Improving my dance: Flamenco or Hip Hop?
I promised myself that this year (2011) I would focus more on me (well, first on me) than focus on others’ wellbeing. So far, I’ve done a miserable job of it. It’s not even April and I’ve already collaborated in a fundraiser, promoted countless causes, etc. But the one thing that I think I may succeed on is improving my dance. I was a competitive dancer before and I’m quite confident on my ability to learn new styles. I considered taking up flamenco (particularly as last week I saw Cruceta Flamenco with Mariano Cruceta as the main lead bailaor) in the 2011 Vancouver Dance Festival.
But I’m still not sure whether to go in that route (considering how busy my schedule is, how many academic conferences I have planned for 2011 and how many papers I’m writing). Neither style is “easy” per se. But given how my body responds to rigorous dance training, it would appear that doing Flamenco would require a bit longer to master. Hip hop is a style that I feel confident I would pick up fast.
And the music really draws me.
I’m torn. I’m teaching one course this summer, and that’s actually the one thing that I plan to use as an anchor in terms of discipline. I am going to try to have the dance classes I take on the same days as the days I teach at UBC. And then assess my progress in how well I dance either style that I choose.
Thoughts, opinions, as always, appreciated.
I think that as well as the physical aspect, it might be worthwhile to consider the types of people involved. Which do you think would energize you more?
I’m a flamenco fan, and would love to have danced a Sevillana at some point in my life, so I would urge anyone to take the chance to learn this form. However, you have to answer to your passion, because that is what dance is all about.
Flamingo all the way!
I love both! I actually think you may get more of a work out with hip hop…but Flamenco is so beautiful! I dance with Karen Flamenco (@karenflamenco). Check her out! http://karenflamenco.com/