Hi everyone, sorry to be posting less than expected. The intensive has been.. exhausting! Between class, elevating my legs, eating restorative carbs [lol], and hitting the studio, I've had very limited time to rest and write (or record, but the second lesson is posted in Reels, so check it out).
On the topic of studios, a subject that I think will be useful to those planning a possible trip to Madrid to study at Veranos (or any other trip to study flamenco in Spain) is the matter of where to practice.
If you take anything away from this blog post, take this: during intensives, independent practice outside of class is essential. I repeat -- independent practice outside of class is ESSENTIAL!
In full disclosure, classes here are on a level that is just, extremely challenging for people who are not studying dance daily for hours (like for example at a conservatory). I don't mean to scare anyone with this information, but only to allow you to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead.
Attending class alone will not be enough, but luckily there are resources to help you. Most teachers allow you to record at the end of class, but make sure to ask for permission first. It's the polite thing to do aaaand there are some maestros that absolutely do NOT permit recordings under any circumstances, so, to avoid a faux pas, get consent first!
Once you have your video, I highly recommend mental practice after class while elevating your legs as a pure survival tactic. Your feet do not have enough time to adapt during an intensive! You're going to want compression socks, supportive outdoor footwear, and lots of time to get your legs above your heart.
After reviewing the material mentally (which is scientifically proven to be effective for motor learning --yay, science!), you're going to want to rent a studio space to run the material full out.
At Amor de Dios you can rent a small studio without AC for just 7 euros/hour; for larger rooms or rooms with AC the rate increases. Make sure that you arrive on the hour to book a studio space as they may fill up. I also recommend bringing cash because there is a card minimum of 20 euros!
Thus far, solo practice in the studio spaces has been my favorite and most sacred part of this experience. You will hear the sounds of other dancers and musicians in adjacent rooms and that alone will keep the inspiration and motivation flowing and help you to remember that while this journey is yours, you are not alone -- there is a village of others traveling in tandem with your journey and working every day to make their flamenco dreams a reality.
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