Free 4 Day
Flamenco Beginner Quickstart
CHALLENGE
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Day One - Find the Beat: Palmas, Braceo y Manos
Today, we start with the heartbeat of flamenco—compás (rhythm/beat)—using the lively palo (rhythm family) of Tangos. You'll learn how to stay on beat with palmas (hand clapping) and begin building the expressive braceo (upper-body) and manos (hands) movements that make flamenco so captivating.
Remember: Keep those arms rounded. No chicken wings! And the hand movement starts with the wrist!
Day Two - Let’s Get Moving: Marcaje
Now that you’ve got the rhythm, it’s time to start moving! Today, we’ll learn two essential marcaje (marking steps) that capture the fun, funky energy of Tangos.
Remember: Relax those hips. Don’t step too far forward or to the side for each marcaje step!
Day Three - Footwork Foundations: Taconeo
Time to bring the power! Today, we dive into taconeo (footwork)—one of the most exciting elements of flamenco. You’ll learn two essential techniques to create a distinct combination: golpe (flat foot) and tacón (heel).
Remember: The movement comes “from behind” for the golpe and keep the those knees relaxed and abs in!
Day Four - Bring It All Together: Combinación
You’ve learned the compás (rhythm/beat) to the palo (rhythm family) of Tangos, braceo y manos (upper body and hands), marcaje (marking steps) and taconeo (footwork). Now it’s time to put it all together! Today, we’ll review everything from the past three days and combine them into a fun, rhythmic Tangos drill.
Meet your teacher, Rina Orellana
Trained in Madrid and based in Los Angeles, California, I've been dancing flamenco for over 25 years and training dancers, from new beginners through advanced, ready to dance in tablaos- for 20 years.
I believe flamenco is a personal journey, and every dancer has something unique to offer. My methodology—Speak, Feel, Dance Flamenco—guides dancers to understand the rhythms, connect with the emotion, and move with authenticity and authority.
Since 2015, thousands of dancers from all over the world have danced their flamenco dreams with me inside the Online Flamenco Studio. I hope you will join us.
❤️Rina
