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December 31, 2006
intensive christmas
Another Christmas, another intensive course at the Escuela de Baile in London. Despite deciding against attending as a student in favour of spending some quiet time during the break I couldn't resist covering it for Dance Today
Bata de Cola students
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
This is the first Bata de Cola course offered by Escuela de Baile. Romantic, sensual and wonderfully photogenic, learning to use this flamenco skirt with the long trail is no mean feat. It’s lifted and placed in position rather than kicked, and if the centre of gravity is missed or the skirt is moved in the wrong way it can end upside-down, sausage shaped or in an ugly mess.
I interviewed Vicky Ramos of Centro de Baile Jerez about the course, its format and how it is taught. Contrary to expectations no concession is made to London based students. They’re taught with the same structure but slightly faster than in Jerez and the principal difference is that Vicky tries to set things up so that the students know what to practice once she is gone.
Vicky teaching the Bata de Cola class
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
The Bata de cola class is just one of 18 separate intensive courses for all levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. It was important to visit the school several times to see how it was taught, how the students reacted and take photos. It was only natural to pop into other classes while I was there, which may have been a mistake. It was great to catch up with friends made years ago, but watching them made me wish I was taking the classes too.
Pilar Ogalla teaching the Intermediate class
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
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