Intensive week of Neoandalusi dance in Casa El Morisco, Málaga
Al-Andalus Camp
Created and directed by Nesma since 2010
Intensive dance course conceived with the concept of a retreat and cultural exchange in a unique place near Malaga in Andalusia, intented for dancers of Oriental Dance who wish to know or deepen the neoandalusi style created by Nesma.
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Testimonials
“Attending the Al-Andalus intensive camp was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made. First, the instruction by Nesma was stellar, and she is truly a master of her craft. (…) Next, the Casa el morisco was such a relaxing and beautiful place, and the food was delicious and nourishing. (…) At first, I was perplexed why they’ve been attending this camp annually, and now that I’ve experienced why, I can’t wait to come back.”
Karen – USA . Al-Andalus Winter Camp Intensive 2018
“As a teacher, Nesma is a delight. Her enthusiasm and passion about Andalusian music is contagious. Nesma provided careful and well-paced breakdowns of rhythms, technique and combinations. Throughout the course, she provided insightful feedback personally catered to each student. If Oriental dance is a minefield, it is a drop in the ocean compared to understanding the history, music theory, and technique required in Neo-Andalusian dance. However, by the conclusion of the course, I felt I had the prerequisite knowledge and confidence to explore Neo-Andalusian dance.”
Tara Yasmin – Australia . Al-Andalus Camp Classic 2018
“For me it was a great new experience and inspiration. This event gave me power and desire to move on in the learning of Andalusian dance and music. I discovered many new facts and materials about choreography, music rhythms, styles and costumes.
I was also very glad to visit Granada and to visit the amazing music class and concert of live music.
And I was very happy to meet many interesting, enjoying and inspired people. We all came from different countries, but we are all connected together by the interest and inspiration of Andalusian dance and music art!”Lana – Russia . Al-Andalus Camp Classic 2018
Objetives
Acquire the necessary knowledge to create Andalusian dance shows and choreographies. We will study and practice technique, combinations and choreography, work on the music, the rhythms, and deepen on ideas used to design and make costumes.
Modality
In-class training
This seminar weeklong, designed with the concept of an immersion camp and cultural exchange, is intended for oriental dancers who want to learn or deepen the Arab-Andalusian dance style. Despite being a course for advanced level dancers and professionals, the seminar will begin with basic technique and sequences, moving progressively to perform various choreographies. On the other hand, the place where the seminar take place will give us the chance to let the inspiration flow between us and perhaps we might understand why the Arabs idealized this land of Al-Andalus.
Admissions and requirements
Advanced or professional level of oriental dance.
Teachers
Nesma
After meeting Mahmoud Reda and his Muwashahat style choreography, Nesma discovered the form of dance that she really wanted to delve into and was truly inspired by. In 1998, she founded her dance school and her company in Madrid, which she named Al-Andalus. Since then she has been working on the creation of his own style of Andalusian Dance, a dance inspired by the legacy of Al-Andalus that takes as its main base the technique of Mahmoud Reda fused with elements of her own style of dance, Egyptian baladi and Spanish folklore. Since then she has created and performed Andalusian dance shows with her company in Europe and some of the most important stages of Egypt, the most representative being “Sueños de Al-Andalus” premiered in 2008 at the Cairo Opera, “Muwashahat” premiered at the Festival Arabesques in France in 2016, and “Bazamat” premiered in France in 2022. She is a pioneer in recreating a contemporary style of Arab-Andalusian dance, which she baptized Neoandalusi, also producing most of the musical themes used in her classes and shows.
Programme
Classes are held every day* from Monday to Saturday in a wonderful room bathed in natural light located in the same resort.
You can see the detailed program of each camp in the details of each event.
The different versions of the camp:
“Classic” and “Intensive”
As of 2017 Nesma organizes two Andalusi dance camps in the same place near Malaga: the “Classic” which follows the same organization as the previous editions since 2010 and the “Intensive” version introduced later, focused especially on dancers who previously participated in the camp, or who have previously acquired a general knowledge of Andalusi dance music and culture, and wish to participate again. The level of the course is equivalent in the two versions but the “intensive” version only includes dance workshops, mainly technique and choreography.
If it is your first participation in the Al-Andalus camp, we recommend the “Classic” version that includes an introduction to Nesma’s neoandalusi dance style, culture, music, costume design. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of the city of Granada with its Andalusian legacy, including the spectacular architectural complex of the Alhambra palace. A visit that will help you understand the Andalusian culture, essential for lovers of Arab culture.
There is also the possibility of following the two camps in a row, classic and intensive.
*Note: in the classic version you rest on Thursday, the day we take advantage of to visit Granada and the Alhambra.
Syllabus
“Classic” Camp
- Introduction to Andalusian dance. Lecturel class.
- Andalusian dance workshops. Technique and choreography.
- Music workshop for dancers. General theory and Andalusian rhythms.
- Costume workshop.
“Intensive” Camp
- Andalusian dance workshops. Technique and choreography
- Theoretical classes on Andalusian dance and music
- Classes with live music (included in the class schedule).
To find out the details of the program for each course, we invite you to visit the registration page for the course that interests you.
* Note: in the “Classic” version we rest on Thursday and dedicate that day to a guided tour of Granada and the Alhambra palace (optional).
The place: Casa El Morisco
A paradise for the senses
Casa El Morisco ) is a small hotel in the countryside near the village of Benajarafe, one kilometre from the beach and 20 kilometres from the city of Málaga. Casa el Morisco consists of a complex of buildings, including three magnificent rooms for activities, located in a secluded valley surrounded by a beautiful mountain landscape full of lush fruit trees. This green paradise is an ideal place for rest, inspiration and joy. Avocados, figs, bananas, pomegranates, grapes, mangoes, loquats, colourful hibiscus and bougainvillea create a magnificent environment to stimulate the senses.
The facilities are spread over several levels. The magnificent exotic vegetation is part of the interesting architectural styles of the hotel complex with a large garden and a saltwater pool, sauna, sun-beds, restaurant, three activity rooms, a park with a pond and terraces with hammocks, benches and cushions to relax. The long sandy beach of the small fishing village of Benajarafe is about 25 minutes walk. There you will find restaurants, shops, a bank, a post office and several bus stops.
Benajarafe is a town located on the coast of the municipality of Vélez-Málaga, in the heart of the Axarquia, a region that is located on the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga. It is located 12 kilometres from the town of Velez-Malaga and 20 kilometres from the provincial capital, Malaga. This region enjoys one of the best climates in Europe, with summer in full sun and a calm sea that mimics the tranquility of the village.
It is connected via the Mediterranean highway (E-15), towards Malaga to Almeria.
Dance Hall
Classes are held in a dance hall of 100 square meters equipped with air conditioning, wooden floors, mirrors and natural light.
The Food
Casa el Morisco offers a varied and tasty vegetarian / vegan food cooked with fresh products grown in this area.
The meal consists of a sumptuous breakfast and dinner buffet, lovingly prepared by home cooks. Lunch consists of fresh seasonal fruits and a buffet of cold salads.
Beverages such as water, orange juice, beer and wine included in your stay.
A balanced vegetarian / vegan diet is made of fresh fruits and vegetables which are essential to maintain a healthy body and prevent disease.
Our vegetarian / vegan diet helps awaken the body, mind and soul. The cooks use mainly season products, most of them organically grown.
Guided visit to Granada and the Alhambra
Excursion to Granada, guided tour of Granada and the Alhambra palace. (Classic version only)
Excursion to Malaga and other nearby places of tourist interest. (according to group interest and time availability)
Note: Only the visit to Granada is organized in advance and included in the course. The cost of other complementary excursions is not included in the price of the classes and will be organized during the camp according to the interest of the group.
Arrival and Departure
The arrival is all day on Sunday but rooms are avaialble from 12pm. The organisation will arrange transportation from Malaga airport or the town of Benajarafe to the hotel Casa el Morisco and the way back on the day of arrival and departure.
The pick-up time on arrival day will be from 8 am to 8 pm. </ Strong> Before or after that time the transfer is not included. We will organize pick-up times and a meeting point at the airport, then it is essential to notify in advance of your time and place of arrival to be able to organize it.
How to get there?
Address:
El Morisco s/n
29790 BENAJARAFE
Malaga – Spain
Tel: (+34) 952 51 33 14
By road from the airport
KM Direction
0 N 340 MÁLAGA
3,5 Turn Right: E 15 N 340 Ronda de Malaga (Ring Road) to MOTRIL
34 Turn Right / Exit 258 : N 340a to Macharaviaya Chilches BENAJARAFE
36,5 Turn Left: E 15 N 340a to ALMERIA
39 At Sign BENAJARAFE ALTO: Turn Left and follow the Map
Free pick up service from Malaga airport </ strong>
The hotel offers a free shuttle service on Sunday of arrival and departure from Malaga airport to the hotel available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Outside of these hours or on Sunday this service is offered for a cost of € 50.
The pick-ups are organized according to the arrival times forming groups of travelers. Therefore it will be necessary to have your travel information in advance. Then we will send you the information of the meeting point and the schedule.
Frequent Asked Questions
Can I come up with a friend or family member? What activities can they do?
Yes, you can go with friends or family, even children, but access to classes is not allowed to accompanying person. You can be with your family for meals, rest and excursions. If you come with children, it is imperative that you come with someone else to take care of them during the course.
Can I smoke?
The Casa El Morisco hotel is a non-smoking place, both inside and in the gardens. Nevertheless there is a specific place where smoking is allowed.
How are the rooms?
The rooms are simple but comfortable and bright, most have no bath, just a shower. They are equipped with bed sheets and towels. If you go to the beach or swim, you must take your own towel.
The room cleaning and the change of bed sheets and towels is done 2 times a week.
The price for the week is set in a double room. If you prefer a single room or you don’t have anyone to share the room with you, you must pay a supplement of 105€ per person. For any questions about the rooms, please contact us.
What should I bring?
- o A swimsuit if you dare swim or enjoy the sauna.
- Sandals to move inside the hotel and comfortable winter walking shoes for excursions.
- Casual and comfortable winter clothes, but also summer clothing because the weather in Malaga, even in January, is mild and sometimes quite warm.
- A raincoat will be usefull in case of rain.
- Dance shoes.
- Dance clothes for training.
- Dance costume to perform at the clothing party.
- A notebook and pen to take notes.
- Video camera to record technical exercises and choreography.
- A computer and a memory stick if you want to share with your colleagues the videos we recorded. (WIFI is slow in the hotel)
I live near the site of the camp. Can I attend only classes?
To check about the opportunity to attend part of the course of only the classes, please write to us: contact@nesma.es
When should I arrive at Malaga the first day?
The first day you can arrive at Casa El Morisco whenever you want. However, we recommend you to arrive before three o’clock in the afternoon so you can reach the hotel quietly, rest. We will meet for dinner at 7pm.
Warning: the last transfer from Malaga airport is set at 8 pm.
At what time can I enter my room the first day?
From 12:00 pm
What can I do on the first day until 7 pm ?
You can eat at the salad bar open all day, take a stroll through the gardens or to the beach, relax quietly until we meet at 7 pm for dinner.
How can I travel from Malaga to El Casa Morisco??
If you travel by plane we can pick you up at the airport, tell us at what time you arrive and we will pick you up. The hotel organizes different pick-up times on Sundays. If you arrive by train you can take the bus that takes you to Benajarafe (the bus station is next to the Renfe train station) and we can pick you up at Benajarafe.
Can I bring video camera in the classroom?
Yes. It is important that you take your camera and your video camera to record what you have learned and keep this material to study later at home and remember the choreography.
In what language are given the classes?
This seminar is international involving students who speak different languages. The classes are given in English although Nesma will translate the essential of the instruction in Spanish or/and French.
Registrations
To register, you have to enter the event and sign up: See all events
- To register you must pay the corresponding reservation of place.
- The rest of the total cost of the course is paid before the start of the course.
- You can check the general registration and refund conditions here.
Contact
contact@nesma.es
Tel (+34) 607 767 442
Help
Send us your questions or comments here.
Al-Andalus Camp “Live Music” 2025
19 January - 26 January
