WELCOME
Blackbird Dance Company and its training arm, the Blackbird Dance Company Development Lab, were launched in order to create an opportunity for Flamenco dance artists to develop a solid technical and artistic foundation, outside of Spain, through consistent classes with high-level teachers, repertory creation and the performance of innovative work that addresses important contemporary questions, and all this through the outstanding and beautiful lens of Flamenco and Spanish dance. Our work is multidisciplinary, weaving together poetry and prose, spoken word, singing, visual media, choreographed dancing and improvised movement and organic, spontaneous interactions between artists.
Blackbird Dance Company Development Lab
The Blackbird Dance Company Development Lab is an offshoot of the Blackbird Dance Company, a contemporary Spanish dance group. The Development Lab was launched in September 2023 with the goal of providing artists with consistent, long-term training and opportunities to learn and perform new work. ​Artists train weekly in Flamenco, danza española (stylized Spanish dance) and classical ballet. For the 2025 season we are making a much-needed addition to our foundational techniques: Afro dance and dances from the African continent will be added to our weekly expected classes. In season one, artists trained for a period of ten (10) months, with two (2) months of break.​ Artists have the option of training together in the studio or working in a more independent fashion. ​Blackbird Dance Company Development Lab is primarily about opportunity. The Lab happily embraces the diversity of artists practicing Flamenco and Spanish dances, offers alternatives to established training models, and provides pathways for artists to participate in the creation and performance of meaningful work right where they are.​ Please direct any questions about the Development Lab here.
Flamenco
​Flamenco, a passionate and expressive art form, originated in the Andalusian region of Spain and is a recognized part of Spain’s cultural heritage. Rooted in various cultural influences, Flamenco is known for its emotional intensity, rhythmic complexity, and intricate footwork. Both Flamenco music and dance are often deeply personal and convey a wide range of feelings, usually featuring singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dancing (baile), and rhythmic handclapping accompaniment (palmas).
Danza Estilizada
Danza Estilizada, which was founded at the beginning of the 20th century, is one of the four dance traditions that make up Danza Española, resting alongside Escuela Bolera, Folk/Regional Dances and Flamenco. At the same time, it is nourished by those same dance traditions and is distinguished by its free composition of steps and choreographies. Castanets are integral to Danza Estilizada and they are a distinctive feature of classwork and performance.
Classical Ballet
Highly structured and technical, classical ballet is characterized by precision movement, formalized steps, and adherence to traditional techniques. Originating in European Renaissance courts, classical ballet emphasizes posture, alignment, and fluidity in movement and is often set to classical music.
African and Afro-Diasporic Dances
Comprising the utmost diversity and complexity, dances of the African diaspora have evolved and continue to evolve from African traditions, and reflect their respective cultural and geographic influences. There are, to name just a few, jazz, Afro-Haitian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Bomba, tap dance, the rich traditions from every country on the African continent, and more.