I was super nervous. But the receptionist was super nice, Raphael was awesome and cute, all the students in the class seemed nice, and the level was bordering on easy for me. I stayed for the second class which was a higher level and managed it okay too.
It is pretty awesome to be able to watch Raphael (Campallo - in case you want to look him up on Youtube), in person. He's a small guy, but not as thin as he looks on Youtube. In fact, sans flamenco shoes, and in exercise clothes he would appear to be a soccer player or athlete of some sort. The absolute control he has over every movement is really something to behold.
I had quite a bit of trouble understanding him, but when I met Manuel (Betanzos) after class and he advised me on whether I should take both the Tangos and Alegrias classes, I understood everything.
I just had a brief interlude to dance tangos to a Nin(y)a Pastori song that the owner (or something) of the hostel came along and played on his cell phone.
After lunch I practiced on the rooftop in a tank top - it was a gorgeous sunny day - with the Giralda in front of me.
My other major errand today was to go to the Policia or Gobiernamento or whatever it was. This mixture of government things called the Junta Administrativo, which was rather unclear to me was in one of the most incredible buildings I have ever seen. Maybe the most. It is a huge semicircular edifice with a covered walkway with many columns, two ornate towers, and tiles everywhere and unbelievable lanterns, carved tiles in the ceiling. It is called the Plaza Espana, in case you are interested - sorry I didn't get a picture. I have to go there early so I sign off now.
No comments:
Post a Comment