Winter Term 2024

Start 2024 by immersing yourself in a journey of passion and artistic expression that will invigorate you throughout the winter.

Our 2024 winter term runs from January 8 through March 28, with a brief pause during March break (March 10-16) and concluding just before Easter.

This term promises excitement and growth for our students, and also for our director,  Maria Osende, who is  taking a temporary hiatus from teaching and immersing herself in the world of flamenco in Seville and at the renowned Festival de Jerez. During this time, Maria will collaborate with guitarist José Luis Monton to introduce an eagerly anticipated on-demand flamenco dance course focused on fitness and technique for those of you who practise flamenco.  This addition will be a great resource for our students and help them with their overall execution of flamenco  dance technique.

Maria’s absence is not a farewell but a moment for her to evolve, reconnect, and refresh her skills. 

Regrettably, our online classes will pause during Maria’s absence due to the technical challenges involved. We sincerely apologize to our online students but look forward to welcoming you back on April 2.

In Maria’s absence, the capable hands of Karen Stapes will guide students through an enriching dance experience. A seasoned flamenco dancer with over a decade of experience and trained under Maria’s tutelage, Karen will ensure beginners establish a strong foundation in the fundamentals of flamenco. 

Level 2 students will continue working on Alegrias and an expansion of their alegrias, progressing into the “Escobilla” with its intricate footwork, followed by the cheerful Bulerias de Cadiz. Karen’s musicality is remarkable, and  will elevate students’ understanding of compas.  Her focus on footwork technique  skills will be a highlight of the term.

Intermediate/advanced students in levels 3 and 4 will engage in a review of the solea por buleria and other dances in their  repertoire mastered in the previous fall term.  New and exciting will be the review and fore most, the new Guajira developed by David Romero for our school during the lockdown in 2020, this  beautiful piece  which incorporates the use of a fan, will provide a thrilling challenge for these dedicated dancers.

Looking ahead to April, an unmissable opportunity awaits for our students at the Seville’s April Fair in Halifax on Saturday, April 27 (Save the dates!), at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Our new Open Stage Series is the chance for students to showcase their hard work and talent on a prestigious platform.

Embrace the passion, rhythm, and artistry of flamenco and join us as we warm up our days this winter