2008 May | take your hands

May 06 2008

Ippen 25

Pieces 25
¡Hola! I went to Sevilla ~ Madrid in Spain alone for my “Flamenco training trip!
Last year I did a did a very short trip for two days, but this time I stayed 10 days 12 nights. About 20 hours were spent on the plane (was basically fast asleep on there…), after the loooong trip in the sky, I didn’t rest when I landed and went straight to my Flamenco lessons. It was a very aggressive schedule from day one (not to mention jetlag!).
Since all the lessons were scheduled tightly in 5 days, it was hard work on continuously (because of that, I’ve got blister on my sole and it hurts…)

Anyway, Flamenco is completely different from the other dances I’ve learned before in terms of the use of the body, it will require years to comprehend. For me, who have only started learning Flamenco less than a year ago, it’s a difficult dance with high barrier. However, since I am fascinated by it, even if I keep running into difficulties, I will always face it. Honestly, there were times when I couldn’t dance well even in lesson and felt frustrated, after the lesson, I would write down what I learn and my own issues in my note, and practice outside of the hotel with the show window as mirror at night (the passer bys were looking at me strangely…)

This time aside from the techniques, I also learned a lot about how to carry my emotion, when I go to the Tablao (Restaurants where you can watch Flamenco performances), I have a new point to pay attention to (rhythm, body control, facial expression, etc). I will keep working hard so I can show you my improved Flamenco at the next show!

When I am not learning Flamenco, I went by boat and train, to the Cádiz ~ Jerez town in Andalusia. I saw the wonderful scenery of the ocean and the town, and felt the vast history of Eurpoe at the historical sites and art museums. When I watched soccer, the home team Sevilla won splendidly, I shook hand firmly with the auntie next to me out of happiness.

I’ve also met other people on the trip. When I was on the taxi to the Tablao, the nice taxi driver asked “Japanese! Do you like Flamanco?!” and let me listened to a CD with his favourite music. When I said “This is great!”, he generously gave me the CD with “So you like it! Yosh, I’ll give it to you!!” Wow, it was really friendly. I’m touched by people’s kindness!!

When I think of this trip, there are things I want to experience and a lot of things I don’t know that can only be learned here. Aside from the dance, I’ve also learned about life on this trip. I’ve had a wonderful time meeting people, learning things, and being impressed.

Hence, I’m grateful for this trip!! This is from Imai, whose suitcase didn’t arrive when he landed at Narita Airport! (It did eventually arrive safely)