Flamenco

© Marc J Chalifoux Photography & Edmonton Flamenco Festival 2019

Sugar Swing is pleased to partner with Flamenco with Jane to offer flamenco dance lessons at our studio!

Flamenco is a living art form, originating in the south of Spain. Characterized by driving rhythms and haunting melodies, it is a passionate expression of life involving intricate communication between four main components: Song, Dance, Guitar, and Rhythm.

Flamenco dance is generally performed as a solo, often with accompaniment of guitar, singing and/or rhythmic clapping. There are many variations on this format. Dancers and singers also take on the role of clapping rhythmic accompaniment when not dancing. Flamenco is commonly performed on a stage for the public or at a party with other flamenco aficionados.

Jane’s classes focus on proper technique and the understanding of the rhythmic and musical structure of flamenco so that from the beginning, students can approach the dance with an improvisational attitude and an understanding of where dance fits in with the song, rhythm and guitar. Some improvisational elements are usually incorporated and of course choreography as well.

About Jane

For over 25 years Jane has trained extensively with prominent Spanish artists giving her an in-depth understanding of flamenco dance, song, rhythm, and musical structure. Known for her rhythmic experimentation and precision, she has performed with professional flamenco artists from across Canada. She was the Edmonton Flamenco Festival’s co-founder and Artistic Director, bringing Spanish artists to the Winspear stage, and featuring workshops, flashmobs, and guest Canadian artists for fundraiser performances. She has been teaching in Edmonton since 2001. Jane is a 2023 recipient of the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund Award.

Discounts

Early Bird and Repeating Levels

10% off if registered and paid seven (7) days before the first class begins, with code FLAMENCO! Enter this code during the registration process.

25% off second class, when signing up for two levels. Students are required to message Sugar Swing upon sign-up (dance@sugarswing.com) to have their invoice/enrolment updated with the proper invoice amount, as this requires our admin to apply this discount. If possible, please register for both classes online first before messaging.

15% savings if registering for full semester package! When offered, you may register for both back-to-back series at once for a sweet deal.

15% discount on Flamenco Technique classes (both the series and drop-in rates) for students currently registered in a Flamenco series at Sugar Swing.

Students & Staff of Sugar Swing

If you are a regular student or staff of Sugar Swing, please note that the usual discounts for students & members are reduced, and the cancellation policy is different, as per below. Thank you for your understanding!

Q&A (Questions & Answers)

Children Permitted?

These classes are appropriate for adults. Teens are welcome to attend, though please email to discuss it first.

Clothing

You should wear clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement. Hips and knees need to be able to move freely and your arms will be going straight above your head potentially exposing your belly if your shirt is too short.  (please consider that this may bother other students in the class). It is common but not required for women to wear a long skirt that’s wide enough to not restrict movement.

Shoes

Preferably shoes that have a leather not rubber sole and a bit of a heel but a sturdy one. You will be lifting your foot up behind you from the knee so be sure to choose a shoe that won’t fall off. Character shoes are fine to start if you have them or would really like to get some. Beware of character shoes labelled “flamenco shoes” that aren’t from Spain or a reputable flamenco distributor. They are not any better than character shoes. Not sure what to wear? We recommend that you bring what you already have at home and we can discuss it further at your first class. The important thing is to begin and then we’ll take it from there. 

Dance Resources

Flamenco with Jane provides a number of links to connect you to a number of resources and groups. Check them out at this link!


Class Descriptions

Flamenco Technique

For Intermediate /Advanced students that have had some exposure to the 12 count. This class is not intended for Level 1 students.

This class works on arms, hands, marking, footwork, turns… This is a chance to focus on improving your foundational skills without having to remember a choreography or set of steps from week to week.

As this is a multi-level class there will be options for each area of focus for those needing it simplified or wanting more of a challenge.

Flamenco 1: Beginner

For those with little or no flamenco experience and those wanting to review and improve their skills with 4 count rhythm.

This class works with some of the basic elements of flamenco dance: arms, footwork, movement and clapping. Students will gain an understanding of flamenco terminology, rhythm, music, and structure as they learn how to dance, clap, and improvise within the 4 count.

Flamenco 2: Beginner-Intermediate

For intermediate students and those that have taken a few sessions of the beginner level and are ready for a new challenge.

This class provides a strong base for understanding the 12 count and an introduction to floreo (flamenco hand movement). Depending on the level of attendees, a more advanced option for steps given will be made available to those students needing a challenge. Along with technique, we will be working to dance, clap, and improvise within the 12 count.

Flamenco 3: Intermediate-Advanced

For advanced students and intermediate students that are ready for a bigger challenge.

This class is tailored to the level of the students. Depending on the level of attendees, a simplified option for steps given will be made available to those students wanting it. Along with technique, we will be working to dance, clap, and develop choreography. Palos taught will vary by session.


Cancellation Policy

Email dance@sugarswing.com if you need to cancel your enrolment. As time is of the essence, do so immediately when you are ready.

  1. If purchased within 3 days, full refund will be provided, unless class has already started.
  2. If the customer is no longer eligible for a refund, they may receive a pro-rated amount of credit to a future Flamenco class provided by Flamenco with Jane & Sugar Swing.
  3. The pro-rated credit deducts the classes that have already occurred, up to the date we receive the cancellation message. The rate deducted is the drop-in fee for each class that has occurred. For example, if 3 weeks of classes have already occurred, the amount of credit would be reduced by an amount equal to three (3) drop-in classes.
  4. If no future classes are foreseeable, credit will be provided to the student for both Sugar Swing and Flamenco with Jane, 50/50.