Sevillanas: the Second Verse and Arm Work in Pairs

Once students know the first sevillana, they move on to the second, with its passes and face-offs (careos), plus the signature arm work with circling wrists. Pairs are freely chosen and dance face to face without touching.

How to play

1. Pairs review the full first sevillana (5 min).
2. Solo arm work: arms rise in front while the wrists circle inward and outward (4 min).
3. Structure of the second verse: opening, passes with a change of place, careos and the final flourish (8 min).
4. Dance the second verse to music, first at half tempo, then at full tempo (5 min).
5. Each pair teams up with another: one pair dances the first and second verses back to back while the other watches and suggests one improvement (3 min).

Rules

• Passes go right shoulder to right shoulder to avoid collisions.
• Pairs form freely, and dancing in a trio is also fine.
• Wear sneakers and skip hard stomping to protect the joints.
• Feedback between pairs is kept positive.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: dances the arm work and the facing changes from the wheelchair; the passes become wheelchair turns.
• Hearing impairment: a classmate signals by hand when each verse starts and when the flourish comes.
• Ankle injury: does the arm work and torso orientation without traveling.

Learning goals

• Perform the second sevillana following its structure.
• Coordinate arm work and footwork expressively.
• Appreciate sevillanas as part of Andalusian folk heritage.

Equipment for a class of 25

• speaker: 1

Teacher tip

Always use the same recording at first: its clear intro helps everyone start on time. A reference video lets students review at home.

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