Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mail me a brochure or schedule of classes? Information about upcoming classes is sent out by e-mail only. All current classes are listed on our class schedule page.

Can I phone you to talk things over? Unfortunately, my daily schedule is always packed, and I generally don't have time to return phone calls. That's why there is so much information available here at the site. You'll find links to our contact form peppered throughout the class schedule page, so please click on any of the links, ask your question in the comment field, and I will get back to you via e-mail. But please read the rest of this page and the class schedule page first. Most questions are already answered on this page or on the class schedule page, so in just two minutes of reading, you'll have your answer.

Is the studio accessible by public transportation? Yes, you'll want to take the Blue Line train to the Belmont stop, and from there, take the 77 Belmont bus east for about a mile to Francisco (one block west of California). Then walk a few doors west to 2914 W. Belmont Ave. For more detailed instructions, visit the RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) Trip Planner.

Can I drop in to class whenever I want to? Most of my classes are held in prepaid, six-week, 6-class or 12-class sessions. Students attend class once or twice a week (depending on level) and are expected to attend most classes in the session, missing as few as possible.

If you travel a great deal for work and can't attend class on a regular basis, I sincerely suggest that you don't start flamenco classes until you have a stretch of time when you'll be in town for a while. It's very difficult to learn an art form when you can't be here most of the time; with my class format, you'll definitely fall behind the other students in class.

Can I just observe your class first before I commit? Students who already have a few months or more of previous flamenco training are invited to come and observe a class at any time, but please e-mail me first (you can do this from the classe schedule page) to be sure that a class will be held on the day or evening you plan to come. If there's room in the class, you may also try the class by paying $20 for a trial class. First-time students must enroll for an entire six-week session of Flamenco Fundamentals (no trial class available at this level), but you are welcome to observe a class and then enroll for a future session.

When do new classes begin? I want to wait and start at the beginning. About eight times a year, we are able to start a from-scratch Fundamentals level, but most classes are continuing, ongoing classes. If you insist on waiting until a new beginning class starts, most likely you'll find it may not be at a convenient time for you, and years may pass before a new beginning class begins that also perfectly fits your schedule. I have people who have been on my e-list for years and have yet never taken a class because they are waiting for the perfect situation to arise. If you love flamenco and strongly want to take classes, please take the plunge and join one of the Fundamentals classes that are currently in session. Private lessons are available if you find you just can't stand being a little less skilled than the other students. As in learning anything, it helps to have the attitude that you won't know everything at first, but you're willing to dive in and do your best. Try not to throw up so many roadblocks that you'll never get started!

How long is each class? All classes are 60 minutes in length.

Can I make up missed classes? Students are allowed to make up missed classes, but they must be made up before the end of the session they are enrolled for -- no carrying of makeup classes from session to session. You can take a make up in any class other than your own, during the same session. But it makes most sense to try to make up a class in a level similar to your regular class; otherwise you may find that you spend a good part of the hour confused by the complexity of the material.

How do I know if I might enjoy your classes? My classes are specially constructed so that you can begin really dancing almost immediately. I would say that 80% of my new students have never taken a dance class before in their lives, so I try hard to ensure that those who truly put in a little effort can succeed. For those students who do have strong previous dance backgrounds, I try to rapidly advance them to higher levels where they will be challenged after they have first acquired basic skills in flamenco.

Students in my regular twice-a-week class program are taught complete choreographies (not just brief combinations). I give an overview of the dance(s) we'll be learning so you know where we'll be headed and then teach the choreography step-by-step. Once students have the steps, we fine-tune arms, body placement, and technique. You'll have a sense of accomplishment almost immediately, you'll thoroughly learn whatever choreography we're working on, and -- because classes are small (maximum class size is 12 students, and most classes have 5 to 8 students) -- you'll never feel totally lost in the crowd. I create brief, complete choreographies to illustrate the different flamenco forms, so that while you are learning about flamenco rhythms and music, you'll also be learning whole dances.

So, if you've been frustrated by flamenco classes where you just get little bits and pieces of flamenco that it will take years to put into context, I think you'll enjoy my approach. We also hold twice-annual recitals where students in our regular class program have the opportunity to make use of what they've learned in class. You'll also meet a wonderful group of fellow students!

I should also mention that you are expected to learn the material presented in class, and to practice a little bit at home. You must come to class ready to focus and learn.

What do I wear to class? We suggest workout wear or dancewear in which you can move easily (especially for the floor portion of class, which involves strengthening and stretching exercises). Shoes should be character shoes, flamenco shoes, or any shoe with an approximately 2-inch-high, very sturdy heel. Students will eventually need a flamenco practice skirt or other heavy, full skirt, but it's not necessary for the Basic I class.

Am I too old to start? Right now, we have several students in their 50s and they are doing well! In general, if you have no serious joint or health problems, age is no barrier to learning flamenco.

Health conditions. If you have a serious health condition or joint condition, flamenco would not be the most supportive choice for you. Flamenco is not a no-impact activity, and at the Basic 2 level and above, is a somewhat strenuous activity. It does require some balance and muscular coordination.

Do you offer classes for children? No, at this time we don't offer any children's classes.

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