Collyer’s students learn flamenco from top dancer

A-level Spanish students who took part in the sessions (left to right): Christopher Brent, Margarita Mortimer, Molly Evans; Nadir Parkar; Sasha Vallis and Beth Berry

Spanish A-level students learnt to dance basic flamenco with “palmas y jaleos” with the help of leading professional dancer, Ana Dueñas.

Ana led some lively Flamenco Workshops at Collyer’s, as part of the college’s annual Rag Week.

Collyer’s Vice Principal, Steve Nicholls said: “We have an outstanding Spanish department and the students really enjoyed the Flamenco workshops with Ana. Quite a few of us at Collyer’s are massive ‘Strictly’ fans, so I suppose it was a great opportunity for many to have a ‘Strictly Flamenco’ experience right here at college!”

Nadir Parker, who is studying AS Spanish at Collyer’s said: “It was such a fantastic experience. I had a really great time.”

Margarita Mortimer, who is Subject Leader for Spanish at Collyer’s, was thrilled: “Ana’s an incredibly talented and charismatic dancer, who is always so generous with her time. Her sessions have really helped to give the students a vital insight into Spanish culture, which is something that has been the key to the success of the course.

The students loved working with Ana and thoroughly enjoyed the workshops. I was incredibly impressed that they were able to dance quite a challenging choreography by the end of the sessions!”

Steve Nicholls added: “We are hugely grateful to Ana for coming in and sharing her dancing expertise with our students.”

Collyer’s student, Sasha Vallis, summed up the feelings of the A-level Spanish group: “I wish we could do it all over again. It was such brilliant fun!”

Report and pictures contributed by Collyer’s.