Learning to dance the flamenco with Sonia del Rio

All residents of Verdun are invited to take advantage of these courses aimed at people aged 12 to 65 years. The famous dancer Sonia del Rio is inviting the public to learn about flamenco – a world heritage cultural treasure. On November 11 at 10h00 and every Sunday thereafter, Ms. del Rio will welcome her first Verdun students. From 10a.m. to 11p.m., course is for children aged eight to 13 years who will be taught the basics of classical ballet and Spanish dance with castanets. Then, from 11a.m. to 12p.m. program is for adults (14 years and older). Ms. del Rio offers ten lesson courses with a presentation at the end of the year.

People will therefore have a chance to become acquainted with flamenco, thanks to one of its most illustrious interpreters, Sonia del Rio. After Châteauguay and Terrebonne, it will beVerdun’s turn to benefit from the experience of Ms. del Rio’ teaching who was also a choreographer and a professor at the l’École supérieure de Danse du Quebec before she opened her own school in the 80s.

Saying that she already had a 72-year old student in her class, Ms. del Rio emphasised the advantages of flamenco for people between 30 and 55 years, a sedentary age group.

The professional career of this artist has been impressive, and to think that the only Spanish traits she has are her borrowed name and her passion for flamenco. From her true name, Sonia Boisvenu, Ms. del Rio has so embodied the Spanish dance and the culture of Spain that she was decorated in 1998 with a medal from the Order of Isabella the Catholic on behalf of the King of Spain Juan Carlos 1st.

Ms. del Rio lived and worked in Spain for some fifteen years. She has also performed at the Châtelet in Paris, accompanied by singer Luis Mariano and his troupe. She has also done concert tours. She continues to teach and expects to live happy days in her villa near Bordeaux in France, without forgetting her friends here.

People can ask about required clothing, rates and the course programme by calling 514-288-5843. You can also visit the Elgar Centre on Sunday, November 11.