March 5th, 2008

CELEBRATE WOMEN...

With International Women's Day coming up this Saturday, there is no better excuse to take a "time out" of your crazy schedule, take off your multiple hats, and just be a happy student here at our studio...

Our Beginning Flamenco Workshop starts this month as well as a Slow Flow Yoga to complement your vigorous dance workouts. Why not sign your kids up for the new 8 Week Kids Session and give yourself an afternoon off? Treat yourself and try something you've always wanted to try. Remind yourself how empowering it is to be a woman in touch with her body, mind and spirit. Women all over the world- unite!

FLAMENCO

A Brief History

The roots of Flamenco can be traced back for centuries. Born from the expression of a persecuted people, most notably, the Gypsies of Southern Spain, its unique blend of influences and musical complexity can be attributed to the consequences of the decree made in Spain 1492 by Catholic Spanish King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella that everyone living under their domain convert to Catholicism. This proclamation was issued under the threat of varying degrees of punishment, the most severe being the death penalty, by fire. Gypsies, Muslims, Jews and anyone living in Spain at the time was ordered to convert. It is believed that because of this decree these different ethnic groups came together to help each other, and within this melding of cultures Flamenco was born.

Flamenco, in general, consists of three artistic elements: the singing (cante), the dance (baile) and the guitar (guitarra). In addition, there are often members of a Flamenco group playing "palmas" or hand-clapping. The relationship between the artists is similar to that of Jazz-there is a basic structure that one must follow, but at its heart, it is an improvised form. The singing is the center of the Flamenco group. The dancer physically interprets the words and emotion of the singer through his or her movements, which include percussive footwork and intricate hand, arm and body movements. The guitarist provides the accompaniment to the singer and dancer, accentuating his or her vocal lines and/or melodies.

Most scholars will agree that the birthplace of Flamenco is Jerez de la Frontera, a small city in Southern Spain. However, because of the nomadic nature of the Gypsies, who moved from town to town selling their wares and doing odd jobs, Flamenco quickly gained roots in several Andalucian towns, including Sevilla and Granada. Flamenco went through many phases in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the performance of the form by non-Gypsies. Ironically, this is what gave the form its legitimacy, as it was seen in theatres and cafes. It can also be said that it became commercial, with the obvious negative implications, as well as quite successful. And although the Gypsies did not achieve respect and honor for their contribution to the art form until many years later, they have always been considered the best interpreters of the Flamenco arts.

Towards the end of the 19th century flamenco entered the commercial arena. This led to the evolution of 'professional' artists and culminated in the period of the 'cafes cantantes' (song and dance cafes) where flamenco could be heard and seen in public. This evolution also led to changes in the nature of the songs as fads developed for particular types of cante. Many of the more primitive forms languished, and some were totally lost, while other more upbeat forms achieved tremendous popularity. Growing commercialization continued until the 1950s when the influx of tourists to post-war Spain threatened to debase the art form completely. Fortunately, at this same time, several singers rediscovered the older forms and re-established interest in flamenco as an art form as well as a commercial form of music. This process depended in part on memories of older amateur singers, as there were few recordings to reference. The establishment of Flamenco Festivals during the 1960s - 1980s reinforced this revival. Although some regard these as having stifled the intimacy and spontaneity of Flamenco, they undoubtedly opened up the art to a wider public and provided opportunities for new artists.

Today, Flamenco is nothing short of an international phenomenon. The city where the first cries of Flamenco were heard, Jerez, now hosts an annual Flamenco Festival that attracts thousands of visitors from across the world. Flamenco fans, or "aficionados," can be found in most any country. Flamenco is an art form that inspires, educates and entertains people the world over.

Article Link

BEGINNING FLAMENCO WORKSHOP

6 Weeks with Angelita

You've always wanted to try it. You've heard the music and the rhythm moved you. You've seen the dance and the passion inspired you. Now is your chance.

They say that a Flamenco dancer is born in you whether you know it or not. You either see or hear it and you're struck, like lightening! If you love it you know it....

Start from the beginning. The "Beginning Flamenco" class on our schedule is a drop in style class that makes it hard to cater to the absolute beginner. Join Angelita in a 6 week Beginners Workshop that will help integrate you into the Beginning Flamenco class. The focus and attention to detail will help you progress faster through the fundamentals.

Sun. March 16th thru Sun. April 20th
6:00-7:00 PM
$90
Must pre-register.
No Drop Ins or Class Cards.

Angelita Macias' eclectic dance background, with over 30 years of dance experience and 20 years of Flamenco, combined with her exceptional musicality and energy makes her a highly in-demand instructor. She is the artistic director of the flamenco show at El Cid Flamenco Theater, one of the oldest Spanish landmarks in Los Angeles.

NEW SPRING KIDS SESSION

8 Week Session starts March 21st!

A fun, new 8 week session starts March 21st with Chelsea's Kids Hip Hop (7-10 yrs.) and March 27th with Kristen's Tap/Ballet Combo (5-7yrs.):

Kid's Hip Hop (7-10yrs.) with Chelsea is a high energy class consisting of different dance styles set to popular music. Your kids will be inspired to learn, create, and perform choreography in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. No previous dance experience is required and tennis shoes and relaxed clothes are recommended.
Fri. March 21st- May 9th
$80 for Pre-Registered students
$12/class for Drop In

Ballet/Tap Combo (5-7 yrs.) with Kristen is a class that will awaken a sense of imagination and creativity through movement and music. Your child will learn the basics in Ballet and the fundamentals of Tap while learning to memorize short phrases and choreography. Ballet and Tap shoes are preferred as well as leotard and tights, however not required.
Thur. March 27th- May 15th
$80 for Pre-Registered students
$12/class for Drop In

EACH SESSION ENDS WITH A FINAL RECITAL FOR PARENTS AND FRIENDS!

SLOW FLOW MORNING YOGA

$5 Community Class with Lynn

Join Lynn Carter in a new Wednesday morning community yoga class, Slow Flow, a gentle style...great for beginners or for those of you who like to start the day gently:

Mellow moves with yummy yoga flow designed to increase range of motion, enhance strength & flexibility, and restore sense of well-being. Emphasis on body awareness, stretching, and breath. Pose modifications & yoga props will be incorporated into a gentle flow.

Begins Wednesday March 19th
7:30-8:45 AM
Only $5

As an experienced educator, Lynn Carter completed her yoga training & certification in San Diego & Chicago. She has taught yoga & Pilates for several years both in CA & the Midwest.

SCHEDULE UPDATES

Subs, New Workshops, New Kids Session

SUBS:
Awesome 80's Dance Party on Monday 3/24 at 6:30 PM will be taught by Melissa Adylia Gutierrez.

NEW WORKSHOPS:
6 Week Beginning Flamenco Workshop with Angelita on Sundays 6:00-7:00 PM- starts 3/16.

NEW KIDS SESSIONS:
Kids Hip Hop (7-10 yrs.) with Chelsea starts Friday 3/21 4:00-5:00 PM

Ballet/Tap combo (5-7 yrs.)with Kristen starts Thursday 3/27 4:00-4:45 PM.

COMING SOON:
World Beat Workout with Kim Blank!
More Zumba!
New Cardio Burn!

DANCE EVENTS

Collage Dance Theatre- Laundromatinee

A new incarnation of our signature work commissioned by the City of West Hollywood. Laundromatinee was originally created at the Thriftiwash Laundromat in Santa Monica in 1988 and reprised for Launderland in Culver City in 1998. In 2006, the work traveled to New York through a commission from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Sitelines Festival.

Come see what Jennifer Dunning of The New York Times called "funny, occasionally dark and strangely poignant"!

Saturday, March 8th
8:00, 9:00, 10:00 PM
$20 includes a mug of suds!

Volunteer/Work Exchange

Work For Your Classes

Want to dance, but low on funds? Sign up for our Volunteer/Work Exchange Program! Help us out at the studio- cleaning, filing, errands, organizing, etc. and we'll give you Free Class Passes! Every hour and half you work, you receive a Free Class Pass- good for any of our regularly scheduled classes. Email us with your availability: heartbeathouse@hotmail.com. Our studio runs smoothly only because our volunteers are so great!

CONTEMPORARY CORNER

Hot Chip

Every week in Jasmine's Contemporary Ballet class (Wednesdays 6:30 PM), she features new music from an indie artist playing in town- this week is HOT CHIP:

"mysterious things happen when you eat hot chips" - jasmine

Contemporary Ballet:
Wednesdays 6:30 PM
Optional Warm Up 6:00 PM

COMMUNITY EVENT

Kids Recitals

Our 8 Week Kids Winter Session is ending and each class will be holding a recital for parents and friends- stop by and enjoy a show and some treats.

Ballet/Tap Recital- Thursday 3/6 4:00 PM
Hip Hop Recital- Friday 3/7 4:30 PM

Promotions

New Student Promotion:New Students can try any class they want their first week for only $5/class!
Birthday Promotion:
Come dance off that birthday cake with $5 classes the week of your birthday!
Referral Promotion:
Receive 20% off a 4 Class Package when you refer a new student who buys a Class Package.

FEEDBACK and TESTIMONIALS

Thank you to those of you who responded to our last feedback regarding kids yoga- we really appreciate any and all comments/suggestions/feedeback, after all, we are here for you!

We have had requests in the past for lunchtime yoga- how many of you would be interested in a lunchtime community yoga class? A de-stresser in the middle of the day?

If you love our little studio and have had experienced some real fitness and fun results- please help us promote by sending us testimonials. Email or write!

Thank you!