Carmen de Vicente

- 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA 22206

The Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy stands as a unique cultural gem in the heart of Arlington, Virginia, offering residents of Northern Virginia an authentic connection to the passionate and intricate art form of Flamenco. More than just a dance school, the academy is a dedicated Flamenco school, focusing on comprehensive instruction in Flamenco dance and the often-overlooked virtuosity of the Castanet Ensemble. For decades, this institution has been committed to sharing the richness of Spanish dance and culture with the local community, fostering both amateur enthusiasts and serious students of the art.

Prospective students and families in the Virginia region looking for a high-quality, specialized cultural arts program will find the academy's focus on authentic Spanish dance to be a refreshing and rewarding option. The school prides itself on offering instruction from an accredited professor with extensive experience, ensuring students receive training that is both professional and deeply rooted in the traditions of Flamenco.

Location and Accessibility

The Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy is conveniently located in Arlington, VA, making it easily accessible for residents across Northern Virginia. Its specific address is:

3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA 22206, USA

Services Offered

The academy specializes in the core elements of Spanish dance and Flamenco, catering to various age groups and skill levels. Their primary offerings focus on providing a structured and authentic learning experience:

• Flamenco Dance Classes: Comprehensive instruction covering technique, footwork (zapateado), arm and hand movements (braceo and florea), and choreography across various levels, from beginner to intermediate/advance.
• Castanet Ensemble Classes: Specialized instruction in playing the castanets, an integral and challenging element of Spanish classical and folk dance. The focus is on rhythmic precision and musicality.
• Classes for Children: The environment is known to be "Good for kids," offering a welcoming and educational introduction to Spanish dance for younger learners.
• Performance Opportunities: Students who regularly attend classes may have the opportunity to participate in the end-of-season shows, allowing them to gain invaluable stage experience. This includes selection for both dance and castanet ensemble performances, based on ability.
• Flexible Payment Structure: Unlike some academies that require a full semester payment upfront, this school offers a payment policy where class payments are due monthly or bi-monthly, providing a more manageable financial commitment for many Virginia families.

Features / Highlights

Several distinct features make the Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy a standout institution for cultural education in the Arlington and wider Northern Virginia area:

• Accredited Professional Instruction: The academy is led by Carmen de Vicente, an accredited professor whose unique credentials and in-depth knowledge of Spanish Dance and Castanets have earned her high praise, including from major publications like the Washington Post. She is recognized for bringing an exceptional resource to both beginners and advanced students.
• Castanet Virtuosity: Carmen de Vicente is a bona fide castanet virtuoso, with press reviews describing her playing with phrases like "most mind-boggling castanet playing I have ever heard" and "celestial glory." This specialized focus elevates the school's unique offering beyond typical dance studios.
• Requiebros Spanish Dance Group: The founder is also the Artistic Director of the Requiebros Spanish Dance Group, suggesting a strong tie to professional performance and giving students exposure to a performing troupe environment.
• Community and Cultural Support: The program is publicly acknowledged as being supported in part by Arlington County through the Arlington Commission for the Arts and Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, as well as the Embassy of Spain. This backing underscores the academy's cultural significance in the Virginia community.
• Discipline and Dedication: The school emphasizes punctuality and commitment, with clear guidelines on class participation, rehearsal week attendance, and costume requirements for shows, fostering a professional and focused environment for serious students.
• Discounts Available: A 10% discount is offered to students enrolling in multiple classes or to same-family members, providing value for dedicated participants.

Contact Information

For those in Arlington, VA, and the surrounding Northern Virginia area interested in enrollment, class schedules, or general inquiries, the academy can be reached via the following contact points:

Address: 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA 22206, USA (Room 174 is often specified for classes)
Phone: (703) 380-6440
Mobile Phone: +1 703-380-6440

What Is Worth Choosing

For residents in Virginia, choosing Carmen de Vicente's academy is choosing an authentic, high-caliber artistic education. It stands out in the crowded dance landscape of Northern Virginia for several compelling reasons. It is not a generalized dance studio; it is a specialized Flamenco school run by a globally-recognized castanet and dance artist. The founder's reputation is a major draw, with reviews positioning her as “the Spanish Dance in Washington DC” and an "extraordinary and unforgettable castanet concert artist." This assures Virginia students that they are learning directly from a master.

Furthermore, the academy's commitment to providing a professional, yet family-friendly atmosphere (it's "Good for kids") means that it successfully bridges the gap between serious artistic training and accessible community education. The financial flexibility of monthly payments, the multi-student/multi-class discount, and the confirmed accessibility features like the wheelchair-accessible parking lot all contribute to making this cultural experience open to more Virginia families.

If your goal is to master the intense rhythmic complexity of Flamenco dance, learn the art of castanets from a recognized virtuoso, and gain meaningful performance experience within a supportive, culturally-supported environment in Northern Virginia, the Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy is an unparalleled choice. It offers a unique cultural immersion that goes far beyond simple recreational classes.

Carmen de Vicente

3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA 22206, USA