date of the trip, we will issue you a refund of any other payments (less the $800 deposit) that you have made. If you cancel three months or less before the trip start date, we will not refund your payments, but, dependent upon the circumstances of your cancellation, we may apply your payment (less the $800 deposit) toward a future Flamenco Tour with us. We suggest that you purchase travel insurance and flight cancellation insurance.
What other activities do we do in addition to our flamenco classes?
Some of our other activities include: a visit the Hammam to soak in the baths and get massages, a visit to a sherry bodega to learn about and taste the wines from Jerez, a private show hosted by Mercedes Ruíz, a flamenco shopping tour, walking tours of the historic flamenco neighborhoods of Jerez, visits to the peñas (flamenco clubs) to see shows, a visit the flamenco museum ... (And don't worry, there's plenty of downtime too.)
I’m still not sure. Is this the thing for me?
Yes, it’s for you if…
You want to study flamenco in Spain but don’t want to go alone
You want to study with top-notch instructors in small classes tailored to your individual needs with a group of others interested in the same
You want to have things organized for you by someone who is overjoyed to be doing this and has done it before
You want to be exposed to a lot of good flamenco
You have a sense of humor and are open to learning in new ways
No, it’s not for you if…
You don’t want to dance much
You don’t like learning alongside others
You do not enjoy a multi-level learning environment
You are only interested in results and not in having fun in the process