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http://www.flamenco-world.com/magazine/about/manuel_salado/salado04012004.htmPrivate baile classes at homeAlthough the following of flamenco dancing is completely international, access to the classrooms where you can learn it is difficult for many students. And for that reason, audiovisual methods are always useful that support the study and learning of baile… at home. Joining the didactic offer available on DVD is the method directed by Manuel Salado, entitled ‘El baile flamenco’ (‘Flamenco Dancing’). The collection consists of ten volumes in order of flamenco styles which combine the DVD with a CD containing the music separately. The lessons can be followed in Spanish, English, French and Japanese, from different perspectives: baile complete with the wardrobe, entire-body exercises and feet technique. The course targets pupils with a beginner’s and intermediate level.Each chapter of ‘El baile flamenco’ is structured in such a way that the student gradually goes deeper into the lessons. With the aim of making one familiar with the baile to be studied, the option is offered of watching the choreography in its entirety, performed by the star bailaora, maestra Carmen Gamero. Dressed in clothes appropriate for the stage, she performs the entire piece on a tablao, while the cante and guitar can be heard.Once the technique is understood, it is time to move on to the exercises, where the choreography is broken down completely, without music. The instructor, in black rehearsal clothes to allow the movement to be seen clearly, performs the exercises two ways: with her entire body, so that the arm positions and postures can be appreciated; and only with her feet, with the camera at floor level to show in detail which part of the foot is striking. At the beginning of each exercise, its specific ‘flamenco’ name is explained in the narration. The meaning of each term is described in the libretto inside each volume in the four languages: cierre, escobilla, remate…When the pupil has attained a certain mastery of the technique, it is time to use the CD with the music broken down at different levels. The sound of the entire baile can be heard with cante by Jeromo Segura, Juan María Real on guitar, Manuel Salado on clapping and, of course, the feet of the maestra. The music is afterwards displayed broken down according to the different parts of the choreography, without the sound of the feet, with the aim of it being the pupil who makes his own steps heard.frame from ‘El baile flamenco’Should the student have a hard time getting a hold of the rhythm of the style in question, another section on the CD just allows the clapping and guitars to be heard repeatedly. The choreography music is again displayed completely without heel tapping, and finally, also without cante… in case the pupil also dares to practice this other aspect of flamenco.Specific explanations are given about how to apply both the DVD and the CD in the libretto, where you may find details on the table of contents, methodologies, glossaries and credits. With perseverance and work, like all flamenco dancing figures do, the student will be able to acquire a base if he is a beginner, review his knowledge if he is at the intermediate level and even extend his repertoire if he already lets his art be seen on stages.Language: English