Is getting better at flamenco on your list of goals for the new year?
(Mine too.)
One of the best things you can do to advance your flamenco skills and understanding this year is to implement a regular flamenco routine.
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?
Here are some of my favorite flamenco experiences from the past year.
The great Manolete, Manuel Santiago Maya, passed away on September 12, 2022.
I have often wondered if the teacher with the bastón in that first flamenco video I saw that called me to this art form was Manolete, as he was so well known for his bastón…
In Manolete’s honor,
On August 28, 2022, flamenco guitarist and composer extraordinaire, Manolo Sanlúcar, passed away.
Below are the words to Banderillas, from his masterpiece, Tauromagia, ( the very first flamenco album I ever purchased)!
![Tangos Llamada [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1671864490255-6ND72VTPCQT990CJY8UT/IMG_5041.JPG)
Here’s a fun llamada por tangos with lots of contratiempo and a redoble.
Learn it step by step below…
Are you in need of a Christmas music shake up?
Everywhere you go you’re hearing Christmas carols,
Some you enjoy, others you hope never to hear again, or at least not until next year.
If you’re ready for something festive but fresh, read on.
Watch this and be transported to Jerez at Christmas time.
It’ll make you feel like you’re a part of the fiesta with Luis de Perikin and Así Canta Jerez en Navidad:
Check out the Ballet Nacional de España dancing to villancicos por bulerías in 2020.
(It may be impossible not to love this):
You’re going to love the video below.
It’s Esperanza la del Maera of Triana Pura singing and dancing her Villancicos por Tangos.
![12-Count Flamenco Step Tutorial [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1671228831782-S9GAX4MR7XND5TRS2OVE/IMG_4866.JPG)
Ready to dance?
Below find another step to put with any palo in the rhythm of twelve.
Let’s learn it step by step:
Holiday season is in full swing.
Perhaps you’re in search of a gift for that flamenco loving friend on your list,
Perhaps it’s time to gift yourself something, or
Perhaps you need to give your friends and family some ideas.
Here are nine holiday gift ideas:
Keep Reading
December is here, and it’s time for villancicos.
Here is one of the letras Camarón sings por bulerías in today’s video:
It is a traditional verse
![12-Count Marcaje with Footwork [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1669797365233-QNZEJ5WL91Y65TR3P1AN/IMG_4502.JPG)
Here’s a step that combines marking with footwork.
Use it with any palo in the rhythm of 12.
Ready to try it?
Caña
En el querer no hay venganza,
tú te has vengaíto de mí
castigo tarde o temprano
del cielo te ha de venir.
![Footwork & Palmas Combination [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1669278461804-0OUBH1HPR0K5TT65S2IW/IMG_4354.JPG)
Here’s an exercise n the compás of 8 you can use to practice coordinating footwork with palmas.
This one is also good for practicing beginning on the same foot you end on, which can be challenging as you build speed.
![12-Count Footwork Combination [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1669278935394-OL3QTQOMQYA1PE63QLAB/IMG_4360.JPG)
Here’s a flamenco footwork pattern in the compás of 12.
Use this as practice exercise, or add it to a dance.
The second part of the pattern is a remate, so this step would work well to close something in your dance.
Looking for flamenco dance tutorials?
You’ve come to the right place.
This past year, I began creating and sharing short flamenco dance lessons online.
Here are ten videos in celebration of El Día Internacional Del Flamenco,
A day to celebrate, honor and raise awareness about the art of flamenco.
Don’t have time to watch all of the videos now?
Bookmark this page to come back to when you need some flamenco inspiration.
![Simple Abanico Percussive Step Tutorial [Flamenco Dance Steps]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/568079e7bfe873f15c115eee/1668501129127-RGTR3VOD4A48M5OUEDE8/IMG_4147.JPG)
Here’s a simple marcaje that uses the abanico to make a little bit of noise.
With this step we close the fan when tapping it against the body to make sounds.
The step goes like this…