Baila, Baila, Baila

It would seem that I am about as good at blogging as I am at texting, e-mailing, returning phone calls, and all other forms of communication. And for that I apologize...sorry mom!

Last week I charted foreign territory and entered the world of dancing. Brace yourselves, it is just as odd an idea as it seems. It all started with the Madrid Flamenco Company performance...

Let me tell you, these Spaniards are serious about their flamenco. Since I am not so much of a dancing fan (maybe a bit of an understatement), I didn't have particularly high hopes for the performance. To my surprise, however, I absolutely loved watching the show and  joined the crowd in a standing ovation when it ended! The talent of the dancers astounded me, as they combined traditional flamenco, ballet, and a whole lot of castanets to create a fluid, dynamic, and entertaining performance. We definitely got a kick out of their outfits as well; never have I seen so many florals and polka dots on the same stage. Here is a little taste of the fabulous Madrid Flamenco:

As if attending a Flamenco show wasn't far enough out of my normal repertoire, I decided to do a little dancing myself. I attended the first flamenco class offered by Alcalingua Universidad, and, don't worry, I was just as bad as you might imagine! We learned the very basics, but for some reason I was not programmed with the dance coordination gene. At one point we had to do a small turn, but I just couldn't seem to get my feet to turn around. I ended up facing the wrong direction and tripping over myself much to the amusement of the rest of the class. It is really good that I love to laugh at myself :D Needless to say, I haven't been back and I am pretty sure I am not the next star of the Madrid Flamenco Ballet, but I am proud to say that I partook in this cultural experience!

To top off my danced filled week, I reveled in the much hyped discotecas of Salamanca. Well, reveled might be a bit of an overstatement, but it was certainly an experience. We celebrated the lovely Alyssa Smith's birthday Salamanca style, and our group of 20+ BYU girls was quite to force to be reckoned with. Spain didn't even know what hit it (especially when we all walked into a club and then proceeded not to order a single drink)! Also, it is important to know that here in Spain the night doesn't even start until 1 or 2 at the earliest or you might end up looking like dumb Americans waiting on the street for places to open!

 the cute BYU girls, the birthday girl, and some of our new friends :) 

All in all, I watched and participated in more dancing last week than in my whole life combined. Spain is definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone in so many ways, but I am learning so much about the culture and about myself in the process....and having the time of my life doing it! 

Te Amo de España,

Brooke