KEYWORDS

Graceful dancers swirling in vibrant costumes, the staccato beat of stamping feet, castanets clicking, hands clapping and, at the heart of it all, the cante (song)—this is flamenco, a cultural treasure of Spanish, African, Gypsy and Middle Eastern origins. Students will learn about its history and role in cultural celebrations, the melodies and rhythms that define it and the instruments that accompany it. They will perform basic hand gestures, footwork and clapping patterns with the dancers, right to the final resounding “¡Olé!”

Georgia Performance Standards:

• MKGM.8 – Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts
• M3GM.9 – Understanding music in relation to history and culture
• M6GM.9 – Understanding music in relation to history and culture
• M8GM.6 - Listening to, analyzing, and describing music

AIRE Flamenco

Founded in 2006, AIRE Flamenco's international cast weaves dramatic Spanish gypsy dance with rhythmic live guitar music and singing.  With members from Spain, Japan, and beyond, the group shows students how emotion is expressed through dance and music. 

Founders Rina Menosky and Julie Baggenstoss studied flamenco dance extensively in Spain and the United States and have performed with national and international artists throughout the Southeast.  Both teach flamenco dance in Atlanta to children and adults. 

These solo performers draw from a pool of talented musicians and singers to create dynamic flamenco presentations.