It's almost the end of my 5th week here in Spain. I still can't believe its been over a month already. There is still so much to do and see. I haven't spent much of my time rushing around to monuments or partying all night. I've had a healthly balance of it all and thats just what I wanted.
This week I started flamenco choregraphy classes and they are proving to be very difficult. The main reason this class is much harder is because I'm learning Bulerias. Bulerias is a particular rhythm that is danced in flamenco. The Bulerias is known for its element of surprise and improv. This means we are studying compas (rhythms) and counts to figure out when to start, stop, and improvise dance routines. It's similar to Kathak in many ways, but the counts are a bit different. Also the entire song can be broken up however the singer and guitarist choose so the dancer is left to improvise with the beats. We are all beginners so getting down the general idea and concept of how these songs and rhythms are broken up is the most important part. The dance is build up with the basic foundation movements of flamenco. All of this is slightly made more difficult because all the explanations are done in Spanish. I understand most of it all, but its a matter of translating it into the body's movement. Creating that connection between the mind and the body.
This is also the first week that I'm sore from my classes and all the steep hill climbing to and from school 2-3 times a day. Spain is the 2nd hillest country in Europe behind Swizterland. My school is located up two major steep hills which I go up and down several times a day since I have gaps in my schedule. My roommate and I keep saying that it will all be worth it in the end because we will have very nice firm legs and butts! : ) I really hope she is right!
Nothing else to report from here. I hope everyone back home is doing well and thriving. I want to let you all know that I've thought of you all many a times and I carry you all with me in my heart. I look forward to sharing my journey and hearing about your journeys when I return.
