, Spain - a country of sun, sea, wine and olives, the birthplace of Gaudi, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. But to go there is not just for museums, attractions and resorts. Southernmost province of Spain, Andalucia - the birthplace of flamenco dancing every which can give a lot not only the soul but the body ...

Flexible healthy spine, excellent coordination of movements, wonderful mood, a sense of self-confidence - is not it, quite worthy causes in order to begin to dance flamenco? And where, if not in Andalusia, on the border with Morocco, in small towns like Seville, Granada and Malaga (was there that the legendary dance) you can combine business with pleasure: to see the country and improve their health? The more so today Andalucia offers visitors a variety of leisure activities - from beach, ski and medical tours to excursions to natural parks.

One guitar, song and dance

Seeing Seville - this maze of cobbled streets of the curves with orange trees, you know that flamenco is a living .... This is not an echo of the past, it is not just a tribute to traditions. The sounds of flamenco waft out of the cafe, guitar strumming can be heard through open windows, and the girls on the streets choose to wear a long flared skirt and sandals on steady heel - uniforms flamenco dancers. By the way, please note that travel in the summer to the south of Spain, to dance - complete madness! At this time there is a 40-degree heat, and in such circumstances to expose themselves with serious physical stress should not be - a better choice for this Barcelona or Madrid, where as many schools of flamenco. But to delve into the world of true flamenco, of course, necessary to visit in Andalusia (ideally - from August to May). In September and February are the biggest festival of flamenco in Seville and Jerez, so plan your journey at this time, you can visit the unique concerts and take master classes with outstanding dancers. However, we must remember that tickets for all events must be booked in advance. Choosing a school is very important to pre-determine the choice of school, you're going to go. They are in a great variety of Andalusia, from the University of flamenco, courses in which lasts two years, to private schools known bailaors (so called themselves flamenco dancers). There is a school-studio-oriented foreign visitors: here you will understand if you suddenly go from Spanish to English, as well as help in everything from finding housing to the Council, in which club is better to go tonight. The most famous of them - Carmen De Las Cuevas (Granada), Taller Flamenco, Juan Polviyo (Juan Polvillo) and Makaweli Betantosa (Manuel Betanzos) (Sevilla). By the way, schools can also help you apply for a visa and send the invitation (for this purpose it is necessary necessary to make an advance payment of training). Classes in Spanish schools Flamenco is divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate and professional. It is worth remembering that the Spaniards absorb the rhythms of flamenco with their mother's milk, so go with absolutely no preparation is not: a basic level in most schools is quite high. In the "initial" class can be written to all those who are already engaged in flamenco from one year to three years. In some schools, classes are divided into "technology" (here, special attention is given to the body, arms, technology, fractions, the development of rhythm) and, indeed, dance. If you are not sure which group appointment, you can negotiate with the administrator of that on the first day to visit several different classes, and then decide what the teacher and the level you like. Engage in flamenco in Spain - a special treat! Often the lessons are live music, the teachers themselves may suddenly break into song, and occupation - turned into a real celebration, Fiesta! Here we teach not only the right to perform the movement, but also to feel the spirit of flamenco, rhythm and become one with the music. In many schools, but can take more dance classes in flamenco rhythms ("compass") and engage in the Spanish language. Where to live? There are several options where to stay during your trip. If you're used to living in hotels, in the heart of any city in Andalusia, it is easy to find a hotel not far from the chosen school (by the way, school administrators certainly can give you good advice). Often, these hotels are in beautiful old buildings. If you plan to live here more than two weeks, you should rent an apartment. For example, a three-week stay in an apartment in the heart of Seville with excellent views of the city will cost 600-700 euro. More budget option may offer the school to which you are driving: many studios accommodated students in their families, dorms or apartments. Living in a Spanish family could be very interesting: first, to see the life of the Spaniards 'inside', and secondly, be able to practice enough in Spanish, and, finally, there will always be someone to ask questions about this or any other reason. You will give your key to the apartment, so you will not be linked with employers and be able to manage your time, regardless of their plans.
Leisure In many schools you can learn about interesting events in the world of flamenco and take their schedule. Do not forget to ask about special discounts: often schools themselves distribute tickets to the concerts of his teachers at discounted prices! Spaniards love to party and know a good judge. The weekend begins with them on Thursday evening and lasts until Monday morning. That's why on Thursday in the clubs and flamenco bars are always crowded and there is something interesting. Flamenco concerts are held in theaters or "tablao", which is better to buy tickets. Also in the cities of Andalusia has many flamenco bars to go to Spaniards. Here, free admission and concerts are often spontaneous and begin after midnight. It should also devote time and go shopping flamenco: it is a veritable museum of fans, shawls and gorgeous dresses! Even if you're not going to become a professional dancer, a fan from the homeland of flamenco can be original souvenir, which will long remind you of your journey.

Major Festivals flamenco Spain: Flamenco Biennale (Bienal de Flamenco) - the biggest fall festival in Seville. He usually begins in mid-September.
Jerez de la Frontera (Jeres-de-la-Frontera) - an annual festival which takes place in the city of Jerez in February and March. Flamenco Art National Competition (Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco) - festival-competition, taking place in Cordoba, once every three years. Valdepe