Help needed for young dancer (Full Version)

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Kate -> Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 22 2004 18:38:33)

Simon has very kindly given me permission to post this request on the forum. He has also donated the first $100. So thank you Simon and everyone else for taking the time to read this request.

Andrés Jiménez, the dancer with Taller de Compás de Almanjáyar has been accepted into the prestigious flamenco dance school run by Mario Maya. And I would like to ask for support from all our friends in flamenco to help him.

Andrés is 20 years old and lives in the poor Gitano barrio of Almanjáyar. Since the age of 14 he has been the sole bread winner and head of his family. His father at 86 has not been well for some time. Although Andrés has danced with Taller de Compás for 6 years he has never been able to afford dance classes. This year he auditioned for Mario Maya's dance school here in Granada and he has been offered a place. The cost of his classes is €300 a month and he gets a grant to pay for 40%. However, on top of this he needs money for transport, shoes, to put food on the table and also to be able to join the other richer, foreign students when they meet at the local bar. Things that many of us take for granted.

I would like to ask all of you to help Andrés. If each of you could spare $10 (or pounds or euros) then we would have enough to help Andrés ( his father and young sister) not only survive but thrive while he makes the most of this wonderful opportunity. It is a 6 month course. If any of you can spare something to help him, you can make payments into my paypal account at kate@spanish2english.co.uk and I will make sure that every euro goes straight to Andrés. This will make all the difference to a young and very talented dancer.

Thank you.
Kate



Patrick -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 22 2004 19:07:41)

Kate,

We need your PayPal address.

OK, if I match Simon's $100, will you toss in a Taller CD?

Patrick



Escribano -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 22 2004 19:19:41)

quote:

We need your PayPal address.


I edited Kate's post and put it in.

Thanks Patrick, he's agreed to wear our logo - only kidding[:D]



sbarnard -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 22 2004 19:34:14)

Hi Kate!

As soon as PayPal verifies my credit card I will send you some money.

Scott



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 22 2004 21:30:15)

Hey Patrick ,
Fantastic, Your gift for Andrés arrived. I hadn't realised it was so instant and easy with paypal.

As for the CD just let me know your address and a friend of mine in the States will send one to you.

Thank you thank you [:D]

Kate



Kate -> [Deleted] (Jan. 22 2004 21:30:39)

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Jan. 22 2004 21:31:20



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 22 2004 21:42:22)

Scott you're a darling. Of course you are one of the few here that has already seen Andrés dance. Do you remember his face when the audience went wild for his Solea por Buleria ? That was one hell of a night in Chicago.

More news is that his younger sister Carmen ( the singer with the Taller) has been doing some backing vocals for Emilio Maya in our studio as has another sister Cata.

Cata is the flamenco singer on the pianist Pablo Rubén Maldonado's album, which you may have heard on our website. This album is just about to be released, there's to be a concert here in Granada on the 14th February.

Hopefully Emilio's album will also be ready soon. It seems so much is going on that I may even have to write another andalamusica newsletter this month !

Anyway a big thank you for helping Andrés and send our regards to Eric.

un abrazo
Kate



Billyboy -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 20:00:51)

Kate,
I find this post a bit odd, I would never expect anyone to pay for me to go to a British University studying whatever, or to go to Spain studying flamenco, I might seem a bit of a miserable sod, but come on, lets get real.
Dave



Escribano -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 20:19:56)

She's only asking, nothing odd about that. Everything costs money and I am sure Andrés wouldn't dream of asking anyone himself.

quote:

I would never expect anyone to pay for me to go to a British University studying whatever


If you did and it was a few years back, then I did pay as did many others (bless them).

Given the 40% unemployment in Andalucia and our obvious enjoyment of one of it's exports (with artists seeing a tiny proportion of what we pay for it), I consider it an investment


Sorry if you're upset by the request on Andrés's behalf.



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 21:07:24)

Hi Dave,

I guess most people on here know already about my work with the Gypsy Association in Almanjáyar so perhaps I should explain more for the ones who don't. I think that flamenco is possibly the only area where Gypsies are 'allowed' to flourish, in all other areas of life they are the underdogs and are considered unemployable except for the lowliest jobs, particularly when you are from Almanjáyar, the slum area where the Gypsies were moved after their removal from the Sacromonte. Yes I know that there are Gitano lawyers and university professors etc but they are from the middle classes, life in Almanjáyar is different. My friend the Gitana dancer Ana Cali put herself through University studying law while dancing at the tabloas at night. When she was offered a well deserved place with Mario Maya she got a full grant. Andrés did not.

I wont go into Andrés's personal suffering except to say that he has been the main bread winner of the family since he was able to work. Gypsy children are often employed in the factories and fields and are paid aprox $1 an hour. It wont matter how hard Andrés works as he will never raise enough to go to school and still support his family. His father at 86 has been ill for a long time. I know its hard for us to imagine poverty like this.

Personally I believe in grants and support for low income families and you dont get much lower than in Almanjáyar. I have been working with a music workshop in Almanjáyar for four years now and that is how I met Andrés. He is very talented and yet has never had a dance class in his life, you cant afford classes when you have no food in the house. This opportunity is a dream come true for him yet without help he just couldn't do it and I am not about to say, "tough, life's not fair" because for many of us life is just fine and dandy. One of the worst things about poverty is the cycle of despair that it creates and the Gitanos have had this for generations. Since the workshop started it has given an opportunity for many children to not only express and enjoy themselves but to see a way out. The Cd that we made for them was a success, not financially but in that it gave the children a belief that things can happen, that you can make things happen. Andrés's success is a success story for the whole barrio.

As for giving money its called charity and it's a wonderful thing, allowing the haves to give to the have nots. I specifically approached the online flamenco community because they are also passionate about flamenco and I knew they would understand. People who get so much out of the art that I thought that those who could afford to would be only too willing to give something back. I was right and people on this forum and others have been very generous. Our first purchase was a 10 euro bus pass so he could actually get to class.

Andrés has also found a job, a few hours every afternoon looking after children and he intends to offer classes to beginners. He is not just sitting back and waiting for money to fall from the sky.

So yes Dave to be honest you do sound like a miserable sod right now. I was only asking $10 from each person and amazingly many people have donated a hell of a lot more than that.

sastipen talí y chanta la mui
Kate



Billyboy -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 21:30:55)

The thing with charity is that, there are many needy causes, for everyone you help, many more go without. Many poor people here in the UK, who need money for more important things than to send them on a dance course, when at the end of the day it will benefit him, and him alone, and although I’m single, I would never have kids unless I thought they would have a fighting chance in life, so even though those gypsy families are poor, they still continue to have many children, then they moan? I can guess this comment will get me barred from this site, but anyway. As you may guess I’m in favour of tuition fees that Mr Blair is trying to bring in as we speak, but its just my view, for what ever its worth.
Dave



Bob Arbuckle -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 21:32:20)

Kate,

Please explain payment method? Do I do this on some web site?

I saw your show at The Old Town School and enjoyed it very much.

Please provide details or give me your address privately and I'll just mail you a check.

Bob
bob@maxi-signal.com



Escribano -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 21:55:45)

You could send a cheque to El Zurdo or Pat and they could make a PayPal payment to Kate. Opening an account takes a little time with their new security stuff.



Escribano -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 22:00:46)

quote:

can guess this comment will get me barred from this site


Only if you breach our Terms of Use.



Patrick -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 22:28:07)

Bob,

Like Simon said, Tom (Elzurdo) and I have Paypal accounts set up. You could send the check to me or Tom and we can forward to Kate by Paypal if you don't want to send it overseas. I sent her some funds by Paypal that she got in seconds! Pretty cool. The only downside is it cost her a bit on her end to receive the funds.

Let me or Tom know if we can be of help.



Escribano -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 22:34:03)

quote:

The only downside is it cost her a bit on her end to receive the funds.


I think it's 4% but a wire transfer will cost about $25 and a US cheque is useless[;)]



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 22:43:48)

quote:

The thing with charity is that, there are many needy causes, for everyone you help, many more go without.


Well you have to start somewhere and by helping Andrés, we help his family and in turn the community and Andrés works tirelessly for his community and tells me he will continue to put back in, teaching, supporting and helping the younger ones.

quote:

Many poor people here in the UK, who need money for more important things than to send them on a dance course, when at the end of the day it will benefit him, and him alone,


I was quite clear that this money not only helps Andrés go to school, it also puts food on the table for his family. Also with this training he will be able to get work and earn a living and every success story in Almanjáyar is a success for the whole community. For Andrés this is not a whim, a frivolity but what gives his whole life meaning.

I am well aware of poverty in the UK, but there are jobs and child labour is not tolerated, there is income and child support and there are grants and loans to help children who have won places to study or train, especially if they are poor and gifted.

quote:

I would never have kids unless I thought they would have a fighting chance in life, so even though those gypsy families are poor, they still continue to have many children, then they moan?


That is your choice Dave but you cannot dictate what others do. Perhaps you also agree with the policy of sterilization of the Gypsy population as it is practised in Slovakia.

It is my view that if poor people did not have children the world would be a poorer place and not a richer one and I for one would not be here.


Kate



Billyboy -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 22:55:55)

Sorry Kate, keep meening not to post when drunk
Cheers
dave



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 22:56:31)

Hi Bob,

Agh what a shame we didn't meet. I met Scott barnard from this forum there that night and several people who had come to Granada to take classes from Emilio Maya. The Old Town School is a great place and it was a great night, it was wonderful to have an audience who appreciated what they were watching. At the end when everyone was on their feet and yelling for more I was almost in tears. It made everything worthwhile. The following night they played to a similarly enthusiastic crowd at the Chicago Cultural Centre, and the reviews were incredible, especially Howard Reich the arts critic of the Chicago Tribune.

Thanks so much for your offer of support for Andrés, having seen him dance you will know that this is an opportunity for him to turn professional and get noticed.

Yuo can donate simply by going to www.paypal.com and sending money to my email address kate@spanish2english.co.uk or getting Zurdo or Pat to do it for you as they kindly offered.

Thanks again, this is appreciated so much and if any of you are passing through Granada there is a place to stay at my house and an invvite to Almanjáyar to see for yourselves where the roots of flamenco still dig deep .

Nais tuke ( thank you)
Kate



Patrick -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 27 2004 23:00:10)

Kate,

I now feel even better about the little I gave to Andre's. You keep this up, and I'll have to get my checkbook out again!

I don't give a lot, but my wife and I do give a bit to folks and causes that we feel need it. The reality is, I am finally in a position in life that I think it's time to give a bit back. I am also in a financial position that allows me to do so. The reality is, it's a bit selfish. I think I get as much or more enjoyment from the giving. I don't look at it as a hand out, rather a leg up!

Pat



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 28 2004 12:25:52)

Dave, don't worry mate, you're forgiven, and entitled to your views. Inadvertently you have donated a lot to the cause, if only in that during our debate last night many people were moved to get in touch and make pledges. If it all comes through we could have raise over $1,000 last night.

So thank you,

Kate



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 28 2004 12:46:26)

Pat,

I agree, it is not a hand out but a helping hand. And your contribution could not be described as 'little' but I wont stop you giving more :) I got €40 in the post this morning and last night some very generous pledges of money, including a member who incredibly is going to auction off a guitar with the proceeds going to our appeal.

I think you are right that the pleasure is in the giving and aren't we fortunate that we can. This appeal is a lot more personal than most charities, as we know exactly what it is for and where the money will go, and apart from bank charges none will be lost to admin costs or for paying charity directors a salary.

Your money was the first to arrive and I immediately suggested to Andrés we buy him new boots as his old ones are actually so worn out that they hurt him. It is typical that he said no, he would wait till the old ones totally fell apart, as this is his life, the way that poverty causes you to think. Buying new shoes is unthinkable until your old ones have literally fallen off your feet. I'm going to tell him that he must not worry as the money is coming in to pay his fees and his shoes are his tools of the trade and we all insist he buy some right NOW.

Thanks again for all your support and kindness
un abrazo
Kate



Billyboy -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 28 2004 13:34:13)

Cheers Kate, I'm going to come to Granada in the Spring, does Senoir Maya, permit guitarists to sit in on dance classes.?
thanks
Dave



Patrick -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 28 2004 18:17:55)

Kate,

Glad it's going to a good use.


Pat



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 29 2004 13:17:12)

Hi Dave,

quote:

I'm going to come to Granada in the Spring, does Senoir Maya, permit guitarists to sit in on dance classes.?


Sorry no I had hoped to sit in on a class but its not encouraged. Maybe Estela could get in on the grounds of writing an article but for us mere mortals, it is unlikely. If you want to get a bit of practise accompanying in Granada I suggest you go to the Peña de Socios , el Niño de las Almendras, and maybe you'll get an opportunity to play for whoever wants to sing. A warning the place does not open till 2am, but it stays open till dawn and is only open Saturday nights. Drop me aline when you know when you are coming. I have a feeling our politics may be worlds apart but we do have a loe for flamenco in common ;)

Kate



Billyboy -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jan. 29 2004 16:00:32)

Cheers
Kate, actually it will probably be the summer, if at all, keep making these plans to go to Spain, but never fulfill them, I need to learn more Spanish first as well.
Thanks
Dave



pat_smith -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jul. 25 2004 14:48:16)

Hello Kate and on the forum
I am new here but would like to kick a few $$ to support this kid. I have played guitar for 30 years and recently saw Juan Martin in concert, I was hooked. I will soon start digging deep into Flamenco, so far it has been pure adventure. I look forward to reading everyone's posts and learning about this great music.
Hi from California
Pat



Kate -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jul. 25 2004 16:21:59)

Welcome to the forum Pat and thank you so much for your contribution for Andrés's fund. He has now finished his 6 month course but we still have the last month outstanding so your contribution is very much appreciated. Everyone was very generous and in all we raised €1,724.56 which not only paid for 4 months of his schooling but also for new dance shoes and travel expenses. Andrés tells me he continues to do auditions for dance work and it is likely he will soon be working in one of the Tablaos in Granada. If he could get to Madrid or even Sevilla he would have a much better chance but he lives and cares for his 86 year old father, so that is not an option at the moment.

Thanks again and enjoy the forum, everyone is very friendly and we have some great discussions and even get togethers out in Spain, if you ever make it over here you'll be made very welcome.

Saludos

Kate



Escribano -> RE: Help needed for young dancer (Jul. 25 2004 16:24:37)

Welcome Pat!
Thanks for the offer of $$ you can donate via Kate's PayPal account (kate@spanish2english.co.uk) at www.paypal.com.



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