Below is a listing of some of the instructors at the Amor de Dios studio in Madrid, Spain. Once again, I would like to thank the NEVADA ARTS COUNCIL for contributing to this wonderful and enlightening journey this summer to one of Spain's most prestigious flamenco studios. At our July meeting, various items were also discussed, including housing, traveling, class costs, survival flamenco vocabulary, and most importantly - instructors' emphasis, style, and class organization.

Ciro: teaches an intermediate-advance class. Steps are briefly demonstrated and students are given practice time. Individuals who have studied for a longer period of time are given the opportunity to demonstrate individually their knowledge. He does ask newcomers to also demonstrate, if they want; he does not force the issue. He pays close attention to detail and style. He's "muy tranquilo" (very calm) when he teaches, although he gets dismayed when students still have not grasped the material which has been reviewed several days prior.

Maria Magdelena: teaches beginner classes twice a day in the afternoon. Very basic and repetitive. She too, demonstrates the step once or twice. When students practice, they start together, but begin to change speed at their own pace. I found this practice "noise" to be extremely distracting, and made it difficult to concentrate. Unlike, Ciro, the newcomers were not given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge individually. Also, oftentimes in her directions, she confused the left with the right. For a beginner this can be disconcerting.

"La Truco": teaches intermediate. She had a 10 minute footwork warm-up at the beginning of the class. She then gave a combination - which took the class the rest of the hour to dance correctly. Although the combination would be considered intermediate, the 45 minute repetiton would make it beginner level. Please note: Many of her students recommended her, and said that her material was fun and exciting. Probably that is why she is called "La Truco," although unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to see that side of her.

Belen Fernandez: teaches intermediate. Belen had a wonderfully structured warm-up routine for both footwork and body/armwork. It lasted 20-25 minutes. She then worked on her dance routine, and gave the students ample time to ask questions and practice. As with the other classes, combinations were demonstrated only a few times, but "seasoned" students were strategically placed in front of the class for those who needed to follow.

Marluza Palacios: teaches beginners and intermediate. Ms. Palacios is a very patient and meticulous teacher. Also, her classes are highly structured, with a 20 minute practice routine. Lovely class.

Domingo Ortega: What can I say? One of the new and popular, up and coming inspirational dancers of this young generation. Classes are fun - and whimsical; thus, you need to be fairly advanced, and quick on your feet. There's lots of high energy. For novices, I would suggest that they pay just to watch this incredible artist.

Also this Spring, Mr. Desmond Serratore received a grant to design three (3) Flamenco scenic banners for the American Flamenco Theater. The audience wrote many positive comments. Ole!

FLAMENCO HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED IN SOUTHERN NEVADA! Once again, gracias and thank you, Nevada Arts Council!