| Alianza Flamenca is a non-profit corporation formed in 1995 to develop and encourage a broader understanding of the art of flamenco, particularly flamenco dancing to students outside of Spain. It intends to give students a sound knowledge of all the rhythms, styles and techniques of the art of flamenco dance. It is also designed for participants to simply enjoy the intriguing aspects of this art form by exercising the body and mind. The syllabus or training method was devised to promote the highest possible standard of teaching and dancing outside of Spain. Students wishing to further broader their horizons by joining master classes with the maestros of flamenco in Spain can benefit from Alianza’s solid foundation of techniques.
In order to achieve this, a flamenco dance syllabus or training method was developed. It consists of seven courses in ascending order of proficiency including a separate two year course for children. There is also an intensive teaching program for those wishing to teach the method on completed of Curso Cuatro (level 4). They can start to teach Alianza but not enter students until they complete their 1st Teachers Certificate which will qualify them to each up to and including Curso Cuatro. There are senior cursos up to Curso Seite (7) whereby students have to perform 6 complete dances in different palos of their own, or learnt choreograghies. Students learning the Alianza Flamenca syllabus can either complete the courses for their own enjoyment and knowledge and/or if they wish to be assessed can do so annually at the end of each course by an overseas examiner/assessor. Those students who do wish to complete the assessments are awarded an internationally acknowledged diploma on successful completion together with a comprehensive written evaluation of the work performed. They can then progress to the next higher course level. Alianza Flamenca does not award marks and is not a pass/fail system. The importance is given to feedback in the form of the comprehensive written evaluation of their work by the assessor. The designers of the syllabus/method have all studied and performed professionally in companies in Spain and throughout the world and now have their own companies. These Maestros of Flamenco are renowned in the flamenco world both in Spain and world wild. They have pooled their knowledge in order to train dancers and teachers which facilitates different styles and techniques throughout the syllabus. All aspects of the flamenco dance forms and techniques are covered with thorough emphasis on knowledge of the various rhythms and how to construct choreography for a particular dance rhythm. Emphasis is also presented in body posture and style as well as intricate castanets (castanuelas) playing, fan (abanicos) and shawl (manton) work. Alianza Flamenca has its headquarters in Johannesburg with membership extending throughout the world. Alianza Flamenca is currently being taught in Australia, Cyprus, Greece, England, India, Malta, and South Africa. Teachers of various standings from all over the world are welcomed to join and are kept informed of upcoming events in Spain and all member countries. The training method is constantly being updated and revised to reflect new techniques and standards, as well as styles, with specific emphasis on flamenco interpretations and techniques, from Spain. The first assessments were held in Australia were in 1997 by the Pasion Flamenco Dance Studio in Rockdale. Twenty-five students entered and successfully completed their assessments, opening the path for many more students in the years to come. Alianza is now registered as a non-profit Corporation here in Australia and is being taught in four studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Bellingen (Bryon Bay). Assessments are held annually with a different overseas assessor whose internationally acclaimed talents in choreography, dancing and teaching combined with the fact that they travel the world constantly assessing and evaluating the overseas standards with that in Australia. This brings us in touch and up-to-date with flamenco standards and new techniques worldwide. New beginners are always welcomed to start and those wishing to and/or are ready to complete in the assessments can do so with the overseas assessor when the assessment session is held. For further information on Alianza Flamenca and/or enrolments for the course please contact the Representative and Organiser for Alianza Flamenca in Australia - Cristina Argyri. |
