What makes a good marcaje? First, let's start off by defining that word within the flamenco context. For me, it's any step that holds time, or marks time. Unlike ballet, flamenco does not name every step--in flamenco, a step's purpose [...]
A studio at Amor de Dios flamenco school in Madrid. photo: http://lucioyromana.com/amor-de-dios/ I have had moments in my career where I have been detrimentally humble. I've blown off compliments by shying away and saying things like, "Oh it really wasn't [...]
Earlier this year I was invited to give a TEDx talk on flamenco. For anyone unfamiliar with TED, here is their mission statement: "TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 [...]
Last night at a gig, a colleague mentioned to me that guru actually means someone who brings you out of the darkness. According to the dictionary, guru "(in Hinduism and Buddhism) is a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation." [...]
I realized one of the most important reasons I love dance last week: I only know how to fully live in the present when I am dancing.When the rhythm starts and I lock into it, I am not thinking about [...]
My technique teacher from last week, Ami Shulman, brought up a beautiful quotation from a Jewish proverb: she said, “You are closer to your destination on your journey to get there than when you actually arrive.” At the end of [...]
I'm now two weeks in to graduate school. It feels like a LOT longer than that (in a good way). I have learned so much about dancing, the dance world, myself, my body, and so much for in just two [...]
Understanding how to be a better performer, choreographer, and teacher is why I am pursuing an MFA. I guess that's a bit broad, but it is why I've decided to go on this adventure. In studying dance at the graduate [...]
Several times on tour the dancers were asked how we stay in shape for "all that stompin'," and if we do anything besides dance to keep up our stamina. The answer varies from dancer to dancer, but my answer is [...]
As a flamenco dancer, travel is part of our job, particularly travel to Spain. When I reminisce about Spain, I talk about the beautifully colorful streets, the sunny weather, the jamón, the olive oil, the wine. I miss the day [...]
