El Periódico de BG Flamenco · October 2026
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OCTOBER 2026 · TOKYO — ANDALUSIA
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Observe, listen, think
Learning how to learn
This month's theme is "Learning How to Learn: Seeing, Hearing, and Thinking." When learning flamenco, we focus not only on what to memorize, but also on how to see, how to listen, and how to understand.
In October at the BG Flamenco Academy, Sevillanas, palmas (handclapping), body usage, stage experience, and online learning are all linked by a single theme. It's not just about copying, but about feeling, thinking, and understanding for yourself. This month, we'll explore the very process of learning.
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ON THE FRONT PAGE | Three stories this month
Three stories that define October at BG Flamenco.
1. Learning how to learn — Chapter 3 of Benito’s series “Behind the Scenes”. After more than 25 years of teaching in Japan, not only the students but the teacher himself has changed. A reflection on looking before copying and noticing how understanding happens.
2. October 4th | 18th Master Open Class — Learn how to use your body, posture, arms, gaze, and musicality to dance Sevillanas more naturally and beautifully. Studio sessions are full.
3. October 18th | Studio Concert — A valuable opportunity to experience on stage what you've built up through your regular lessons. All seats are currently sold out.
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EDITOR'S LETTER | From Benito
“I don’t want a student simply to manage to do something. I want her to discover how she came to understand it.”
Having taught for a long time, I've come to realize that "teaching well" isn't about explaining things in great detail.
Some people understand the same explanation, while others need different words. Some understand through physical experience, while others understand by listening to sounds. That's why, when a student doesn't understand, I don't want to just conclude that they "can't do it," but rather I want to find a different approach.
And it's not about finishing the moment you get it; I want you to feel for yourself "why you understood it now." If you understand that, it will give you the power to learn on your own when you encounter something difficult next time.
Flamenco isn't just about memorizing steps. It's about seeing, listening, and feeling. This month, let's continue to cultivate those abilities together.
Benito
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This month at BG
October is a month where learning and performing come close together. In the 18th Master Open Class on October 4th, we will cover how to use your body to make Sevillanas look more natural and beautiful.
Then, on October 18th, there will be a studio concert. This will allow them to put into practice what they've learned in lessons and gain experience dancing in front of an audience. Both events are currently listed as sold out on Wix.
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Studio life
Learning inside the studio
In the studio since October, we've been focusing on the finer details of body usage even in our regular classes. Recent BG Online sessions have also included topics that go beyond simply memorizing choreography, such as "how to accompany" with palmas, how to use the shoulder blades and body awareness to prevent the neck from jutting forward, techniques for walking while turning, and zapateado and soniquete.
This month, the studio is less about “I can / I can’t” and more about understanding why something happens and what can be changed to make it feel more natural.
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What we’re learning
① Observe — Look not only at the legs and arms, but also at the face, gaze, posture, and overall intention.
② Listen — not just count the notes, but listen to the breath of the palmas, cante, and guitar.
③ Understand how you learn — Instead of simply copying the teacher, notice what you need to look at and which explanations actually help you understand.
Learning flamenco is not just about adding more choreography. Once you understand how you learn, you can take much more away from each class.
If you practise just one thing this month…
Take a short piece of choreography and watch it all the way through without immediately trying to dance along. When you do, pay attention not only to the feet, but also to where the dancer's face is facing, where the body's center of gravity is, and where in the music the movement begins. Then try dancing along. "Watch before you copy." This month, just focus on that.
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BG Online｜YouTube & Members
Throughout October, the BG FLAMENCO YouTube channel continues to share ideas born in class. This month we highlight “Flamenco Palmas | How to accompany?”
Palmas are not just about making sound. They are about listening, supporting and accompanying others inside the flamenco. We also share material worked on in class, including body use in Jaleos and Taranto technique.
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️ From Benito’s notebook
Chapter 3 | Learning how to learn
— Over time, not only students but also teachers change. About the "way of learning flamenco" that I have discovered through continuing to teach in Japan.
Chapter 2 | What you don’t see
— The gazes, silences, judgments, rhythms, and intentions that occur on stage. About flamenco that is difficult to see from the audience.
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Recommended reading
Objects that teach, too
10 Important Things to Learn from BG Flamenco Videos (Part 1)
— Points you can learn from BG videos, including how to listen to the sound, how to use your body, how to express your feelings, and how to practice at home.
Flamenco
for Beginners in Tokyo: A Beginner's Guide to Starting Flamenco in Tokyo
—A guide for those who want to start flamenco, covering topics such as choosing a class and basic practice.
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Flamenco agenda | Tokyo & Kantō
Between Tokyo and Andalusia
Saturday, October 3rd, 4:30 PM ·Jin Oki Quartet with U-zhaan | Gyotoku Cultural Hall I&I
Friday, October 9th, 7:00 PM ·
Flamenco en Mahorosa Vol. 63 | Mahoroza MACHIDA
October 12th (Mon/Holiday) 15:30 ·
Jin Oki Flamenco Guitar Concert with U-zhaan & Takamitsu Ishizuka | Omiya Sonic City
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Next month at BG
November 12th (Thursday) Los Jueves Flamencos | Special Appearance by Benito Garcia · Alhambra (Nishi-Nippori)
Benito García will be making a special appearance at a flamenco live show hosted by Emilio Maya. According to BG's official announcement, Benito is scheduled to close the show with an improvised soleá lasting approximately 15 minutes.
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Discovery of the month
Perhaps even "learning" requires practice. It's not just about how many times you repeat something, but also about what you saw, what you heard, and where you understood it. When you understand that, you can nurture yourself even when there's no teacher around.
This month's discovery is that knowing your own learning method is just as important as learning flamenco.
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See you next month
This month's El Periódico de BG Flamenco focused more on "how to learn" than "what to memorize." Watch. Listen. Think. And understand within yourself. Whether in the studio, on stage, or online, that accumulation of experience will gradually become your own flamenco.
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El Periódico de BG Flamenco · Tokyo — Andalusia
Edited by BG Flamenco Academy / Benito García
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