Flamenco
Introduction
At Studio Gracia, all flamenco classes focus not only on learning choreography, but also on building core strength and learning breathing techniques and warm-up exercises that help generate movement from the center of the body.
These practices can also be applied in daily life. In addition, expressing each individual’s unique “personality” through dance is an important aspect.
We believe that the classroom is a place to make mistakes. It is through making mistakes that we learn. While dance often begins with imitation, it gradually evolves into movements and expression that suit your own being. We pursue both the brilliance of imitation and the beauty of individuality that transcends it.
About Flamenco
Flamenco originated in Andalusia, in southern Spain. This art form, comprised of three elements—toque (guitar), cante (singing), and baile (dance)—developed through the fusion of various ethnicities and cultures to reach its current form. While often attributed solely to the Roma (Gypsies) of India, this is not entirely accurate. Based on the indigenous culture of Andalusia, it was also influenced by Christian, Jewish, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures that shaped the region over eight centuries.
While baile (dance) is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of flamenco, cante (singing) actually came first. Listening to cante evokes a deeply moving feeling, even without understanding the lyrics. This is because cante expresses the suffering, sorrow, and joy of people’s lives.Many flamenco lyrics revolve around themes such as God, love, and death. While ranging from tragic expressions to reflections on everyday philosophy, flamenco, born from the people, continues to captivate us because it expresses the very essence of human life and emotion.
Here are some letras (lyrics) that I particularly like.
Ay Cuando salgo de Cái
me llevo sal
pa’ donde no la hay
yo regalar.
Yo regalar mare, yo regalar
Ay Cuando salgo de Cái
yo me llevo sal.
“Alegrías de Cádiz”
When I set out from Cádiz
I take “salt” with me
To give to everyone
In places where there is none
So, I give it to everyone
When I leave Cádiz
I take “salt” with me
“Alegrías de Cádiz”
Eran dos días
señalaos de Santiago y Santa Ana,
yo lo rogué a mi Dios,
que me aliviara las duquelas de mi mare
de mi corazón
“Siguiriya”
Those were two special days
the feast of Santiago and Santa Ana,
I prayed to my God,
to relieve the sorrows of my mother
of my heart
“Siguiriya”
Tan imposible lo hallo
de tu querer apartarme,
como escribir en agua
de una piedra sacar sangre
“Soleá”
I find it impossible
to separate myself from your desire,
as to write on water
or to draw blood from a stone
“Soleá”
Viva Graná que es mu tierra,
viva el Puente del Genil,
la Virgen de las Angustias,
la Alhambra y el Albaicín
“Granaina”
Viva Granada, my land!
Long live Puente del Genil,
Our Lady of Sorrows,
the Alhambra and the Albaicín!
“Granaina”
Verde que te quiero verde.
Verde viento. Verdes ramas.
El barco sobre la mar
y el caballo en la montaña.
Yo te quiero verde.
Federico García Lorca“Romance Sonámbulo”
Green, how I love you, green.
Green wind. Green branches.
The ship upon the sea
and the horse upon the mountain.
Green,I love you.
Federico García Lorca“Romance Sonámbulo”
About Lessons
Lesson Schedule
| Mon | Tue | Thr | Fri | Sat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning |
10:00–11:30 11:45–12:45 |
Private Lessons | |||
| Afternoon | Private Lessons | Off-site Lessons | Private Lessons | ||
| Night | Private Lessons |
18:30–20:00 20:15–21:45 |
19:00–20:30 20:45–21:45 |
Lessons by Time Slot
| Tuesday 10:00 AM – (Intermediate) | Basics + Colombianas (Pericón) + Palillos (castanets) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 11:45 AM (Beginner to Intermediate Class) | Basics + Tango + Bulerías + Sevillanas |
| Thursday 6:30 PM – (Intermediate) | Basics + Rhythm Work + Alegrias |
| Thursday 8:15 PM – (Intermediate/Advanced) | Basics + Alegrias (Abanico) + Palma (Handclapping) |
| Friday 7:00 PM – (Intermediate/Advanced) | basics + Malagueña (Mantón) + Bulerías |
| Friday 8:45 PM (Beginner to Intermediate Class) | Basics + Tango + Bulerías + Sevillanas |
Private Lessons
Lessons are tailored to the pieces and content each student wishes to learn. Please consult us regarding days and time slots.
Contact Us
In all our classes, we take the time to thoroughly cover the basics, helping students develop the physical ability and artistic sensibility needed for dance.
At Studio Gracia, we support everyone in their dance journey, regardless of gender, experience, ethnicity, or age. We offer private lessons as well as group and themed workshops. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries!
Lesson Fees
Enrollment Fee
There is no enrollment fee, so please feel free to join.
Monthly Tuition
90-min class: 10,000 JPY (4 times / month)
60-min class: 7,000 JPY (4 times/ month)
Drop-in Fees
90-min class: 2,800 JPY (per session)
60-min class: 2,000 JPY (per session)
Private lesson: 5,000–10,000 JPY (per hour)
Trial lesson: 1,000 JPY (first time)
Instructors
Let us introduce you to a flamenco Teacher who teaches at Gracia in special occasions.
Special Instructor
Ryoko Tomizawa
Born in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Ryoko began studying flamenco at the age of 23. She has studied under numerous great artists both from Japan and Spain, and continues to refine her craft to make it her own while performing on stages throughout Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. Her passion for flamenco is stronger than anyone else’s, and her authentic, richly expressive style captivates audiences.
She has a deep love for garlic and sesame oil.
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