Find the right Level for ballet and flamenco dance classes
Flamenco Dance Levels

Level 1: Entry Level - Flamenco Basics / Absolute Beginner

  • I have never danced flamenco before.
  • I want to refresh the basics after a long absence from dance.
  • I took under 6 months of classes.
  • I took flamenco a long time ago and need a refresher.
  • I know the basics, but I like attending a lower level so I can review and improve my technique.

Level 2: Beginner and Beginner Plus

  • I have attended classes once a week for about 1–2 years or longer or used to dance in the past and want to get back into it.
  • I continue familiarizing myself with arm movements, the break-down of rhythms (compás) and coordination, and some terminology, such as a marcaje or llamada.
  • I know the basic footwork technique (planta, tacón, and golpe) and the basic arm movements. I continue to work on developing my footwork and overall skills.
  • I am familiar with tangos flamencos or rumbas. I have learned short choreographic sequences.
  • I look forward to learning more and to learning sevillanas.

Level 3 - Progressive

  • I have attended classes once a week for about 2–4 years.
  • I know how to dance sevillanas.
  • I continue to work on developing my footwork and overall skills.
  • I am familiar with tangos flamencos, sevillanas and similar Palos.
  • I understand the complexity of flamenco and the value in paying attention to details.
  • I continue gaining technique and improving my footwork speed and sound.

Level 4 - Intermediate

  • I have taken dance once a week for 5+ years or equivalent.
  • I love flamenco and understand how much there is to it!
  • I can coordinate arms, hands, feet, and head simultaneously during marcajes and even while I am doing complex footwork sequences.
  • I can follow the rhythm of the beat set in class without feeling like I am out of rhythm.
  • I have learned or am interested in learning elements such as bata de cola and the shawl.
  • I am familiar with various Palos and have learned choreographies por alegrias, tangos de Malaga, bulerias, Solea por buleria...etc

Level 5 - Advanced

  • I can coordinate feet, hands, arms, and skirt fluently in easy steps.
  • I can pay attention to the aesthetics of movement and interpretation.
  • I have some performance experience and have learned choreographies in various palos over the years.
  • I understand compás and the structure of flamenco choreography.
  • I have studied with other teachers or taken workshops in Spain.
  • I have some improvisational skills and can adjust choreographies to my liking.
  • I can use various “elementos”, such as the fan, shawl, bata de cola, or castanets.

Much like an open-level class, these classes are designed as additional classes and cover all levels. Footwork, turns, and choreographic sequences are kept to a minimum. These classes generally include lots of repetition to develop muscle memory. Students of higher levels can focus on details, such as expression, aesthetics, and nuances of the movement, while lower-level students will work on a much broader concept of the steps and movement.

If you are new to flamenco, it is recommended you also take an entry-level course in addition to a multilevel class. Examples of multilevel classes are:

  • Flamenco Essence: expression, intention of the movement, understanding the essence of flamenco.
  • Multilevel Compás Classes: clapping, understanding rhythm, always good to practice at any level.
  • Multilevel Upper Body Technique Classes: arm-hand coordination, expression.
  • Flamenco Flow: simple patterns, lots of repetition and attention to detail, new variations each week.

Open Level Flamenco

Our open-level flamenco dance classes are designed for beginner and intermediate level students wishing to improve their skills or take an additional class to work on specific elements of flamenco that require extra dedication. However, they can also be taken as a stand-alone class.

In these classes, footwork and rhythms, which are the greatest level dividers in flamenco, are not the focus and will remain simple so that students can focus on other areas. Examples of Open Level Courses are:

  • Open Upper Body Technique Classes: arm-hand coordination, expression, marcajes, sequencing.
  • Open Compás Classes: clapping, understanding rhythm, códigos flamencos.
  • Focus Workshops: marcajes, turns, or footwork.
  • Flamenco elements such as the fan, shawl, bata de cola, or castanets.
  • Choreography classes using flamenco elements.
 Not all levels or class types are offered every session. Always refer to our Schedule
Find the right Level for ballet and flamenco dance classes

Finding the Right Flamenco Level for You

We know adults learn differently than children, and our many years of experience have shaped a structured, supportive approach to teaching flamenco. Our classes are grouped into three main categories:

  • Basic Levels – Building a foundation

  • Build-Up Levels – Developing skills and vocabulary

  • Refinement Levels – Mastery, artistry, and performance (lifelong learning)

Dance can be enjoyed and practised at any level and any age. Finding the right fit for you is key to your development and overall enjoyment. The levels below are a  guidance based roughly on once a week attendance, however many factors can affect the speed in which students learn.  

Should you land on a level that is too high or too low for you, you can switch levels easily! 

 
A Note on Flamenco Footwork

Flamenco footwork or “zapateado” can be intimidating. Landing in a class where everyone seems to follow the steps and you don’t is not a fun experience.  The thing is though, that footwork is foot percussion and you will be surprised realize how quickly footwork and musicality skills develop with practise and repetition, and of course, the right technique.

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CASTANET TUTORIAL

Enjoy a free and comprehensive castanet tutorial series designed for beginners, taught by the renowned Maria Osende. These lessons will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of playing castanets, ensuring you build a strong foundation in technique and rhythm.

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Your First Flamenco Class

What to Wear to Your First Flamenco Class
New to flamenco? Don’t worry about having the right gear—just come as you are! This beginner-friendly guide outlines what to wear on your first day, including clothing tips and shoe recommendations. Learn how to stay comfortable, safe, and stylish as you take your first flamenco steps. Plus, get a sneak peek at basic flamenco techniques to get started with confidence.

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