During the whole of my time in flamenco (learning, performing and teaching) I have looked for a fool-proof method of writing some of the steps down. Nothing doing. I have managed to put down the steps to the sevillanas that I teach in a way that others seem to understand (…..it looks terrifying on paper!), but have never been able to capture the real complexity of flamenco dance steps and movements, an ex-student devised a magnificent spreadsheet on his computer that showed front, back, diagonal, toe, full foot, heel dig, heel drop, and even a further line for arms.

Magnificent it was, but incomprehensible to anyone else!

I have a sheet of paper that has the scribbled mumblings of the first dance that I ever learned in Spain.  It was a wonderful caña, of which I remember almost nothing and which I would love to rediscover.  No chance with my notes – they clearly meant something at the time, but not now.

What do others do?  Perhaps I have been superceded with modern technology now, and you all just record onto your mobile phones?

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