FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How do I select a Flamenco teacher for my child?
First, observe the dancer in a performance. Is this how you would like your child to perform? Is this potential role model someone you would like to see your child emulate?
CLASS ATTIRE
What kind of shoes do I need?
This answer applies to adults AND children. Flamenco shoes are unique. They are the most important part of your Flamenco attire. They are sturdy leather with hard, thick soles and MUST HAVE nails in the heel and toe. They are not at all like tap shoes, ballroom dance shoes or character shoes. The have either elastic or leather straps. At Flamenco…the Studio, we require students to have Flamenco shoes for their first class. More Shoe Information.
I am not sure I will like Flamenco and don’t want to spend money on shoes that I may not use.
With improper shoes, you increase the chances that you will not like Flamenco dance. If you are learning to play violin, you must have a violin, not a cello. Even though they are both stringed instruments, they are very different. Using an improper instrument (your shoes) will not only prevent you from having a positive Flamenco experience, it could cause injury. Without Flamenco shoes, you will not be able to do proper footwork (which is a major part of Flamenco dance) because you will not hear a proper sound and you could risk injury to your foot or leg. This applies to all dancers, especially children and beginning students.
Can I wear tap shoes (or ballet slippers or ballroom dance shoes)?
No. Just as you cannot wear Flamenco shoes for tap, ballet or ballroom, only Flamenco shoes can be worn for Flamenco. More Shoe Information.
Where can I get Flamenco shoes?
For people in the Phoenix, AZ area, Flamenco…the Studio carries samples of Menkes Flamenco shoes, made in Spain, which the student can try on for size and then order directly from the New York branch of Menkes. We do not recommend shoes made anywhere other than Spain because of the quality and experience of Spanish craftsmanship. If you are dancing a Spanish dance, you should be wearing Spanish shoes. However, there are several other acceptable options available, especially for children whose feet grow quickly – please speak with your instructor for more details. More Shoe Information.
What if I buy Flamenco shoes and then decide I do not like Flamenco?
If you purchase quality shoes it is very likely that they can consigned to other students. Or you can sell them on eBay. The better the shoe the better the chance to recoup some or most of your money. More Shoe Information.
Can I rent or borrow Flamenco shoes at Flamenco!...the Studio?
Unfortunately we do not offer that option.
What kind of clothing do I need?
Ladies: For the Flamenco Foundations Workshop women should wear form-fitting or stretch pants with a leotard or form-fitting, stretch top. Nothing baggy. This is because we teach proper Flamenco technique which includes posture and body movement which is one of the very important foundations of Flamenco dance. After the Flamenco Foundations Workshop, ladies will need to wear a rehearsal skirt with leggings or stretch pants in a different color than the rehearsal skirt. Flamenco skirts are not like Mexican folklorico skirts. Flamenco skirts must be worn at the waist and fitted at the hips. Recommended colors: your first skirt should be black because of its versatility. Reds and polkadot colors are also acceptable. Most any bright color is fine – if you have a specific question, please feel free to speak with your instructor.
Men: Men should wear black pants that are not baggy (no jeans) form-fitting top (such as a t-shirt) in black. Nothing baggy. This is because we teach proper Flamenco technique which includes posture and body movement which is one of the very important foundations of Flamenco dance.
Children: For the Flamenco Foundations Workshop, children should wear form-fitting or stretch pants with a leotard or form-fitting, stretch top. Nothing baggy. This is because we teach proper Flamenco technique which includes posture and it is one of the very important foundations of Flamenco dance. After that girls will need to wear a rehearsal skirt with leggings or stretch pants in a different color than the rehearsal skirt. Flamenco skirts are not like Mexican folklorico skirts. Flamenco skirts must be worn at the waist and fitted at the hips. Recommended colors: black, reds, polkadots.
Where can I buy Flamenco dancewear?
If you are purchasing dancewear on-line, be aware that many of the Flamenco skirts being sold on-line are so sheer that if you hold it up to your face you can see through it. Also, many skirts now being sold are being made with panels that are inappropriately narrow which will prevent you from using the skirt properly. Flamenco!...the Studio recommends Menkes rehearsal skirts from Spain. Students in the Phoenix area can try Body Language Dancewear - we heard that if you mention Flamenco!...the Studio you may get discount, but there are no guarantees!
Why do I need leggings?
To do footwork, ladies will need to pull up their skirt so that the instructor can see the feet. We often pull up the skirt and tuck it in the back waistband. Also, working with the skirt requires specific technique. Leggings will assure modesty in your movements and help to further improve your skirt technique. We recommend leggings that are a different color than your skirt. A great source for quality leggings is WeLoveColor.com.
Why must the leggings be a different color than the skirt?
When learning to work with a skirt, a student must always be aware of whether she is “flashing” (showing too much leg or other body parts). If your skirt is black and your leggings are black, you can not see how much leg is exposed when moving the skirt and, therefore, you will not learn how to properly control your skirt movement.
Can I return clothing I have purchased at the Studio?
All dancewear, including SHOES, are purchased as FINAL SALE. That means that it can not be returned. We ask that you try on the item before purchasing it to see whether or not it fit
CLASSES
What is the difference between a “Class” and a “Workshop”?
A Class is a 50-minute group lesson. A workshop can be from 50 minutes to 3 hours long depending on what is being taught.
Can I videotape my dance class?
Only private classes, not group classes.
Can I audio-record my dance or guitar class?
Students may audio-record their dance and guitar classes and are encouraged to do so.
Can I schedule private lessons regularly on the same day and time?
Yes. However, to reserve your place on the same day and time each week, you must purchase 4 private lessons in advance. Regularly-scheduled private lessons are subject to the studio Cancellation Policy. Students who have reserved a regularly-scheduled lesson date and cancel more than twice in a 4-week period are subject to forfeiting that time slot.
What if I can’t make my private lesson?
You will need to text of phone AND email the instructor the day before your lesson with notice that you will not be able to make the lesson. This way, you will not be charged for the lesson. If you are unable to give notice the day before, you will be charged for the lesson.
My work schedule can change at the last minute and I won’t be able to make my private lesson – what should I do?
Call your instructor as soon as you know you won’t be able to attend. If your instructor is able to fill your spot, you won’t be charged for the lesson. However, if your work schedule is routinely subject to last minute emergencies, you might want to consider not reserving private lessons on a regularly-scheduled basis.
What is the Studio Cancellation Policy?
- Notice of cancellation must be made the day before the scheduled lesson or the student will be charged for the lesson.
- In the case of Semi-Private lessons, if 1 student cancels, the other student may take the class, but it will be considered a Private Lesson and the Private Lesson fee will be charged. Semi-Private lessons are only available for members of the same family.
- Should the instructor need to cancel the lesson, the instructor will give notice the day before the scheduled lesson. If the instructor is unable to give notice the day before, the student’s next lesson will be free.
- Cancellation notices must be made by both phone/text AND email. The Studio’s only phone numbers and email addresses are: 480-205-1658, machado @ Iberiaole.com.
I studied Flamenco dance for several years but I do not understand compás. What should I do?
Let us know that learning compás is your goal and we can quickly turn on that light for you!
PERFORMING
Will I be able to perform?
Yes, if you wish, but it is not required. Flamenco!...the Studio teaches authentic Flamenco dance and guitar and, therefore, we do not have student “recitals.” In an effort to enhance our students’ understanding and appreciation of Flamenco, students are occasionally offered the opportunity to participate in professional performances with Un Corazón Flamenco. These opportunities are only available to students actively enrolled at Flamenco!...the Studio.
How soon will I be able to perform?
To try and answer this, we ask students the following question – how many HOURS a day will you be practicing outside of class? If you are unable or unwilling to practice outside of class, performance opportunities will come very slowly. If you are only able or willing to practice outside of class a few minutes each day, performing opportunities will come quicker, but much slower than if you are able or willing to practice at least an hour or more every day.
Do I need to buy a costume to perform?
Students wishing to perform must have appropriate Flamenco attire. Flamenco attire can be assembled very inexpensively if a student is creative. Appropriate Flamenco attire is available for sale at Flamenco!...the Studio, or you can find Flamenco attire on the internet. If you are not sure what to buy on-line, please consult with your instructor prior to purchasing anything.
Do I get paid for performing?
Students are not paid for performing. Nor are they charged for this unique “on-the-job” performance training experience. Occasionally, a minimal honorarium may be made to defray travel expense, but there is never a promise or guarantee that a payment will be available. When a student becomes a professional performer, they will be paid.