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Online Class Interview · YouTube Member @あっちゃん (Atchan)


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Why did you choose our academy’s online classes?


I used to travel to the Akabane studio by car, highway bus and train, a journey of almost two hours, but the pandemic meant I could no longer go. I stopped attending the studio in February 2020. After that, a state of emergency was declared, and Beni used all kinds of digital tools, including LINE, YouTube, Band and Zoom, to teach flamenco to those of us who could not get to the studio. He continued the online classes even after the state of emergency was lifted, and I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. Beni’s online classes give me emotional support. I am so happy to be a BG Flamenco student.


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What have you thought of the classes since taking them?


They are fun. Beni has a great sense of humour and teaches us very important things. I am also happy to see everyone’s faces in class. I feel that we can stay connected.


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Is there anything you find difficult or feel is missing in the online lessons?


When my computer or internet connection is not working well, I feel that I cause trouble for my teacher. On those occasions, Beni has moved my lesson to another day.


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Could you share a particularly memorable moment from your online lessons?


During the state of emergency, Beni taught us from his home without shoes, wearing socks. It was amazing! Whatever the circumstances, he teaches us flamenco. Even now, watching that video brings tears to my eyes.


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What is your setup for online lessons?


I use an ultrabook or a computer at home. I move the living room table and chairs into another room and turn the living room into a studio and gym. Flamenco is at the centre of my life.


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Any final words?


At the time of this interview in 2022, I am taking private lessons and physical training sessions on Zoom. Beni teaches me the things I cannot yet do, over and over again. I imagine another teacher might get angry and stop teaching me, or might say, “Oh, you’ve got it; let’s move on,” even when I had not managed it yet. But Beni never does things carelessly. He takes teaching every student seriously, whatever their level. I respect him deeply and trust him wholeheartedly.


Yellow BG Flamenco online-class graphic included in the 2022 interview; printed prices belong to the original announcement

The online-class image is the announcement included in the 2022 article, not a statement of current prices or terms.