Lidón Patiño Berjas, Lecturer II in Flamenco

Name:

Lidón Patiño Berjas

Title:

Lecturer II in Flamenco

Department:

Theatre and Dance

Describe your research in about 200 words.

My research is focused on transmitting what Flamenco in particular and dance in general have done in my life and in the people and artists I know. One of my great objectives in class is for the student to have a sense of belonging to the group, to be able to be themselves and to feel confident in what they are doing. These values are applicable to everything in life, in any area. Therefore together we would create a better society, based on companionship, love and respect for one another. Having taught students from more than 25 countries, and getting to know so many other different cultures, has made me realize that we all enrich each other, that art is art, it sees no differences. In the last 10 years I have had the opportunity to travel the world in different companies and with my own show. I have danced from traditional Flamenco to Flamenco Jazz Fusion. Each of the personal and artistic influences that I have had has enriched me in all aspects. My research is focused on bringing this to the classroom, on transmitting my love for dance and on giving tools to my students so that they find in themselves what they need to express, and feel the freedom to do so.

What’s the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?

I have learned that both the illusion of the learner and the illusion of the teacher must be alive and must be felt.