• Melody Vasquez

    Flamenco - Spanish Dance

    Performance - Instruction

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    Check our class schedule below.

    Classes are continuous - join anytime!

     

    We rent studio space at Dovetail Studios 2853 W Montrose Chicago IL.
    Please contact Melody directly (click on "Contact") to
    inquire about classes and registration.
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    🎶💃🏻 Current Class Schedule 💃🏻🎶

    Classes are continuous--join any time

    Drop-ins are welcome

     

    Tuesdays 8:00-9:15 p.m. Inter/Adv Flamenco

    Technique/drills in footwork, turns, arms (braceo/floreo), castanets

    (Palo to be announced)

     

     

    Thursdays 8:00-9:15 p.m. Clásico Español 

    (danza estilizada)

    Technique - castanets, turns, arms, line/postures

    (Movement study to be announced)

     

    All classes include warm ups and castanet/braceo technique.

     

    $20 drop in rate/per class

    $115 for a seven class card (may be used for all classes)

     

    For more information or leave a message, click on "Contact"

    or call 773/583-9392

     

    Classes located at Dovetail Studios

    2853 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago IL

    (corner of Francisco Avenue)

     

    CoVid -- per Chicago guidelines, masks are now optional

     

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    Dress Code

     

    Women: Comfortable clothing for dance or leotard and tights, long skirt allowing for movement, character or flamenco shoes

     

    Men: Comfortable clothing for dance, street shoes or flamenco boots

     

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    Great places to buy dance wear and flamenco shoes/boots:

     

    Chicago Dance Supply

    5301 N Clark Street

    Chicago (in Andersonville)

    773/728-5344

    www.chicagodancesupply.com

    (dance wear, character shoes and flamenco footwear)

     

    Discount Dance Supply (online only)

    www.discountdance.com

    (has dance wear, character shoes, no flamenco footwear)

     

    Boutique Flamenco (online only)

    www.boutiqueflamenco.com

    (castanets, fans, shawls)

     

    Flamenco Connection (online only)

    www.flamenco-connection-the-guitar-gallery.com

    (Flamenco CDs, DVDs, sheet music)

     

     

  • Upcoming Events

     

    2024 Flamenco Festival

    at Instituto Cervantes Chicago

    purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com

     

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  • Melody Vasquez

    Melody began her training with the late Dame Libby Komaiko, continuing with Vida Peral and Teresa Cullen, later receiving a dance apprenticeship with the renowned Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre. Her knowledge of Spanish dance encompasses classical, regional, and flamenco. Master study includes internationally known dance artists Luis Montero, María Alba, Ciro, Francisca “La Tati” Sardonil, and Carmela Greco. Other dance training includes classical ballet with Betsy Herskind and Ida Velez, as well as international folk dance with Jean Barys. Early dance training was with Bob and Joan Harrison.

     

    Melody was a principal dancer and soloist with Teresa y Los Preferidos Spanish Dance Company under the direction of Teresa Cullen. After performing with Los Preferidos, Melody joined efforts with two colleagues, Lila Dole, professor emerita of NIU DeKalb, and Monique DiVarco, an original member of the Ensemble Español. As Las Compañeras, they presented three concerts, "En La Ahambra", "¡Viva España!", and "Tesoro Español". Melody was one of the first dancers to appear with Las Guitarras de España, under the direction of Carlo Basile, and also performed with the guitar duo of Hector Fernandez and Thomas Kimball. She was invited by Main Street Opera to choreograph their zarzuela production of "La Dolorosa". Melody also performed in the annual flamenco festival held at Instituto Cervantes (Chicago).

     

    Melody was invited by Kittie Vidas LaPointe, founding director of Le Ballet Petit School of Dance, to teach Spanish Dance at their studios. Since that time, she has taught classes and workshops at various studios, schools, park districts, and at Flamenco Arts Center. Her current classes are held at Dovetail Studios in Chicago.

     

    In commemorating her journey of Spanish Dance, Melody presented a celebration concert, "Corazón".  More recently, Melody and her classes were invited by Rie Katayama of Flamenco Cerezo along with Flamenco Expresivo to participate in their recital, "Spain", with dancers sharing the stage performing in flamenco and classical styles.

     

    Melody is very grateful for the opportunities encountered on this journey, and the artistic challenge and growth provided by her teachers, colleagues and students. She especially extends her heartfelt thanks to the late Dame Libby Komaiko as well as Teresa Cullen who individually accepted the artistic challenge and opened flamenco paths to dancers in Chicago.

     

     

    Soleá from ¡Viva España! October, 2005

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zvAUmqOI1k

     

  • Contact

    For more information about classes and events

    please leave a message below or call 773/583-9392. ¡Gracias!