It’s not unusual to hear castanets clicking, skirts whirling and shoes tapping at Banora Point Public School.
For several years, Stage Two and Stage Three students have been taking part in flamenco dancing.
Banora teacher and flamenco co-ordinator Cherril Wynne said the aim was to introduce the students to a piece of Spanish culture by learning flamenco steps and terms (in Spanish), counting in Spanish and gaining an appreciation of various flamenco rhythms and styles.
“The girls have the additional experience of performing to various audiences over the calendar year,” Ms Wynne said.
Competing in the North Coast Dance Festival, performing for school assemblies and putting on a display for Education Week were just a few of the places the students showed off their dancing skills.
Later this year the flamenco group is expected to enter the Gold Coast eisteddfod.
“The year will finish with our performance at the Banora Rocks cultural concert,” Ms Wynne said.
Ms Wynne praised flamenco teacher Louise Robinson for helping the students become accomplished dancers.
“In the beginning the students had little dance experience,” Ms Wynne said.
“Now they are confident and have a passion for flamenco. This year we even purchased their costumes from Spain.”
Ms Wynne said the girls made comments such as “flamenco is so energetic and happy”, “we strike interesting poses”, “our guitarist is funny and talented” and “I’m glad I joined flamenco”.
