Cultural Aspects of Travel--Flamenco
Apr 14, 2024
When I was growing up, my mother would go to thrift stores and buy flamenco records and flamenco dolls. I really loved the dolls. We had a whole collection in all different sizes and colors. The dresses were made of lace, and the hand gestures and facial expressions were always very dramatic.
At that point, I had not been out of the country and didn't particularly have a desire to visit Spain.
I would listen to the records over and over. I would occasionally attempt to dance on my own, but flamenco lessons were not even in my consciousness as a possibility. My world was much smaller then.
When I started college, I had the opportunity to go on a winter-break trip to Europe. It started in Spain. I didn't speak Spanish (and still don't). Besides Gaudi's interesting art all over Barcelona, the most memorable part of Spain for me was Flamenco.
I don't remember if it was dinner or lunch, but we ate a meal and enjoyed live flamenco dancing. I still remember the one female dancer who had so much emotive expression to her art. I have photos.
Fast forward to today. I live in Vermont. I came across an event on Facebook for a series of beginner flamenco lessons at a local dance studio.
Who would ever think you could take lessons in flamenco in Vermont?
I signed up and attended the first class. It was technical. It was exhausting. It was a real workout. But most importantly, there was an authentic teacher who was attempting to help us feel and express real emotions through the dance and not just the technical aspects.
The reason I bring this all up is because culture is an important aspect of sustainability in travel. And what is authenticity? Maybe these are topics for another time. My point today is that you can take the time right now to research, read, watch videos, take classes, make friends, etc. on that cultural aspect of travel that has always interested you but you haven't quite made the trip yet. Maybe it's a bucket list trip that you don't intend to complete until you retire.
Either way, you can start right now, where you are. We live in a time where we have access to teachers from all over the world through our phones. There is no excuse for not starting today to learn about your interests and help to keep those cultures alive.
When you are ready to plan your travel, reach out to [email protected] so we can discuss whether working together at this time is a good fit.
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