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Spanish Dance

Six years of official training in Escuela Bolera, Stylised Dance, Folk Dance and Flamenco Dance: the language of a culture brought to life through the body.

A discipline, a heritage

The heartbeat of a culture that refuses to be silenced.

Spanish dance is, at its heart, the heartbeat of a culture that refuses to be silenced. It is not just movement: it is a dialogue between the body and the land, an expression of pride and elegance that transforms the air into pure emotion.

Imagine it as a living canvas: the click of castanets marking the rhythm of the heart, the endless sweep of a skirt tracing shapes through the air, and the sharp strike of a shoe claiming its place in the world. From the aristocratic delicacy of the Escuela Bolera to the raw lament of a flamenco heel strike, every step tells a centuries-old story.

It is a dance of contrasts, where strength and subtlety go hand in hand. The arms, soft as the wind, contrast with feet that resound like a storm against the wooden floor.

— Sobre la danza española

Trailer

Spanish Dance in Motion.

A visual journey through the strength, elegance and expressive richness of Spanish Dance at C.P.D. Fortea.

C.P.D. Fortea

Spanish Dance Trailer

Spanish Dance Trailer · C.P.D. Fortea

Official and Regulated Training

Why Study Dance at a Conservatory?

Studying dance at a conservatory provides official training delivered by qualified teaching staff. Students not only learn technique, but also receive a complete and comprehensive artistic education combining practical and theoretical subjects.

Progressive and structured training

Specialist Teaching Staff

Individualised Support

Participation in Stage Performances

Official qualification upon completion of the studies

Curriculum

Six years. A complete education.

Years of Study

Subjects

Classical Dance

Technical ballet vocabulary, body control, precision, memory and musicality. Includes specific pointe work and men’s technique.

Escuela Bolera (Bolero School)

Castanet technique, arm movements with the characteristic bends and twists of the style, variations of steps, turns and jumps, and the study of repertoire dances.

Stylised Dance

Castanets, arm movements, technical and expressive variations, footwork, improvisation and repertoire dances to support students’ artistic development.

Folk Dance

Technique and style specific to each region, traditional instruments (pulgaretas, castanets, sticks, etc.), and the historical and cultural context of traditional dances.

Flamenco Dance

Zapateado technique, arm movements, variations, the study of different flamenco styles, and the use of traditional elements such as the bata de cola, shawl and cane.

Contemporary Dance

Body awareness, use of weight, breathing, and the connection between movement, space and emotion. Technique, improvisation and choreographic study.

Music

Musical language and its relationship with dance. Rhythmic awareness, coordination, artistic sensitivity, and basic vocal and instrumental practice.

History of Dance

The evolution of dance within its historical, cultural and artistic context. Key styles and movements for an informed interpretation.

Anatomy Applied to Dance

Functional understanding of the body in movement. Injury prevention, physical care and improved technical performance.

Weekly Teaching Hours by Year

Subject / Year / Hours	1th	2th	3th	4th	5th	6th
Classical Dance	7.5 hrs	7 hrs	7 hrs	7 hrs	6.5 hrs	6 hrs
Escuela Bolera (Bolero School)	3.5 hrs	3 hrs	3 hrs	3 hrs	3 hrs	3 hrs
Stylised Dance	2 hrs	3 hrs	4 hrs	4 hrs	7 hrs	7 hrs
Contemporary Dance	—	—	—	—	1.5 hrs	3 hrs
Flamenco Dance	3 hrs	3 hrs	3 hrs	4 hrs	4 hrs	5 hrs
Folk Dance	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr
Music	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr	1 hr	—
Anatomy Applied to Dance	—	—	1 hr	1 hr	—	—
History of Dance	1 hr	1 hr	—	—	—	—

Gallery

Tradition, geometry and duende on stage.

Student Development

What Skills Will Your Child Develop?

Throughout the training, students progressively develop different aspects of their physical, artistic and personal growth.

Knowledge and Control of the Body

Strength, Flexibility and Endurance

Balance, Coordination and Precision

Musicality and Sense of Rhythm

Artistic Expression and Performance

Discipline, Perseverance and Good Work Habits

Castanets, zapateado, shawl, fan…

Teamwork

It is not simply dance, but music embodied: an upright yet elegant torso, arms as soft as silk, and feet performing percussive rhythms in time with the castanets.

— Sobre la danza española

Teaching Methodology

What Are the Classes Like?

In Spanish dance, as a form of emotional expression, the development of each student’s personality and sensitivity is essential. Training is approached holistically from the outset: every action and area of knowledge forms part of a wider whole, encouraging autonomy and intellectual and artistic independence.

All classes are supported by specialist accompanists — pianists for Escuela Bolera and Stylised Dance; a flamenco singer, guitarist and percussionist for Flamenco Dance — fostering both musical understanding and artistic sensitivity.

Technical Training

Footwork and zapateado technique, body technique, castanet work, coordination of the arms and body, rhythm, musicality and interpretation.

Choreographic Work

Progressive incorporation of technical and artistic elements — shawl, cape, fan, skirt and more — through a range of repertoires and choreographies.

Student Profile

Interest, effort and artistic sensitivity.

It is not necessary to have decided from the outset to pursue dance professionally, but students should show interest, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.

Interest in and Motivation for Dance

Consistency and commitment to learning

Suitable physical condition

Artistic and Musical Sensitivity

Entrance Examination

What Does the Entrance Examination Assess?

The entrance examination assesses whether students have the physical, technical and artistic aptitude required to successfully undertake these studies. It evaluates not only technical level, but also the applicant’s potential.

Entry to Year 1

Year 1 Entrance Examination

Official application notices are published each academic year, setting out the relevant dates, requirements and specific content.

Entry to Other Years

Entrance Examination for Entry to Other Years

Applicants must demonstrate mastery of the technical, artistic and theoretical content of the levels below the year they wish to enter.

At What Age Do Students Start?

Entry to Year 1 is usually around the age of 12, after completing Elementary Dance Studies or equivalent private training.

Compatibility with ESO and Bachillerato studies

Training is organised during the day, in the morning, allowing students to attend secondary school in the afternoon. IES Cervantes, which offers afternoon classes, makes it easier to combine both programmes.

Social spaces

Indoor dining area and outdoor space for relaxing between classes. We encourage a sense of community and strong connections among students.

A language of strength and geometry that has become one of the most powerful cultural ambassadors of our history.

— Sobre la danza española

Training and Career Opportunities

A solid foundation for a life in dance.

Spanish Dance offers broad and versatile training that combines tradition, style and technique, opening up a wide range of professional opportunities both on and off the stage.