Sneak Peak – Tryout at the CSDMA in Madrid
The past year has been successful in various aspects. This is why we like to reminisce about the innumerable hours of training, the exchange with like-minded people sharing the same passion and unforgettable shows at the Concurso Internacional de Flamenco de Jerez or at the Stadttheater Schaffhausen for our 20th anniversary.
Jerez Memories – Winners!
Hermanos López: 20 years anniversary
Our students at the anniversary show
This year we would like to continue to share extraordinary events with all of you. As a dancing school we take pride in guiding our students on their way to ensure a positive development on and off the dancing stages. With our many years of experience and connections in the world of Spanish Dance and Flamenco we feel grateful to be able to show future possibilities to our students.
Therefore – unsurprisingly – we all were thrilled to be allowed to visit the Conservatorio Superior de Danza María de Ávila CSDMA in Madrid for a tryout-week. The CSDMA has had a great reputation ever since its opening in 2006. It is the leading address for studies in pedagogical and choreographic Spanish Dance and Flamenco. After successfully having accomplished the Maturität one is allowed to apply for a study on a university level. Furthermore the CSDMA offers specialised master studies and are especially fond of their renowned lecturers and guest lecturers.
Ready for take-off!
The squad in front of the entrance to the CSDMA
At first, the students have been a little overwhelmed by this unique possibility. It is the perfect opportunity to get deep insights to a possible future at university – especially for the ones that wish to pursue their passion for Spanish Dance and Flamenco on a professional level. Initial difficulties have vanished little by little as the day of departure approached and feelings of curiosity, joyful anticipation, perseverance and passion intensified. From the very first moment after arrival we had to get going. After checking into our hotel, we packed our dancing clothes and requirements and headed to the legendary dancing studio Amor de Dios, where we practiced for Thursday’s show at the Colegio Suizo with our musicians Roberto, Pedro and Carlos.
Our musicians Roberto, Pedro and Carlos
Practicing at Amor de Dios for our show at the Colegio Suizo
We then started our tryout week at the CSDMA. This meant getting up at 6:30 am on a daily basis and exercising and dancing until sunset. After breakfast and a forty-minute journey to the CSDMA, we got to get changed and the students internalized variations and feedback from the past days. After that up to eight hours of training (Flamenco, Técnica Clásica, Contemporary, Escuela Bolera, Estilización, Repertorio, Methodology, Folklore) before finishing the day with the cultural part of the programe. Amongst other activities we felt privileged to get a taste of the spanish cuisine at several traditional restaurants and to shop at well-known dancing shops (Pertiñez, Keflamenca, Zapatería Antonio García). Visiting the Ballet Nacional de España at Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo, inarguably marked the cultural highlight of the week. Qué emoción!
When visiting the Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo
Look at these beautiful and happy dancers in front of the Compañia Nacional de Danza
Slowly but surely, the initial nervosity vanished and got replaced by the inner fire – the passion. That was definitely noticed during the show on thursday at the Colegio Suizo. Despite having sore muscles and a good portion of emotional stress the students have been extraordinary on stage: presence, focus, caracter, technique – everything was on point!
Looking back to that week in Madrid, we are beyond proud of our students’ drive and their effort. It was wonderful to see them push through with so much energy. On a more personal note we feel grateful for having been able to organise this trip and show them what possibilities there are for the future. Having said that, we would like to give special thanks to the Conservatorio de Danza María de Ávila, to the Colegio Suizo de Madrid, to the Ballet National de España and to the Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo – it was unbelievable.
More impressions from our short trip to Madrid: Tablao Casa Patas
With the director of the Ballet Nacional de España Ruben Olmo.