PROGRAMS FOR 2007/2008
Andrea Del Conte Danza Espana’s arts education programs are excellent. As a member of Young Audiences of New York City, New Jersey and Virginia, company artists are trained to work with students of all ages and backgrounds and to pass their knowledge on to them. This aids in preserving and disseminating the cultural heritage of Spain as well as introducing young people to the endless ways in which the arts can enrich their lives regardless of their background.
Over the past 29 years, Danza Espana has conducted workshops for school children of all ages throughout the boroughs of New York City as well as presenting its award-winning lecture-demonstration Flamenco: The Soul of Spain.
In the fall of 2000, Danza Espana inaugurated the Children’s Flamenco Training Program for girls from the Lower Eastside Girls Club in Manhattan. Funded by corporations, government and individuals, this program allows girls ages 8-16 to study flamenco with Danza Espana artists year-round and perform at Lotus Music & Dance Studios as well as other venues in and around the City. Now in its seventh year, the program includes girls (and boys) from Hudson Guild as well as the Lower Eastside Girls Club. Children study year-round at Lotus Music & Dance Studios with Andrea Del Conte and company teaching staff.
Choose from one of the following activities for your school (grades K-12 and college level):
FLAMENCO MASTER CLASS: Led by Ms. Del Conte, the master class in flamenco gives students an opportunity to fully understand the concepts of rhythm and movement that are incorporated in this highly stylized dance form. Emphasis is placed on the rhythmic patterns that are associated with the various dances, heelwork technique, arm and hand movements, and rhythmic clapping. This class can be adapted to students of all ages. (Grades 3-12)
FLAMENCO RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT WORKSHOP: Built on the concepts taught in the Master Class, the workshop series allows for more advanced study. Taught by Ms. Del Conte or another Danza Espana teacher, students refine their understanding of the technique of flamenco. Classes are 45 minutes long and can be accompanied by a flamenco guitarist. A final informal performance can also be included in this activity. The Residency Program is designed for 5-10 sessions. (Grades 3-12)
FLAMENCO: THE SOUL OF SPAIN ASSEMBLY PROGRAM: In a forty-five minute program, dancer/narrator Andrea Del Conte along with another dancer, flamenco singer and guitarist (all members of Danza Espana) presents a highly evolved performance event that incorporates the essence of flamenco, the relationship between each of the components, the dance (el baile), the guitar (el toque) and the singing (el cante), and their historical significance in world culture. Ms. Del Conte describes and demonstrates with her company members the technique of flamenco including the armwork (el braceo),the footwork (el taconeo), the rhythmic clapping (las palmas) and the use of the castanet (las castanuelas). Dances are performed in full costume and audience participation is encouraged. The program ends in a lively fiesta, celebrating the beauty of ethnic dance and music. There is a question and answer period at the end of each performance. (Grades 3-12).
EN COMPAS – IN RHYTHM: A new program for the 2007-2008 season which explores the essential rhythms that make up the heart beat of flamenco dance and music. Performed with four artists from the company (a dancer/narrator, singer, percussionist and guitarist), this 45 minute presentation takes students to the south of Spain where the pulse of flamenco is always present. The program touches upon history, social studies and language skills which can be connected to the academic curriculum.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ACADEMIC TEACHERS is led by Ms. Del Conte and gives the academic teachers the necessary historical, geographical and cultural background on flamenco so that they can incorporate the activities of the workshop into their academic curriculum (Based on the New York State Learning Standards and the NYC Dept. of Education Dance Blueprint).
Pricing for the above can be tailored to fit your budget. Please call our offices at 212-674-6725 or e-mail us at adelconte@aol.com for more information.
“Danza Espana’s flamenco residency has been an inspirational experience for both me and the students who participated in the program. They were given the opportunity to study with fabulous teachers and performers…so much more came out of it than I expected” Danielle Palmiotto, Pleasantville Middle School, Pleasantville, NY
“The Flamenco program which is part of the Girls Club Fit for Life Project has exceeded and all of our expectations. Andrea continues to nurture and frame the development of these young girls and dancers and individuals. Through flamenco each girl is allowed to take ownership of her talents and express her unique style of movement.” Grace Brissett/The Lower Eastside Girls Club
“Andrea and her teaching staff maintain a professional atmosphere during class and the students remain very focused on learning the dance. This is essential when teaching young people, and I learned a lot about discipline and commitment, by merely observing Andrea and her teachers at work.” Nellie Perera, Girls and Young Women’s Initiative, Grand Street Settlement
“The dancers and musicians were incredibly talented and our kids loved the performance. It was exciting and visually appealing as well as highly educational. Keep up the great work!” Brooks Crossing School, New Jersey
To view a pdf of our brochure, please click here.
Dancers from the Children's Flamenco Program perform, presented by Andrea Del Conte Danza Espana.