London Course with Tomas

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Useful Stuff >>Events >>

Page: [1]

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

Garyw1960

Posts: 91
Joined: Nov. 13 2005

London Course with Tomas

Along with others from this Forum I attended Tomas and Marias 3 hour Course at The Latinquarter in Hampstead Road London. My late arrival mean't I missed the first palo (thanks to the rail journey taking 5 hours!!).

Tomas was concerned with Compas within each dance accompaniment we studied. Fandangos was explained clearly and we each received individual help to ensure we had the basic compas and chords correct as a group. My initial tension disappeared as Tomas and Maria put the class at ease, yes the standard of playing varied from flamenco novice (me), to Jerome, Ian and Orson who were obviously polished performers.

The course members were mixed together to ensure we all played within the different groups. Maria ensured that the compas was spot on with each player, playing for her as a group then individually was something never to be forgotten, with her and Tomas giving positive reactions and advice. The other guitarists supported each other passing on helpful tips or clarifying timing and chord changes. It was a brilliant few hours.

We covered Tientos with the basic chords and compas explained and the feel and emotions that we and the dancers were trying to put across. Maria had arranged for fellow professional dancer Nuria to dance with us and the whole atmosphere within the course was supportive. Watching a dancers feet tapping out a relentless metronome beat I found enormously helpful to get the correct feel.

Towards the end each dancer performed for the group Maria and Nuria performed Sevillanas together accompanied by 4 of the group, then Nuria performed Soleares which made your hair stand on end as her movement and passion for the dance shone through.

It was good to meet fellow guitarists and dancers, putting faces to names like Romanza, Tomas and Flyeough. I have no hesitation in commending this course, if you can get there for Saturday 3rd June or the 10th June you will not be disappointed.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 28 2006 6:32:23

Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

RE: London Course with Tomas (in reply to Garyw1960)

I agree it was excellent and really helped my understanding of compas. It was a very supportive atmosphere and worked well despite the mixed abilities of the group. Looking forward to the next one.Thanks Tomas (and Maria and Nuria!)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 28 2006 10:47:16