BPFSG Q&As |
Please check this Q&A for further queries. If you have more questions, please email [email protected].
CANTE
Q: I’m not a good singer. I just want to dance. Can I skip the cante part?
A: No, you cannot. Cante is an integral part of flamenco. In fact, learning to sing is not only essential in PF study, but enhances your flamenco education in general. Very simply put: If you don’t know the cante, you cannot effectively dance in por fiesta. We learn cante to raise our awareness and to listen better, and eventually dance better, not necessarily to become performing singers.
Q: Do I have to sing by myself in front of everyone else?
A: At some point, yes. And we’ll be very supportive.
Q: Do I have to know Spanish to learn to sing?
A: Knowing the language helps, but it’s not a requirement. You’ll get help with pronunciation and translation. None of us are cante experts but we will help each other to learn.
Q: I am completely tone deaf. I’m sure I can’t sing.
A: Even deaf people can learn to sing. Don’t worry about tone. That’s not important. Listening and understanding structure is.
Q: I just want to sing. Do I have to dance?
A: Anyone interested in PF should naturally want to know about all aspects of PF. Just as dancers who don’t wish to sing should know something about the cante, singers should know a little about the baile. It will help you understand how singers and dancers communicate and interact with each other, which is essential for the cuadro.
Q: I’m not a good singer. I just want to dance. Can I skip the cante part?
A: No, you cannot. Cante is an integral part of flamenco. In fact, learning to sing is not only essential in PF study, but enhances your flamenco education in general. Very simply put: If you don’t know the cante, you cannot effectively dance in por fiesta. We learn cante to raise our awareness and to listen better, and eventually dance better, not necessarily to become performing singers.
Q: Do I have to sing by myself in front of everyone else?
A: At some point, yes. And we’ll be very supportive.
Q: Do I have to know Spanish to learn to sing?
A: Knowing the language helps, but it’s not a requirement. You’ll get help with pronunciation and translation. None of us are cante experts but we will help each other to learn.
Q: I am completely tone deaf. I’m sure I can’t sing.
A: Even deaf people can learn to sing. Don’t worry about tone. That’s not important. Listening and understanding structure is.
Q: I just want to sing. Do I have to dance?
A: Anyone interested in PF should naturally want to know about all aspects of PF. Just as dancers who don’t wish to sing should know something about the cante, singers should know a little about the baile. It will help you understand how singers and dancers communicate and interact with each other, which is essential for the cuadro.
DANCE
Q: It takes me a long time to learn choreography. Will I have time to practice during at the study group?
A: The study group is not a dance practice. You have to practice choreography on your own and bring it to the study group. Everyone will have a chance to try what they have prepared beforehand. We just have to be mindful of how much time there is available for each person at each session.
Q: Can someone teach more dance steps? I don’t know enough to build my own choreography.
A: Yes, you do. You have taken enough flamenco classes to build choreography appropriate for buleria. Also, there is no teacher in the study group and this is not a dance lesson. But we will review standard and common steps that everyone should know as part of your baile repertoire. After that, it is up to you to research, practice and put those steps together on your own. All dancers need to put their own choreography together for BPF. That is the essence of BPF.
MUSICIANS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS
Q: I am a musician/instrumentalist. Can I join?
A: Absolutely, if you have BPF experience. Because this is a study group, there are no instrumentalist expert on board to teach you how to use your instrument in BPF. You need to figure out how to use your own instrument. And you still need to learn the cante. And it wouldn’t hurt to learn a few dance steps because instrumentalists are expected to dance a little in BPF. At the very least, you should still know the structure of BPF, the kinds of steps dancers use and recognise their signals. Instrumentalists may find the dance steps difficult to follow; however, the facilitator will help you and cater to your needs.
PREVIOUS BPF EXPERIENCE
Q: Will you separate the participants by levels of experience so that similar level people work together?
A: This is a study group, not a dance workshop. Different levels of experience is irrelevant because participants in a study group help each other. This is an important aspect of the study group. We are here to help, encourage and support each other. Everyone is expected to give and take. Nobody is an expert at everything so everyone can learn from everyone else. If you do not wish to work with or help people at different levels, perhaps this study group is not for you.
Q: I don't have a lot of experience. I don't have anything to share or teach others.
A: You may not be able to teach anything but your presence in the study group is equally valuable for others.
Teaching others is a great learning experience in itself. You can give those who are more experienced an opportunity for them to teach you, thus forcing them to articulate their knowledge to others. And it will mean that you must be ready to receive constructive criticism.
ATTENDANCE
Q: I may not be able to go to every single session.
A: Study requires consistency. If you have other commitments that may take you away from the study group, then perhaps the study group is not for you. We are looking for people who want to dedicate themselves to learning BPF properly and wholeheartedly so regular and consistent attendance is essential. Please refer to Commitment, Attendance & Self-Study for more clarification.
Q: If I have to skip a session, could you send me the study materials for the session I missed?
A: No, we will not be emailing any study materials, because such materials are for paying participants of that particular session. In addition, we do not want to send out information to participants who may end up not returning. If you miss a session, you can get the materials from other study group participants. That way, you give others a chance to teach you what they learned, and the facilitator would not be troubled to email. It's a win-win-win situation.
Q: How should I prepare for the study group?
A: You may wish to wear complete flamenco wear and shoes but it is not necessary, especially for those who are not primarily dancers. But if you want to test out your footwork in your choreography, you should wear flamenco shoes. You should bring a notebook to write notes as facilitators may not give out handouts but lots of verbal recommendations, your own audio and/or video recording device, and a device such as an iPad to show your video sharing (if required).
You should be prepared to work, study, try, learn, share, experience, experiment and enjoy the fiesta. You should also be prepared to support and encourage your peers with enthusiasm and respect.
HOMEWORK/SELF STUDY/PRACTICE
Q: What kind of homework/self study am I expected to do?
A: Depending on the focus of that particular session, you may be asked to build your own choreography, listen to buleria music, study YouTube clips, learn buleria letras, prepare something to contribute to the group (teach others) and/or find resources. Please refer to Commitment, Attendance & Self-Study for more clarification.
Q: I may not have time to prepare my own choreography. Can I just watch?
A: The study group is an equal opportunity environment. If you learn from watching others, others should be able to learn from watching you. Auditing is not allowed. If you don’t have time to prepare then perhaps this study group is not for you. We do not condone “winging” anything. But we encourage you to try your best at every session. If you don’t try, you won’t learn, and we can’t learn from you either. Please refer to Commitment, Attendance & Self-Study for more clarification.
Q: I don’t have anything to teach the others.
A: Yes, you do. Think of all the classes you have taken before.
Q: I don’t have the time to listen to bulerias music everyday.
A: Surely you wait for the bus or MTR, or brush your teeth everyday, right?
Q: I don’t have any bulerias CDs and I don’t want to spend money to buy.
A: If you don’t invest, how can you learn? But thank goodness there is YouTube and spotify.com that have a plethora of flamenco music available for listening for free. Now, there are no more excuses for not listening!
Q: I don’t know what to listen to or watch on YouTube. Will you make some recommendations?
A: Most definitely, but you should do your own research as well. And as time goes by, you will be able expected to make recommendations for others as well.
RECORDING THE SESSIONS
Q: Can I record during the sessions?
A: Audio and video recordings of our practice are permitted and encouraged since this is how we can review our own work. But the Organizer will not be responsible for recording and distribution. You need to bring your own equipment and organize your own recordings. However, it cannot be more heavily emphasized that these recordings are for your own personal use only. Sharing these recordings with others outside the study group is shunned upon. This is a violation of privacy - plain and simple. Participants who consistently share their recordings with friends should ask them to join the study group so we could benefit from each other, rather than only them benefiting from the study group participants. BPFSG participants pay and dedicate themselves to be part of the study group. Please be considerate of their contribution before sharing group recordings with outsiders.
The Organizer may periodically video record the study group for their own reflection purposes. These recordings will not be shared with anyone except with Oscar Nieto for feedback on our approach to studying PF.
Anyone who is discovered to upload any of the study group recordings onto the internet will be asked to leave the group immediately.
COST
Q: Is there any cost to join the study group?
A: All participants are expected to contribute equally to the rental of the studio and administrative costs. The cost is $100 per session, payable in cash at the door. Because only a maximum of 8 participants are allowed at each session, those who consistently register and cancel may not be invited to return. If you register for a session, please make every effort to attend.
REGISTRATION
Q: How do I register for BPFSG sessions?
A: When BPFSG sessions are announced, instructions for registrations will be attached. Registrations are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Q: How many participants are there in each session?
A: Minimum 4, maximum 8 (including musicians)
Q: Can I come once to see if I like it first?
A: We do not encourage one-timers and drop-ins. Studying anything takes time. Just like anything else, it takes time to build rapport, momentum and progress. If you are only willing to give it one shot, perhaps this study group is not suitable for you.
SHARING OUTSIDE THE GROUP
Q: Is it OK if I teach the things I learned at the study group to someone else?
A: Please do. That way you will understand the material that much more thoroughly. But remember that sharing your study group recording with someone is not the same as teaching!
Q: Can I use what I learned in the study group to perform?
A: Absolutely. What you learned is yours to keep… forever!
Q: Do I have to tell the group if I have performance?
A: Why wouldn’t you? Don’t you want the group’s support?
Q: Can I tell others about the group? Is this some kind of a secret society?
A: This is not a secret society. We are just studying together. Of course you can tell others about the group. But you are not at liberty to talk about how everyone performs in the group. That would be gossiping.
FACILITATION
Q: Who organizes BPFSG?
A: BPFSG is organised by Margaret Cheung, Alice Ng and Sabrina Shen who are flamenco enthusiasts and original members of FAHK. They will each take active administrative and facilitating roles in the study group and will be happy to share everything they know about BPF. The Organizers are not BPF experts and will only help participants by encouragement, support and guidance or providing resources. The Organizers do not:
Q: If there is no teacher, who is running the study group?
A: One of the Organizers will facilitate the study group by focusing on various aspects of BPF. You are welcome to make suggestions on what you wish to focus on by contacting the Organizer by emailing to [email protected].
Q: I have specific things I need help with.
A: Just let the Organizer know three days before each session by emailing to [email protected] and we will try to accommodate your needs.
NO PREVIOUS BPF EXPERIENCE
Q: I don’t have any BPF experience. Can I join?
A: Those who have previous BPF experience with Oscar Nieto Flamenco Bootcamp will have priority to join the study group. Everyone else will be able to join if there is space available. If the demand is high, a second study group may be considered.
Q: I’ve only done TPF but not BPF. Can I join?
A: If you can count to 12, then you are ready... if space is available.
Q: I’ve learned some flamenco but not PF. Will it be very difficult?
A: It will be a challenge but… you gotta start somewhere!
Q: I don’t have any flamenco experience. Can I join?
A: Sorry. This group is only for people with some flamenco experience. You need to attain a certain level of flamenco knowledge before you can join this study group for two reasons: (1) there is not enough time during the study group to teach flamenco and (2) we are not flamenco teachers. At this time, we cannot accommodate those with no flamenco knowledge. But take a few terms of flamenco classes and you’ll be ready for PF before long because you don’t need to be a proficient singer/dancer/instrumentalist to learn PF. In fact, it is best to be exposed to PF as early as possible.
LEAVING BPFSG
Q: What if I want to leave the group?
A: You are not under any obligation to the group. If you decide that the group does not serve your needs and you no longer wish to return, a courtesy email would be appreciated but not required.
Q: Can I leave the group and come back?
A: Only if you left in good standing, and only if there is space available.
OTHERS
Q: Will you organize tango por fiesta study groups too?
A: Depends on demand.
Q: Oh my gosh, so many rules! Are they necessary?
A: This group was created out of the goodwill of generous individuals. Setting rules is to protect everyone involved. Surely you wouldn't want anyone to be taken advantage of, would you?
Q: It takes me a long time to learn choreography. Will I have time to practice during at the study group?
A: The study group is not a dance practice. You have to practice choreography on your own and bring it to the study group. Everyone will have a chance to try what they have prepared beforehand. We just have to be mindful of how much time there is available for each person at each session.
Q: Can someone teach more dance steps? I don’t know enough to build my own choreography.
A: Yes, you do. You have taken enough flamenco classes to build choreography appropriate for buleria. Also, there is no teacher in the study group and this is not a dance lesson. But we will review standard and common steps that everyone should know as part of your baile repertoire. After that, it is up to you to research, practice and put those steps together on your own. All dancers need to put their own choreography together for BPF. That is the essence of BPF.
MUSICIANS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS
Q: I am a musician/instrumentalist. Can I join?
A: Absolutely, if you have BPF experience. Because this is a study group, there are no instrumentalist expert on board to teach you how to use your instrument in BPF. You need to figure out how to use your own instrument. And you still need to learn the cante. And it wouldn’t hurt to learn a few dance steps because instrumentalists are expected to dance a little in BPF. At the very least, you should still know the structure of BPF, the kinds of steps dancers use and recognise their signals. Instrumentalists may find the dance steps difficult to follow; however, the facilitator will help you and cater to your needs.
PREVIOUS BPF EXPERIENCE
Q: Will you separate the participants by levels of experience so that similar level people work together?
A: This is a study group, not a dance workshop. Different levels of experience is irrelevant because participants in a study group help each other. This is an important aspect of the study group. We are here to help, encourage and support each other. Everyone is expected to give and take. Nobody is an expert at everything so everyone can learn from everyone else. If you do not wish to work with or help people at different levels, perhaps this study group is not for you.
Q: I don't have a lot of experience. I don't have anything to share or teach others.
A: You may not be able to teach anything but your presence in the study group is equally valuable for others.
Teaching others is a great learning experience in itself. You can give those who are more experienced an opportunity for them to teach you, thus forcing them to articulate their knowledge to others. And it will mean that you must be ready to receive constructive criticism.
ATTENDANCE
Q: I may not be able to go to every single session.
A: Study requires consistency. If you have other commitments that may take you away from the study group, then perhaps the study group is not for you. We are looking for people who want to dedicate themselves to learning BPF properly and wholeheartedly so regular and consistent attendance is essential. Please refer to Commitment, Attendance & Self-Study for more clarification.
Q: If I have to skip a session, could you send me the study materials for the session I missed?
A: No, we will not be emailing any study materials, because such materials are for paying participants of that particular session. In addition, we do not want to send out information to participants who may end up not returning. If you miss a session, you can get the materials from other study group participants. That way, you give others a chance to teach you what they learned, and the facilitator would not be troubled to email. It's a win-win-win situation.
Q: How should I prepare for the study group?
A: You may wish to wear complete flamenco wear and shoes but it is not necessary, especially for those who are not primarily dancers. But if you want to test out your footwork in your choreography, you should wear flamenco shoes. You should bring a notebook to write notes as facilitators may not give out handouts but lots of verbal recommendations, your own audio and/or video recording device, and a device such as an iPad to show your video sharing (if required).
You should be prepared to work, study, try, learn, share, experience, experiment and enjoy the fiesta. You should also be prepared to support and encourage your peers with enthusiasm and respect.
HOMEWORK/SELF STUDY/PRACTICE
Q: What kind of homework/self study am I expected to do?
A: Depending on the focus of that particular session, you may be asked to build your own choreography, listen to buleria music, study YouTube clips, learn buleria letras, prepare something to contribute to the group (teach others) and/or find resources. Please refer to Commitment, Attendance & Self-Study for more clarification.
Q: I may not have time to prepare my own choreography. Can I just watch?
A: The study group is an equal opportunity environment. If you learn from watching others, others should be able to learn from watching you. Auditing is not allowed. If you don’t have time to prepare then perhaps this study group is not for you. We do not condone “winging” anything. But we encourage you to try your best at every session. If you don’t try, you won’t learn, and we can’t learn from you either. Please refer to Commitment, Attendance & Self-Study for more clarification.
Q: I don’t have anything to teach the others.
A: Yes, you do. Think of all the classes you have taken before.
Q: I don’t have the time to listen to bulerias music everyday.
A: Surely you wait for the bus or MTR, or brush your teeth everyday, right?
Q: I don’t have any bulerias CDs and I don’t want to spend money to buy.
A: If you don’t invest, how can you learn? But thank goodness there is YouTube and spotify.com that have a plethora of flamenco music available for listening for free. Now, there are no more excuses for not listening!
Q: I don’t know what to listen to or watch on YouTube. Will you make some recommendations?
A: Most definitely, but you should do your own research as well. And as time goes by, you will be able expected to make recommendations for others as well.
RECORDING THE SESSIONS
Q: Can I record during the sessions?
A: Audio and video recordings of our practice are permitted and encouraged since this is how we can review our own work. But the Organizer will not be responsible for recording and distribution. You need to bring your own equipment and organize your own recordings. However, it cannot be more heavily emphasized that these recordings are for your own personal use only. Sharing these recordings with others outside the study group is shunned upon. This is a violation of privacy - plain and simple. Participants who consistently share their recordings with friends should ask them to join the study group so we could benefit from each other, rather than only them benefiting from the study group participants. BPFSG participants pay and dedicate themselves to be part of the study group. Please be considerate of their contribution before sharing group recordings with outsiders.
The Organizer may periodically video record the study group for their own reflection purposes. These recordings will not be shared with anyone except with Oscar Nieto for feedback on our approach to studying PF.
Anyone who is discovered to upload any of the study group recordings onto the internet will be asked to leave the group immediately.
COST
Q: Is there any cost to join the study group?
A: All participants are expected to contribute equally to the rental of the studio and administrative costs. The cost is $100 per session, payable in cash at the door. Because only a maximum of 8 participants are allowed at each session, those who consistently register and cancel may not be invited to return. If you register for a session, please make every effort to attend.
REGISTRATION
Q: How do I register for BPFSG sessions?
A: When BPFSG sessions are announced, instructions for registrations will be attached. Registrations are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Q: How many participants are there in each session?
A: Minimum 4, maximum 8 (including musicians)
Q: Can I come once to see if I like it first?
A: We do not encourage one-timers and drop-ins. Studying anything takes time. Just like anything else, it takes time to build rapport, momentum and progress. If you are only willing to give it one shot, perhaps this study group is not suitable for you.
SHARING OUTSIDE THE GROUP
Q: Is it OK if I teach the things I learned at the study group to someone else?
A: Please do. That way you will understand the material that much more thoroughly. But remember that sharing your study group recording with someone is not the same as teaching!
Q: Can I use what I learned in the study group to perform?
A: Absolutely. What you learned is yours to keep… forever!
Q: Do I have to tell the group if I have performance?
A: Why wouldn’t you? Don’t you want the group’s support?
Q: Can I tell others about the group? Is this some kind of a secret society?
A: This is not a secret society. We are just studying together. Of course you can tell others about the group. But you are not at liberty to talk about how everyone performs in the group. That would be gossiping.
FACILITATION
Q: Who organizes BPFSG?
A: BPFSG is organised by Margaret Cheung, Alice Ng and Sabrina Shen who are flamenco enthusiasts and original members of FAHK. They will each take active administrative and facilitating roles in the study group and will be happy to share everything they know about BPF. The Organizers are not BPF experts and will only help participants by encouragement, support and guidance or providing resources. The Organizers do not:
- Teach dance steps (choreography)
- Teach singing technique (voice, projection, tone)
- Teach dance technique (postures, arming, turns, footwork)
- Organize performances
Q: If there is no teacher, who is running the study group?
A: One of the Organizers will facilitate the study group by focusing on various aspects of BPF. You are welcome to make suggestions on what you wish to focus on by contacting the Organizer by emailing to [email protected].
Q: I have specific things I need help with.
A: Just let the Organizer know three days before each session by emailing to [email protected] and we will try to accommodate your needs.
NO PREVIOUS BPF EXPERIENCE
Q: I don’t have any BPF experience. Can I join?
A: Those who have previous BPF experience with Oscar Nieto Flamenco Bootcamp will have priority to join the study group. Everyone else will be able to join if there is space available. If the demand is high, a second study group may be considered.
Q: I’ve only done TPF but not BPF. Can I join?
A: If you can count to 12, then you are ready... if space is available.
Q: I’ve learned some flamenco but not PF. Will it be very difficult?
A: It will be a challenge but… you gotta start somewhere!
Q: I don’t have any flamenco experience. Can I join?
A: Sorry. This group is only for people with some flamenco experience. You need to attain a certain level of flamenco knowledge before you can join this study group for two reasons: (1) there is not enough time during the study group to teach flamenco and (2) we are not flamenco teachers. At this time, we cannot accommodate those with no flamenco knowledge. But take a few terms of flamenco classes and you’ll be ready for PF before long because you don’t need to be a proficient singer/dancer/instrumentalist to learn PF. In fact, it is best to be exposed to PF as early as possible.
LEAVING BPFSG
Q: What if I want to leave the group?
A: You are not under any obligation to the group. If you decide that the group does not serve your needs and you no longer wish to return, a courtesy email would be appreciated but not required.
Q: Can I leave the group and come back?
A: Only if you left in good standing, and only if there is space available.
OTHERS
Q: Will you organize tango por fiesta study groups too?
A: Depends on demand.
Q: Oh my gosh, so many rules! Are they necessary?
A: This group was created out of the goodwill of generous individuals. Setting rules is to protect everyone involved. Surely you wouldn't want anyone to be taken advantage of, would you?