Frozen but happy

The Giralda - cathedral that reigns supreme like the mother of Sevilla....

I don't think I'll ever stay in a flat with a better view!! I'm not even using my zoom!

After a whirlwind trip to Spain, where I was inundated with classes and more classes, I am finally back in Calgary! Everything is soooo very quiet (not to mention white & a bit chilly). I went for a walk the other day and had a bit of culture shock - what, no hoards of people passing me by? no busker gathering crowds because he is sitting there without a "head"? no man with blackened hands and plumes of smoke roasting chestnuts at the end of the street?

I get great enjoyment out of my walks through Sevilla - normally though I madly race through town, navigating my way over the cobblestones, but I still notice everything as I pass by (especially beautiful billowing flamenco dresses in store windows). Sevilla suits me so well - it is full of surprises! One walk takes me past the Brazilian lady with her orange hair, who tells me the same story each time she sees me...then you might find that your street is blocked because a van tried to go through it - and is stuck between the houses - he can't fit! So on your detour you get lost and you find yourself in front of the Duchess of Alba's palace, that you didn't even know existed. That's life in Sevilla...everything a bit usual, more vibrant, colourful...

Did you know that the fall moon in Sevilla looks like a smiley face? I had no idea it could turn that way!! When I told them that never happens in Canada - they didn't believe me!

As far as classes go, I kept myself busy studying with Andres Marin, Manuel Betanzos, Isable Bayon and a few additional classes from Leonor Leal. When I wasn't at class, I was busy practicing or walking as fast as I could to the next class and then falling asleep exhausted at the end of the day. There wasn't time for much else during the week!

During the weekends, however, I had some adventures. I was staying in a gorgeous flat owned by Luis, my 'companero de piso' who is a designer, so he's decorated the flat with personality and flair. The terrace, apart from the spectacular view, was a perfect spot to have lunch...in fact I could have hung out there all day! Luis also has pyramids of books - so you can grab one and lounge on a cushion reading...which I never did. But a good idea nevertheless!

I also decided to try-out my newfound talent (or attempt) in cooking, so invited over friends. In Spain, we spend a lot of time enjoying meals together. Often the plans are spontaneous and it is almost more fun that way! Here is a picture of our salmon lunch (I had help so it was yummier than usual!)

I saw less shows during this trip, but what I saw I was very worthwhile! The first weekend was WOMEX http://www.womex.com/ww.womex.com/ a huge world music conference showcasing some of the top world music acts from all over the world. WOMEX kicked off with the best ;-) Duquende singing with Qawwali - a powerful, almost trance-like music from Pakistan that blew me away. Moreover, you could hear the roots of flamenco in the singing!

There were many more days of WOMEX, the pavilions were set up in Plaza de Espana itself and we went back and forth between tents, it was like being transported to Nigeria, Portugal, Mexico, Cambodia - all in one evening!

The other show I saw in Sevilla was "Turquesa como el limon" by Rocio Molina. It was a fantastic end to my trip. She is a phenomenal talent and left the audience shouting and on their feet. I can't explain the show and do it enough justice, so maybe just read more about her on online www.flamenco-world.com/artists/rocio_molina/molina19012006-1.htm

The flamenco world is abuzz with talk about Rocio Molina!!

So other than shows and classes, I spent a great deal of time focusing on preparing to perfom, which we did at Arrayan's "Noche del Flamenco Puro". Again, I had lots of excited tourists snapping shots to take back home and show pictures of their 'authentic spanish dancer'. :-) hee hee. The performance was lots of fun and the venue was packed (ah, WHEN will they ban smoking indoors? Well, at least it creates this theatrical haze...). But what I enjoyed most were the rehearsals in the studio, where we tried out lots of different remates and Juan and Shuki (pictured right) played and sung their hearts out....at that point you don't even have to dance, you just listen and wait and then come crashing in just at the right moment with all that inner power unleashed and blazing!