TRES SEMANAS...

August 16th , 2009
Madrid

“Tres semanas para pensar. crear, trabajar, sonar, disfruta. Bienvenido a MADRID!”

So, in true American tourist fashion, I’ve discovered a Starbucks close to Leilah’s house where I’m staying here in Madrid. It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon, and in typical Spanish fashion, everything is closed for a day long siesta. Sunday is truly a day of rest here in Madrid, and it seems the whole town slows to an underwater-like pace. Stores, and most small businesses take the whole day off peacefully blanketing the city in silence.

I’ve decided to take this day of solitude to document the various events of my trip thus far. It’s been way beyond anything I could’ve expected! I’ve felt so blessed during these past few days, it’s like I’ve been spiritually guided in my preparation to come here, and during my stay.

Yesterday was one of my first real “solo” days in the city. I decided to check out El Museo del Reina Sofia. It’s one of the largest modern art museums in the world. It’s also the home of expanded collections of two of my favorite artists: Picasso and Salvador Dali. I often try to understand why we find ourselves drawn to certain artists and I believe it has much to do with the connection we share with common issues and themes in their work. I’ve always been very interested in the Surrealist movement and many of the artists of that era. Much like Lorca’s work, I enjoy the way their art possesses an equal level of passion and sensuality as well as a presence of danger and mortality. I think they resonate with me as an artist because I strongly believe these combination of elements are omnipresent forces in our lives. I think that my connection to Flamenco is also rooted in the same belief.

On Friday, I finally found the school where I’ll be taking Flamenco classes. Amor de Dios is a small school with an increasingly large reputation. It is the home and training ground for many illustrious past and present Flamenco artists. Carmen Amaya, Antonio Gades and the contemporary Joaquin Cortes, all studied at the school. I woke up that morning determined to find it and sign up for classes. As I approached the school, I met another Joaquin, one of the managers of the school who warmly invited me in and encouraged me to observe a few classes so I could get a clear idea of the sort of technique I wanted to develop. In the exchange we had, he emphasized the importance of studying with a teacher that could help me discover my own “style” or technique of the dance. He said, often students want to take classes with many different teachers, but this doesn’t give them a clear understanding of the sort of style they can develop personally. This is why it’s important to observe first, and then decide on a teacher. I thought that was very generous of him to share. So, I watched three different classes: a beginner’s class taught by Candela, an intermediate and choreography class taught by Miguel, and a “zapateador” or footwork class taught by Cristobal Reyes (the uncle of Joaquin Cortes!). At the end of the two and a half hours, I was not only convinced that this was the right place to study, but also knew exactly the style I wanted to develop. I told him I would be back on Monday to begin classes.

I came home that night…inspired! I found one of Leilah’s DVD’s- a recorded performance of hers at the famous Casa Patas, put on my shoes and skirt and began to re-create every move, every turn and every bit of “zapateador” action I could. I was up until three in the morning, just dancing! As I fell asleep that night, I could hear the click of zapatos de baile and the whoosh of swinging skirts in my head.

Every moment that I can, I’m sharing my project with others, telling them about why cultural dance and theatre are so connected. It’s funny because I always get the same reaction from people, either in Spanish or English: “Wow, I never thought of that connection, but it makes so much sense!” I feel like now is the time not only to share the idea, but to build upon it even more. I’m determined to find a few theatre companies here in the city. To see their work, and maybe get in touch with some directors with a dance background and exchange ideas. I see this project really growing. I think I’d even like to develop a company rooted in the same purpose: to connect cultural dance to theatre performance. Movement grounded in ancestry, to tell stories. I think its something that has the ability to inspire. It’s definitely inspired me.

Tonight I’ll be spending time with two friends I’ve made while here, Lua and Beba. They are treasures! I’ve found a freedom of expression as well as a sense of peace with them. Vital elements of what I see as a growing, potentially life-long friendship. I consider myself very lucky to have met them. And as for tonight’s adventures? Who knows! I’ll go wherever this warm Spanish breeze will take me!