In this Oscar Winning documentary short film, students in their final year at the National Ballet School of Canada are seen learning the flamenco from Susana and Antonio Robledo, who come to the school every winter to conduct classes which are held after the day's regular schedule has ended.
It's 5.15 in the morning and whilst most of the rest of us have no intention of getting out of bed, these dedicated final year ballet students are braving the Toronto winter cold to get to class where they hope to learn the intricacies of the flamenco from Susana and Antonio Robledo. Individually and in ensemble, these remarkably nimble and agile dancers learn not just about the poise and the footwork, but also about the concepts of synchronicity, of deportment and of, well, having fun. Susana also fills us in on a little of the history of the famous Andalusian steps, and of the supposed rapport it has with death, in quite an engaging fashion showing how both of these teachers are steeped in passion for the thing. The youngsters are clearly enjoying themselves and if you're remotely interested in the technicalities and creative inputs required to perform in what looks like a spontaneous and emotionally charged manner, then this is for you.