Introduction to flamenco dancing, Minneapolis

Our drop-in flamenco introductory classes are for people who have had no flamenco training. We teach basic flamenco rhythms along with simple footwork patterns and arm work. Learning proper technique is important both for ease of performance and beauty of line. At the same time, creativity and individual style are also encouraged and expertly guided. All classes are taught with guitar accompaniment and special occasions allow for a singer and/or guest artist teachers.

For your first class, wear form-fitting clothes (skirt optional) and shoes with 1-2" sturdy heels. Make sure the shoes will stay on with activity—no sling-backs, for example, and straps are recommended. You should use shoes that are reserved for dance, not street shoes.

Classes start at 6:00pm and finish at 7:00pm

Kristina de Sacramento, founder and artistic director of Anda Flamenco, began her flamenco career, ironically, while living in Paris in 1987. After sneaking showers at a dance studio (her only access to that favorite American amenity), she would also sneak a peek at a flamenco class on her way out. One night, instead of just watching, she walked into the classroom and never turned back.

Since that fateful night, Kristina has studied with some of Spain’s finest and brightest flamencos: Javier Barón, Ciro, Jose Correia, Javier Latorre, Juanjo Linares, Manolete, Luis Ortega, Joaquín Ruiz, and the inimitable La Tati. Stateside, she has studied with Susana di Palma, María Benitez, La Tania, and visiting master teachers in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City. She returns frequently to study with her Paris mentor, Patricio Martin, and annually to Spain, where she continues to study both time-honored and new styles with the leading “figuras” of the day.

An enthusiastic and compassionate teacher, Kristina has conducted classes and workshops at the University of Minnesota; the University of Missouri, Kansas City; Elderhostal; Ballet Folklorico of Sacramento; and the Minnesota Orchestra. She is particularly proud of “Fiesta Flamenca,” an interactive program for kids, parents, and teachers that is in its 10th year at local schools, libraries, and museums.

In 1995, Kristina founded her own school and has been teaching group and private classes ever since.

Anda Flamenco are dedicated to teaching not only flamenco dance, but the entire art of flamenco. With the intent of training professional dancers (or at least well-educated fans who can enjoy dancing a bulerías at a juerga), Anda Flamenco also explores the structure, the compás (rhythm), the cante (song), the palmas (hand clapping), and the sentimiento (feeling) for any choreography we teach.