What they don't tell you in flamenco classes: Armwork Definitive Guide

Find out if this article is for you by answering a series of short questions

Do you think your heart is made to dance flamenco but your body is not?
Do you love Spanish culture but the most Spanish thing you have ever done is to watch “Money Heist”?
Have you thought that Flamenco instructors are gifted?
Have you ever tried to move your arms like a flamenco dancer but while doing it you feel that it is too difficult or hurts a lot?

If your answer was “Yes” to at least 1 of the 4 questions, this article is for you. It is important to be open minded to new ideas and knowledge. Here I will explain some useful exercises to become an expert moving your arms, hands, and fingers like an original flamenco dancer.

The first thing to know is that you have to be patient, you may not remember, but learning to walk was not an easy task, and today it is a natural activity that anyone does. We acquire skills every time we build a habit, but keep in mind that for everything you do it is necessary to understand that it involves hard work, nothing happens from one day to another, I summarize it in 3 simple but powerful words:

- - Patience
  - Discipline
  - Passion

Discover the way

Have you ever wondered why you want to learn to dance flamenco? Perhaps it is because something vibes inside you every time you listen to the rhythm, that’s your body asking you to dance. The first thing I want you to think is the reason why you want to learn this Spanish dancing, once you are aware of the reason, it will be easier for you to carry it out. If you want to learn flamenco dancing, you must listen to your body, your mind, and your heart; To help you with this task, I will give you an advice: write a phrase related to your passion for dancing, paste it somewhere where you spend every day, so that every time you see it you will remember the reason why you started learning it and you will be motivated to achieve your goal of dancing flamenco.

Be patient and work with what you have

Learn to know your body, each person’s body has a map, there are marks of who we are and stories that tell what we have lived. A dancer must be able to know their body to adapt to it, be aware of the feelings that are developed when making any movement, think about what emotions are awakened in you… The most important thing is to understand that your body is your raw material in dance, without it nothing is possible, so TAKE CARE of it!

Your body will define your personality, your style and the techniques that make your dance yours, nobody follows the same style when it comes to dancing, and that is defined by talents you have. It’s time for you to be aware of the map your body has. The magic is in you and your magic is unique, use your senses to connect with your body to execute an incredible Spanish dancing or whatever you want.

Passion, passion and more passion!

In ancient times the movement of the hands and its fascination and theatricality was given by the use of castanets and their particular sound. Flamenco became the country’s heritage, even it’s known as Spanish dancing too. it is and has been the pure representation of Andalusian women, alluding to their elegance, power and passion, this last one understood as that force that allows you to take control of each movement. What matters is to live the dance, getting excited genuinely and demonstrating it with each action. This Spanish dancing expresses an intense desire for freedom and a very characteristic passion, it is a rhythm with energetic movements that empower the curves of women. When you dance, think about drawing yourself, create the perfect silhouette, live it and feel it.

Discipline always pays off

The final step is to copy the technique properly, at first it may seem complicated, but believe me it is attainable! Your muscles and joints are unfamiliar with these movements, so the task is to get used to them. So that you understand it better, think about when you buy new shoes, at first they might hurt you, they do not bend easily and even make your feet uncomfortable, the same happens with your body. Here a little tip: exercise the wrists, you can perform circular movements, going up and down.

Another good idea is to make the applause of the deaf as many times as possible; the idea is to get your hands used to the movement, also If you practice with castanets you will strengthen your wrists and fingers faster, as you tone the arms. Alternate this with the exercises in this StepFlix class to learn the basic Flamenco technique. I recommend you to do it several times, repeat it and repeat it. With perseverance and a lot of discipline, you will see the results and everything will make sense; there’s nothing more encouraging than to see your goals achieved.