Flamenco with Zandra Escudero

Flamenco's roots go back to before the 14th century, when it began to develop among the Gypsies, Arabs, Jews and Christians on the fringes of Spanish society. The essence of flamenco is the cante or song, accompanied by guitar music and improvised dance.

Flamenco has a fiery appeal and is very exciting and emotive – it reaches people. There's a lot of stamping and it's also very sexy and very real.

ZANDRA ESCUDERO

Zandra always wanted to dance from very young but from the age of 8 was crippled with leg troubles. It wasn’t until she was 14 that she discovered flamenco.

Within 3 months she no longer needed sticks to walk. Within 2 years she was dancing professionally in the Casa Pepe Flamenco house in London. From then on she never looked back. Her career has now spanned over 50 years. From London venues she toured Variety Theatres all over England.

In Spain she studied flamenco with the famous dancer La Quica and found herself working with very noted flamenco Artistes. She was voted ‘Best Flamenco Dance Teacher’ by the Evening Standard ES Magazine in 1994.

Now in 2009 she is more into teaching, gives classes at Pineapple and will also be appearing during the next year in a documentary film called ‘Spanish Steps’ which is currently being made in England.

To join in a class, you only need be ready 10 minutes before the class starts. If you have Pineapple membership, you do not need to pay at reception.