Announcement
Clara's classes will be on hiatus for 2022-2023
I will be taking a break from my regular teaching schedule! I am in full time law school and will not be offering general classes during my first year.
Please consider these other magnificent flamenco teachers and educators in the Bay Area:
East Bay
Melissa Cruz https://melissacruz.weebly.com/classes.html
Fanny Ara https://www.fannyara.com/classes-in-person-zoom
San Francisco
Carola Zertuche https://www.theatreflamenco.org/class-schedule
Mizuho Sato https://www.mizuhosatoflamenco.com/classes-workshops
Privates
Privates in flamenco dance and singing.
Rate is $90 p/ hr.
Limited availability, please contact for more information.
CLASS POLICIES & PAYMENT
Payments are made upon registration with instructor, unless otherwise approved.
Payments can be made via check, cash or:
Paypal: clara@aguaclaraflamenco.com
Venmo: @Clare-Rodriguez
PLEASE SELECT FRIENDS & FAMILY OPTION WHEN PAYING WITH PAYPAL.
Otherwise instructor will have to charge you an extra $3-$4 to compensate the fees incurred.
Checks made payable to Clara Rodriguez.
Drop-ins not allowed without prior instructor consent. No in-person drop-ins currently allowed due to Covid restrictions.
For first time students: Drop-in allowed on first attended class with instructor approval. If on first day of class, student decides to enroll in a session/monthly payment, the drop-in fee will be waived and 1st class will be considered part of the session paid for.
Drop-in fee: $25
Students are currently allowed to attend another Zoom class to make-up for a missed class.
Makeup classes permitted only w/ instructor approval and dependent upon class capacity/level.
No carry-overs to future sessions or refunds.
Please refrain from using perfume or scented lotions or products.
Be prompt out of respect for instructor and class members
Recordings made in class can only be shared with current members of class
Location:
Studio Azul
3586 66th Ave
Oakland, CA 94605
FAQ
Q: What do I wear in class?
A: Most students wear exercise/yoga stretch pants and a comfortable top. Some students opt for a long flowing skirt. The key is find something you can comfortably move in, that will allow unrestricted movement.
Q: What shoes do I wear?
A: Most beginner students don't yet have flamenco shoes. A good beginner substitute (and low cost) is a character shoe with a low heel. For another economical option, you can give second hand flamenco shoes a try. Look on ebay, etsy, Poshmark etc. Brands to look for are Menkes, Gallardo, Artefyl, Senovilla, Begoña Cervera, Don Flamenco - the best flamenco dance shoes are made in Spain. Here are some tips for buying shoes and what to look for:
- Look for shoes with nails (NOT TAPS) on the bottom.
- Ideal heel height is 5 cm or shorter. Taller heels (6 cm+) will be more difficult and less sturdy for beginner student.
- Heels should be made of wood, not plastic.
- Look for leather straps (not elastic) and leather or suede material.
- Be aware that you will need to look carefully at size chart as many Spanish brands will use European, not US sizing. For example, I am US size 9 1/2 or 10, and my size for most Flamenco shoes is 40 or 40.5., AA (doble ancho or double wide) You will need to carefully trace the outline of your foot (or have someone help you trace) and then measure to find your proper size. Here is a link for how to size from Senovilla website: http://www.calzadosenovilla.com/en/content/9-talla-zapato-mujer
- Good brands are Menkes, Gallardo, Artefyl, Senovilla, Begoña Cervera.
- Boots for men can also be found in folklorico stores - Casa Folklorica: http://www.casafolklorica.com/shoeszapatos.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Online resources for NEW shoes:
- Flamenco Export: (sell Flamenco Export brand shoe for around $50 + shipping from UK)
- Flamenco West (based in LA): https://www.flamencowest.com/m/
Q: Where can I see flamenco locally?
A: There are a variety of local venues with regular flamenco performances. These include Thirsty Bear Brewing Co., The Sound Room, and there are a variety of local companies and festivals that produce theatrical productions throughout the year. These include:
San Francisco Flamenco Dance Company
TESTIMONIALS
“Clara’s classes are fun, well-organized, and engaging. My dancing quickly improved with the help of her precise yet compassionate feedback.” -Jenny
“Clara is very patient and attentive. The classes are well-paced and feel like one-on-one sessions." Mimi
“Clara’s flamenco classes are everything you expect, and more, from a passionate dancer, creative choreographer, and excellent teacher. She is keenly aware of her students’ proficiency levels, and is generous and specific in her guidance and help. I look forward with great anticipation to every one of my classes with Clara.” -Maha
“I just have to rave about Clara’s teaching. After being a flamenco teacher myself for 20 years it’s great to be able to TAKE class! She keeps me in shape, keeps me up on the latest moves, and her choreographies with details of how to pull them off really works.” -Andrea
“Clara is not just a beautiful dancer, she is also a wonderful teacher. Her choreographies are very challenging and fun to learn; she corrects and encourages her students with patience and good humor always.” -Kate