Why Flamenco?
From Jackie…
Flamenco is an all embracing word covering dance, singing, music and rhythmic hand clapping. It basically is a way of life, and a means of powerful expression by the gypsy people, or "Gitano’s" of Southern Spain.
For me; and I speak for most people bit by the Flamenco bug, it's all about passion. Flamenco is to be experienced, and each person will take something different from that experience. I get caught up in the history and emotions portrayed in the various forms of Flamenco. Each song has its own meaning or purpose that a dancer must convey. Sometimes I prefer to do uplifting dances as in an "Alegria". Yet a deeply soulful "Seguirillas" can be the most challenging and in turn the most rewarding dance to perform. No matter if I’m teaching a class, choreographing a dance or performing on stage… I’m truly inspired when I hear the strum of the guitar, accompanied by the pounding rhythm of the compas, and the guttural voices that follow. There’s no question that Flamenco dance is my passion and the benefits that come my way because of it, are endless.
From Students and Observers… Take a look at what people are saying about their own experiences with Flamenco and Jackie's classes...
I did a web search on flamenco teachers on the area and chose Jackie because I got the sense that she had a genuine interest in teaching, therefore very welcoming (“Classes are ongoing and open for students to join at any time”, “Try your first class for free”) and Jackie is student centered (“Student Class Resources”, pictures of students dancing, workshops for students, etc). I like Flamenco because it is very expressive and challenging and can be learned and danced by people over 50 years old. It does not require a partner, it is fun to learn, and because there is so much variety in it that I won’t get bored, thus I will be learning for many years to come. Most importantly, I like flamenco because it is taught by Jacquelina! The teacher can make the difference between liking and disliking something. It is a feeling Jackie's students express over and over on her Facebook page. Jackie challenges us, never “dumbing down” anything, she uses class time efficiently and effectively, she cares that we learn, she offers many learning opportunities to us via workshops, trips to Spain, etc... Jacquelina keeps us informed about flamenco performances in the area, she provides performance opportunities for us, and lets us take videos in her classes so we can practice at home. She also has a private Facebook page for her students that makes communication and learning so open to us, she creates a friendly learning community, and is very supportive and never negative when we do things incorrectly. MT
Flamenco allows me to connect with my soul, express my heart and emotions. Flamenco is a journey, and I plan to be in the journey for the rest of my life. I feel like a complete person when I am dancing. KR
Flamenco is very challenging for me, but that is a challenge that keeps me in the class. I feel great when I attend my classes. I wish I have more time to take more than 1 class. RAO
Flamenco makes me feel strong, beautiful and happy. I always liked it since I was a little girl. I like the colors of flamenco; the music, cante, the hands... I love everything of it. When you know flamenco, you never want to let it go. LA
I started flamenco dance to try something different other than ballet. At first I wasn’t so sure about the new style that was so different from anything I had tried before. The footwork was more intricate, and the feel of the dancing was stronger than ballet, which is so delicate. My first class was like I had just discovered a whole new world. I loved it! Not only had I discovered a new style of dance, but I felt I had discovered a new part of myself. Anonymous
I have always thought flamenco is such a beautiful dance and was fortunate to take a flamenco workshop by a visiting teacher. I loved the dance and wanted more. So I was referred to Jackie… one class and I was hooked! I have been dancing since I was eight years old in various dance styles, but flamenco hits home with me. I have been with Jacquelina for two years now and love dancing with her performance group! Gypsy
Flamenco class is a great physical and mental discipline. It is also a place to see and chat with old classmates and to meet new ones. Learning choreography and preparing for a performance is an exciting process. It has exposed me to so many incredible and amazing experiences and people from all over the world. I often wonder why I love it so much and I don’t really know, but it offers endless opportunities for learning and exploring. Anonymous
Flamenco has really been an effective therapy for recovering from a serious head injury. My short term memory is much improved and dancing is fun! Susan
When I was in Spain, I wanted to try something cultural… so I decided to take Flamenco lessons. Flamenco is challenging but definitely worth learning. It’s simply beautiful. Jacquelina is a lot of fun!! Anonymous
My friend brought me into Jackie’s Flamenco class and when the music started and Jackie showed us the arm movements to the music, well it was instant love! I feel very strong and passionate when I dance Flamenco. I love dancing and taking classes from Jacquelina, because I feel her passion and love of dance. I think she breaks it down for us very well. I am an “older” age student and she is very encouraging and I know it’s a form of dance I can do for a long time. Carol
I love Flamenco because it’s passionate and challenging both physically and mentally. Jackie is an excellent teacher. She brings years of experience, and she is such a natural dancer. Watching her makes you feel inspired. Jacquelina makes me try to do my best. Bella
When I watch this lovely group of beautiful ladies dance, the passion of their emotions and expressions of their movements fill me with joy! It is very obvious that Jackie has a very strong connection with her students, as their performances are perfection under her direction. Ole dear Jacquelina! Sparkling aka Cathy
Flamenco is an all embracing word covering dance, singing, music and rhythmic hand clapping. It basically is a way of life, and a means of powerful expression by the gypsy people, or "Gitano’s" of Southern Spain.
For me; and I speak for most people bit by the Flamenco bug, it's all about passion. Flamenco is to be experienced, and each person will take something different from that experience. I get caught up in the history and emotions portrayed in the various forms of Flamenco. Each song has its own meaning or purpose that a dancer must convey. Sometimes I prefer to do uplifting dances as in an "Alegria". Yet a deeply soulful "Seguirillas" can be the most challenging and in turn the most rewarding dance to perform. No matter if I’m teaching a class, choreographing a dance or performing on stage… I’m truly inspired when I hear the strum of the guitar, accompanied by the pounding rhythm of the compas, and the guttural voices that follow. There’s no question that Flamenco dance is my passion and the benefits that come my way because of it, are endless.
From Students and Observers… Take a look at what people are saying about their own experiences with Flamenco and Jackie's classes...
I did a web search on flamenco teachers on the area and chose Jackie because I got the sense that she had a genuine interest in teaching, therefore very welcoming (“Classes are ongoing and open for students to join at any time”, “Try your first class for free”) and Jackie is student centered (“Student Class Resources”, pictures of students dancing, workshops for students, etc). I like Flamenco because it is very expressive and challenging and can be learned and danced by people over 50 years old. It does not require a partner, it is fun to learn, and because there is so much variety in it that I won’t get bored, thus I will be learning for many years to come. Most importantly, I like flamenco because it is taught by Jacquelina! The teacher can make the difference between liking and disliking something. It is a feeling Jackie's students express over and over on her Facebook page. Jackie challenges us, never “dumbing down” anything, she uses class time efficiently and effectively, she cares that we learn, she offers many learning opportunities to us via workshops, trips to Spain, etc... Jacquelina keeps us informed about flamenco performances in the area, she provides performance opportunities for us, and lets us take videos in her classes so we can practice at home. She also has a private Facebook page for her students that makes communication and learning so open to us, she creates a friendly learning community, and is very supportive and never negative when we do things incorrectly. MT
Flamenco allows me to connect with my soul, express my heart and emotions. Flamenco is a journey, and I plan to be in the journey for the rest of my life. I feel like a complete person when I am dancing. KR
Flamenco is very challenging for me, but that is a challenge that keeps me in the class. I feel great when I attend my classes. I wish I have more time to take more than 1 class. RAO
Flamenco makes me feel strong, beautiful and happy. I always liked it since I was a little girl. I like the colors of flamenco; the music, cante, the hands... I love everything of it. When you know flamenco, you never want to let it go. LA
I started flamenco dance to try something different other than ballet. At first I wasn’t so sure about the new style that was so different from anything I had tried before. The footwork was more intricate, and the feel of the dancing was stronger than ballet, which is so delicate. My first class was like I had just discovered a whole new world. I loved it! Not only had I discovered a new style of dance, but I felt I had discovered a new part of myself. Anonymous
I have always thought flamenco is such a beautiful dance and was fortunate to take a flamenco workshop by a visiting teacher. I loved the dance and wanted more. So I was referred to Jackie… one class and I was hooked! I have been dancing since I was eight years old in various dance styles, but flamenco hits home with me. I have been with Jacquelina for two years now and love dancing with her performance group! Gypsy
Flamenco class is a great physical and mental discipline. It is also a place to see and chat with old classmates and to meet new ones. Learning choreography and preparing for a performance is an exciting process. It has exposed me to so many incredible and amazing experiences and people from all over the world. I often wonder why I love it so much and I don’t really know, but it offers endless opportunities for learning and exploring. Anonymous
Flamenco has really been an effective therapy for recovering from a serious head injury. My short term memory is much improved and dancing is fun! Susan
When I was in Spain, I wanted to try something cultural… so I decided to take Flamenco lessons. Flamenco is challenging but definitely worth learning. It’s simply beautiful. Jacquelina is a lot of fun!! Anonymous
My friend brought me into Jackie’s Flamenco class and when the music started and Jackie showed us the arm movements to the music, well it was instant love! I feel very strong and passionate when I dance Flamenco. I love dancing and taking classes from Jacquelina, because I feel her passion and love of dance. I think she breaks it down for us very well. I am an “older” age student and she is very encouraging and I know it’s a form of dance I can do for a long time. Carol
I love Flamenco because it’s passionate and challenging both physically and mentally. Jackie is an excellent teacher. She brings years of experience, and she is such a natural dancer. Watching her makes you feel inspired. Jacquelina makes me try to do my best. Bella
When I watch this lovely group of beautiful ladies dance, the passion of their emotions and expressions of their movements fill me with joy! It is very obvious that Jackie has a very strong connection with her students, as their performances are perfection under her direction. Ole dear Jacquelina! Sparkling aka Cathy
