Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Naranjita' mean?
The word naranjita means 'little orange' in Spanish. Our name is an homage to the beautiful orange trees that line the streets of Sevilla, Spain, as well as the namesake of Orange County. We are Orange County Flamenco!
The word naranjita means 'little orange' in Spanish. Our name is an homage to the beautiful orange trees that line the streets of Sevilla, Spain, as well as the namesake of Orange County. We are Orange County Flamenco!
Why is Naranjita special?
Naranjita is a dance studio dedicated to flamenco dance. Most dance studios are dedicated to ballet, tap and jazz, and don't even allow flamenco dancing because of the pounding footwork involved. And with good reason! Flamenco dancers have tiny nails on the soles of their shoes that dig into dance floors, leaving expensive beautiful floors covered in marks. Naranjita embraces every blemish & scratch. We see each mark as evidence of effort, dedication and love for flamenco.
Naranjita is a dance studio dedicated to flamenco dance. Most dance studios are dedicated to ballet, tap and jazz, and don't even allow flamenco dancing because of the pounding footwork involved. And with good reason! Flamenco dancers have tiny nails on the soles of their shoes that dig into dance floors, leaving expensive beautiful floors covered in marks. Naranjita embraces every blemish & scratch. We see each mark as evidence of effort, dedication and love for flamenco.
Photo credit: Alina Coman
Is Naranjita a formal school?
Yes & No. Naranjita does have a formal school as well as a dance ensemble under the direction of Justine Grover & Richard Chavez but the studio is also open to any dance or music teacher that needs a place to teach. Sometimes we host them and sometimes they simply rent the space.
Studio Details and Rates
Yes & No. Naranjita does have a formal school as well as a dance ensemble under the direction of Justine Grover & Richard Chavez but the studio is also open to any dance or music teacher that needs a place to teach. Sometimes we host them and sometimes they simply rent the space.
Studio Details and Rates
What's so special about flamenco?
Whether you're dancing, singing or listening - you feel flamenco. This art form takes a hold of you and never lets go. Many dedicated flamenco artists & students have used the word 'addictive' to describe how they can't get enough of it and continually want more. The way flamenco sounds, looks and the way it makes you feel, compels you to love it. From sensual to intense, from happy to dramatic - flamenco inspires a mood and makes you feel alive.
Whether you're dancing, singing or listening - you feel flamenco. This art form takes a hold of you and never lets go. Many dedicated flamenco artists & students have used the word 'addictive' to describe how they can't get enough of it and continually want more. The way flamenco sounds, looks and the way it makes you feel, compels you to love it. From sensual to intense, from happy to dramatic - flamenco inspires a mood and makes you feel alive.
Juana Amaya Workshop 2012
Who can take classes?
Everyone! Women, men, children, teens & seniors. In Spain everyone dances - no one is too young nor too old to get up and dance! We are firm believers that anyone can learn to flamenco dance and we have classes for all levels from beginning to professional.
Everyone! Women, men, children, teens & seniors. In Spain everyone dances - no one is too young nor too old to get up and dance! We are firm believers that anyone can learn to flamenco dance and we have classes for all levels from beginning to professional.
Photo credit: www.votografie.com
Do you need dance experience?
No. Absolutely not. All we require is the desire to learn. People with dance experience may already understand certain basic elements of dance and learn faster, but if you have no experience at all, we definitely can teach you!
No. Absolutely not. All we require is the desire to learn. People with dance experience may already understand certain basic elements of dance and learn faster, but if you have no experience at all, we definitely can teach you!
Can shy people dance flamenco?
Yes, in fact it is a great outlet for shy people! Unique to flamenco, when studying this art form, one gains confidence and poise; it is inherent to the character of the dance. The dance makes you brave.
Yes, in fact it is a great outlet for shy people! Unique to flamenco, when studying this art form, one gains confidence and poise; it is inherent to the character of the dance. The dance makes you brave.
- Would it be possible to visit the studio and observe a beginners class? Of course! Pop in anytime.
- Can new students start at any time? Yes. It is slightly easier to start at the very beginning of a session but we purposefully keep the classes repeating material so that new students can always join as the other students continue conditioning their bodies & minds to do the movements correctly.
- As a beginner, can you provide an estimate of additional costs that would be incurred? For example, shoes? Anything else? Where to buy? A beginner simply needs shoes. We sell both used and new shoes. Some of our used shoes we rent out for just $20 - they aren't the prettiest but they are usable. Some of our better used shoes run between $75-$150. Or we sell brand new shoes for $225-$250. Flamenco dancers also use a skirt so we ask that students eventually purchase one and start wearing it to class. But for absolute beginners it isn't necessary. Skirts run between $65 - $200, depending on how fancy you want it.
- What does a student wear to class? Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. If you don't have flamenco shoes wear a closed toe shoe with a leather sole and and a chunky heel. Sneakers are the next best option.
- How many sessions does someone need on average before moving to the next level? Progress very much depends on the ability of the student and how often they come to class. The more times per week a student attends, the faster they progress. We ask for a once a week commitment but we offer classes 6 days a week.
- What’s the average age in the adult classes? The majority of our students are between 20 years old to 60 years old. There really is no age limit on this style of dance. But it is important to listen to your body and do what feels good so finding the right class that suits you is important.
- What’s the average class size for an adult class? 3-6 people.
- What are your recommendations to succeed/ do well as a beginner starting out? Listen to flamenco music & watch flamenco dance videos online - this helps you to get familiar with the rhythms & melodies. Practice what you learned in class at home a minimum of 5 minutes a day.
- What are the payment options? All payments can be made through our website with a credit card or Paypal. Venmo payments are accepted (find us @naranjitaflamenco). We also offer a monthly Automatic Payment Plan. We appreciate students signing up with this option so much that students receive the fifth class in any given month for free!
- If a student signs up for Sat but is unable to attend class, can a class be made up on a Wed? Yes! If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to make the class up in a different class of the same level. Missed classes do not roll over into the next month.