This workshop is for everyone interested in Flamenco or ready for any type of new dance! You will learn the basic elements that make Flamenco so beautiful and special: upper body posture, arm and hand movements (“floreo”), basic footwork, two basic Flamenco rhythms, the notorious Flamenco clapping technique, and part of a simple but cool choreography you can practice at home. — No Flamenco shoes required. Bring comfortable dancing clothes (perhaps including a skirt) and preferably shoes with leather/wood sole (character shoes or other street shoes you can dance on), and lots of attitude! 

Carolina Lopez-Ruiz (“La Chana”) grew up in Madrid and Cordoba (Spain) dancing ballet, modern dance, and some “fiesta” Flamenco. She surrendered to the charms of the Flamenco art in Columbus, though, thanks the "Flamenco del Corazón" led by the wonderful Cynthia Stamps and guitarist-singer Peter Cary (2006-2012). After her teacher’s passing, La Chana taught Flamenco in Grandview for two years. When Griset Damas miraculously arrived in Columbus La Chana continued her dance training with her at U Will Dance studio (Plain City) and has performed with Griset and the Flamenco Company of Columbus at various venues in the city. She has taken lessons with other wonderful teachers over the years: Cihtli Ocampo and Ethan Margolis (Arte y Pureza, LA), Susana di Palma and Kristina del Sacramento (Zorongo Flamenco and Anda Flamenco, Minneapolis), and many Spanish “maestros” in Madrid (Amor de Dios school) and in Albuquerque at the International Flamenco Festival, including Sara Martin, Concha Jareño, Javier de la Torre, Pedro Cordoba, and Vanesa Coloma.