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Frequently Asked Questions

Flamenco (pronounced [flaˈmeŋko]) is a music and dance style originating from the province of Andalusia in Southern Spain.  Deep and powerful singing (cante), interactive guitar playing (toque), syncopated hand clapping (palmas), and strong and dramatic dancing (baile) that features stamping footwork and elegant posture, all come together to express the driving rhythm (compás) of Flamenco!

Flamenco is popular around the world and is welcoming to people of all ages and body types.  

Improvisation is a large part of Flamenco performances.  Whatever emotions you are experiencing, there is a Flamenco piece (palo) to honour these feelings and share through your personal artistic expression.

Please consult the following dance level descriptions below. Contact us before registering for guidance and assistance in selecting your perfect class schedule.  You can always change classes (space permitting) if an adjustment is needed.

Kids’ class 10-14 years – No experience needed to discover the joy of dancing flamenco!

Youth class 15-25 years – No flamenco experiance needed, with or without other dance training.

Adult Classes:

Beginner – You are new to flamenco with or without other dance experience.

Elementary – You have completed a minimum of one year of flamenco classes.

Open Level – You have completed at least one year of flamenco, love to be challenged, and are willing to dance by yourself during class. (These classes are often focused on a specific skill or feature of flamenco. A mixture of student levels is expected in these classes.)

Elementary/Intermediate – You have completed a minimum of two years of flamenco classes and are confident in foundation footwork techniques and compás. (If you don’t know what “compás” is, please select a lower level class.)

Intermediate – You have completed a minimum of four years of flamenco classes and enjoy learning in a fast paced environment.

Intermediate/Advanced – You have completed a minimum of four years of flamenco classes, have strong technique, and thrive on challenges.

Advanced – You have a strong background in technique with a minimum of five years experience.

Yes, a drop-in fee of $25 will be charged.  If you then choose to register within the week, this fee will be put towards your registration fee.  ALL drop-in lessons must be pre-arranged by contacting the studio.

Beginner classes run on a term by term schedule to give you the chance to see if Flamenco is a good fit for you.

All other classes are designed as a full year program (September-June).  In the rare case that you may have registered for the wrong level or your schedule has changed, you are welcome to transfer to another class (space permitting).

Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move in.

Low-heeled dress or dance shoes are fine for starting.  You want to have a solid heel and a closed-toe.  Actual flamenco shoes are not required for beginner level students.

A long full skirt is optional.

Low-heeled dress or dance shoes are fine for beginner level students.  You want to have a solid heel and a closed-toe.

High-quality flamenco shoes (and skirts) can be purchased locally at Stretch. Check with your Flamenco Victoria instructor for a discount code to use at Stretch!

“Character shoes” are a good option for new or lower-level students who wish to purchase an inexpensive shoe option.  Local dance store Toes ‘n’ Taps can assist.

For fully committed students, customized flamenco shoes can be ordered online from a number of excellent websites such as, Flamenco West, Flamenco Export, and Flamencista.  There are lots of styles and prices to choose from!

Some used shoes/boots may be available through the studio for purchase or by donation.  Please contact us with your shoe size to see if we have a pair that will fit you.

E-transfer is the preferred and easiest way to pay.  Cheque, cash, and credit card options also available.  Please contact us to arrange payment.

Class pricing is found on the Fees & Payments page.

Continuity is important when learning any new skill.  We understand that sometimes missing a lesson is unavoidable.

Missed classes may be made up only within the Term in which they were missed.

Make up lessons will be permitted in another regularly scheduled class if space is available and pre-arrangement has been made.  Please book your make up class by email at least 24 hours in advance of the class you wish to attend.

If we are required to close due to the pandemic, classes will move online to Zoom format and/or pre-recorded video format.  Make up classes at a later date may be offered in some circumstances.

Class fees are non-refundable and a studio closure does not change this policy, as an alternative to in-person classes will be offered.

There is a year-end performance in June.  The 2024 date is Saturday, June 22. 

Students may be invited to take part in festivals, in-studio shows, or community events throughout the year.

Technique classes do not typically perform, so please consider your goals or talk to your teacher for guidance when registering.

No, the studio has a strict no video policy in all classes.  This is out of respect for your classmates who are learning and your instructor who makes their living by teaching.

Some instructors may permit video recording during a private lesson upon request.

Audio recording in group classes is permitted with permission by the teacher.

Our 2023/24 season launches NEW kids’ and youth programs for students starting at 10 years of age.

Classes for younger children will be offered if there is sufficient interest expressed.  Please contact the studio to have your child’s name added to a waiting list.

All other class offerings are for adult students only.  

 

Photo credit: Lia Crowe

Flamenco (pronounced [flaˈmeŋko]) is a music and dance style originating from the province of Andalusia in Southern Spain.  Deep and powerful singing (cante), interact guitar playing (toque), syncopated hand clapping (palmas), and strong and dramatic dancing (baile) that features stamping footwork and elegant posture, all come together to express the driving rhythm (compás) of Flamenco!

Flamenco is popular around the world and is welcoming to people of all ages and body types.  

Improvisation is a large part of Flamenco performances.  Whatever emotions you are experiencing, there is a Flamenco piece (palo) to honour these feelings and share through your personal artistic expression.

Please consult the following dance level descriptions below. Contact us before registering for guidance and assistance in selecting your perfect class schedule.  You can always change classes (space permitting) if an adjustment is needed.

Beginner – You are new to flamenco with or without other dance experience.

Elementary – You have completed a minimum of one year of flamenco classes.

Open Level – You have completed at least one year of flamenco, love to be challenged, and are willing to dance by yourself during class. (These classes are often focused on a specific special skill or features of flamenco. A mixture of student levels is expected in these classes.)

Elementary/Intermediate – You have completed a minimum of three years of flamenco classes and are confident in foundation footwork techniques and compás. (If you don’t know what “compás” is, please select a lower level class.)

Intermediate – You have completed a minimum of four years of flamenco classes and enjoy learning in fast paced environment.

Intermediate/Advanced – You have completed a minimum of four years of flamenco classes, have strong technique, and thrive on challenges.

Advanced – You have a strong background in technique with a minimum of five years experience.

Yes, a drop-in fee of $25 will be charged.  If you then choose to register within the week, this fee will be put towards your registration fee.  ALL drop-in lessons must be pre-arranged by contacting the studio.

Beginner classes run on a term by term schedule to give you the chance to see if Flamenco is a good fit for you.

All other classes are designed as a full year program (September-June).  In the rare case that you may have registered for the wrong level or your schedule has changed, you are welcome to transfer to another class (space permitting).

Low-heeled dress or dance shoes are fine for starting.  You want to have a solid heel and a closed-toe.  Actual flamenco shoes are not required for beginner level students.

A long full skirt is optional.

Low-heeled dress or dance shoes are fine for beginner level students.  You want to have a solid heel and a closed-toe.  

“Character shoes” are a good option for new or lower-level students who wish to purchase a inexpensive show option.  Victoria’s local dance store Toes ‘n’ Taps can assist.

For fully committed students, actual flamenco shoes can be ordered on-line from a number of excellent websites such as, Flamenco West, Flamenco Export, and Flamencista.  There are lots of styles and prices to choose from!

Some used shoes/boots may be available through the studio for purchase or by donation.  Please contact us with your shoe size to see if we have a pair that will fit you.

E-transfer is the preferred and easiest way to pay.  Cheque or cash options also available.  Please contact us to arrange payment.

Beginner dance students may sign up for any or all of the 13-week Beginner class sessions throughout the year.  Please note that different content is taught every 13-weeks, so students are encouraged to do as many sessions as possible for a a well rounded introduction to flamenco.

All other classes are designed as a full year (September-June) program.  Consistency and commitment are important!  If you know you will be away for an extended period of time, please contact the studio for options.  We are happy to work with you and your schedule!

If we are required to close due to the pandemic, classes will move online to Zoom format and/or pre-recorded video format.  Make up classes at a later date may be offered in some circumstances.

Class fees are non-refundable and a studio closure does not change this policy, as an alternative to in-person classes will be offered.

Students who are deemed ready to perform by their teacher, may be invited to take part in festivals, community events, recitals throughout the year.

Technique classes do not typically perform, so please consider your goals or talk to your teacher for guidance when registering.

No, the studio has a strict no video policy in all classes.  This is out of respect for your classmates who are learning and your instructor who makes their living by teaching.

Some instructors may permit video recording during a private lesson upon request.

Audio recording in group classes is permitted with permission by the teacher.

Our current class offerings are for adult students only.

Children’s classes will be offered if there is sufficient interest expressed.  Please contact the studio to have your child’s name added to a waiting list.