June 21 to July 8, 2008

Thanks to the generosity of countless supporters, family and friends, ten of our talented dancers were able to raise $17,000 in a period of nine months for their first trip to Spain. Our girls worked really hard doing all sorts of fundraisers, BBQ plate sales, Car Washes, Bingos, Garage sales, dance shows, raffles, etc.

On June 21, our dancers embarked on an 18-day excursion throughout central and southern Spain. But don't take me wrong, it was not really a vacation trip, the girls "literally" sweat it!. They worked hard taking up to four and a half hours of flamenco dance classes daily at the prestigious "Amor de Dios" dance studios in Madrid and also with renowened artists in Sevilla. 

Cristobal Reyes, Manuel Reyes, Inmaculada Ortega, Juana Amaya, La Truco, Antonio Reyes, La Tati, Candela Soto are some of the international flamenco artists our dancers had the honor to train with for two whole weeks.

They also attended wonderful flamenco concerts and performances showcasing prestigious singers, dancers and percussionists such as Pepe Habichuela, Estrella Morente, Jose Maya, Maria Juncal, Pastora Galvan and others.

The girls also visited many historical sites and prestigious museums such as the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, home of beautiful art pieces by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, among others.

We even attended a "Novillada" at the Plaza de Toros de Sevilla. "Novillada" is a bullfight for young aspiring bullfighters, something like a "dress rehearsal" in dance terms. :)

As a well-earned treat, on the last weekend of the trip they had the chance to sunbathe on the beautiful beach of Cadiz.

Here are some of the memories...

We had a Stretch Hummer Limo taking us to the airport on June 21, courtesy of San Antonio Limo. Spain here we come!!!

Inside the Hummer, on our way to the San Antonio International Airport

Continental Airlines gave us some money for this photo.... just kidding!

Vanessa and Laura killing time during our stop in New York. Did you know that Vanessa is also a talented contemporary painting artist?

Mother and daughter on their way to Madrid

Steph and Vanessa getting ready for a nap between NYC and Madrid

In the subway in Madrid... Didn't I say?: "Please pack light!"... OMG!

Oh no!!! What's up with all these stairs!!?? HELP!!! HELP!!! HELP!!!

I can do this!!! Grrrrr!!! I'm Lady Hulk!!!

looking pretty for the flamenco concert at the Colegio Medico in Madrid

Dancer Maria Juncal was AMAZING!

Walking back from the flamenco concert to our apartments

Walking down Puerta del Sol, the center of Madrid. We stayed at these very nice apartments in downtown Madrid. We were at walking distance from the Amor de Dios dance studios and the main attractions.

Enjoying a delicious supper outdoors, near Puerta del Sol, at midnight. Yes!, we were amazed how many people stayed out at very late hours.

Taking a "palmas" (hand-clapping) class with Inmaculada Ortega

Inmaculada Ortega is an extraordinary instructor and very nice person.

Enjoying "siesta" (nap) at the Parque del Retiro in between the morning and afternoon sessions. Hey, "When in Rome do as the Romans do". In this case, it's actually "When in Spain, do as the Spaniards do" and we had no problem adapting to this ancient tradition of napping in the middle of the afternoon.

... more photos will be posted shortly. It's getting late... bed time!