A day at Alhambra
An account published on 22 March 2026. “Today” refers to the day described at that time.
Today has been one of those days that stays with me.
I had the good fortune to take the stage at the Alhambra flamenco tablao in Nishi-Nippori, Tokyo. A place that already has something special about it, but today it was filled with authenticity.
Even before the show began, something had already happened that touched my heart. At the entrance to the tablao, I met Sinchan, a dear friend who comes from Matsuzakicho, in Shizuoka. Somewhere far away, very far away, and I was not expecting to see him there. Suddenly he appeared in front of me, and I felt an immense joy, the kind I cannot contain.
I hugged him so tightly that I think I almost broke his ribs... I am joking, of course.. But it really was one of those hugs that comes naturally, without thinking, the kind that says everything without needing words. And at that moment, the day had already become special.
Then, on stage, I shared the performance with Malena on flamenco vocals and Makoto on guitar. From the very first moment, I could feel that quiet respect that emerges when there is authenticity. Before going out to dance, I was able to watch my fellow performers, and how beautiful that is: seeing how each person gives what they have, their body, their way of moving, their story. Every dance was different; every energy carried its own weight.
The young performers were there too, with that strength, that speed, and that precise technique that reaches such remarkable levels today. I could not help watching and smiling. Time passes, my body changes, and there are things I can no longer do in the same way. But that is all right, because what matters most is not there.
Today, for me, it was not about doing more; it was about feeling more.
And I enjoyed it. The performers, the music, the atmosphere... everything that was happening in that moment. But above all, I felt something very powerful when I looked at the audience. There, as always, were my female students, with those smiles, those open, sincere eyes, and that affection that cannot be faked. They are always there, accompanying me, supporting me, and in that moment I understood that I was not alone.
Perhaps what truly keeps me going is not technique, or strength, or even talent. It is people: those who come, those who believe, those who feel alongside me.
Today I understood once again that continuing to step onto a stage is not just a decision; it is a gift. And all that remains is to say thank you: to the artists, to the music, and to all those people who make it possible for this to stay alive.
Because as long as someone is watching with their heart, dancing will always have meaning.
—Beni
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