I am absolutely in love with Angel Atienza. Well, not literally, as they tell me he is gay, but as a teacher, as a person. His classes are the best I have ever taken, and he is a darling. I am taking the intermediate-advanced technique class at the school Ados, which he runs with Isabel Bayon. Angel explains the mechanics like no one else I have come across. I suppose I have not taken many technique classes, but other people tell me similar things.

BTW yes, Angél is a man's name here, and is pronounced "an - HELL", with a guttural, throaty "H" (that is how you pronounce "g").

It is no wonder I never felt like I could dance until now - I feel like I am only starting. I should have taken more technique classes at home, I suppose, but here in Spain, they all teach technique more than at home, even in my choreography classes, for example with Pilar, she would correct us.

Also, this is just as much work as studying classical piano. I think I never realised how much effort I would have to put in. I started putting in more last fall. I've been breaking down my own moves and trying to get technical, and it has gotten me farther than not doing that.

There are a few people that might truly be called advanced in this class. Too many of them have feet that are not good, and they can't stay in compas. That is my strong point, although I cannot pick up the feet fast and sometimes get confunded with easy things because of a massive confidence problem. There is a huge amount to absorb but I don't feel out of my depth. Every day practicing on my own, I am able to actually do (with a lot of effort, concentration, breaking things down slowly) the stuff taught, and to improve.

The amazing thing about Angel, besides his being an extremely good teacher, is that he pays attention to all the students, and calls individual people by name whenever they are missing something. That I find incredible. People here are not bad at doing that but I've never taken anyone's class where they were so careful to note where all their students were at.

Going to Jerez tomorrow because I have various friends who are converging there from various parts (or have recently gotten there). Yay. I have really only two friends here in Sevilla. Maybe two other half-friends (people i don't quite feel comfortable with yet to just call up for a beer on the spur of the moment).

I did have a woman invite me to go with her to Rocio today. I would if I weren't going to Jerez. She is great - she lives in France, but her family is in Huelva. I tarded mucho leaving school today because she was explaining all about Rocio to me - a magic time and place that is not part of this world.