Forget the red dresses and pretty little dance steps. At La Musa, in Gdańsk’s raw shipyard district, Magdalena Jędrzejewska teaches flamenco the way it was meant to be felt — loud, fearless and unapologetically emotional. Anger, heartbreak, passion? Bring it all. Just don’t expect to leave your comfort zone intact. Thanks to https://www.instagram.com/misiamasorz/ for the amazing photos!
You trained as a classical musician. What did flamenco give you?
A connection to my womanhood, my body and its energy. It helped me discover myself and brought incredible women into my life. Like joining a tribe.
What did Spain teach you?
Aire. That indescribable flamenco energy. In Andalusia, people sing, dance, laugh and cry together. You can’t learn that from a textbook. You have to live it.
Can you teach flamenco’s intensity?
Absolutely. One powerful stomp, one strong gesture, and emotions begin to flow. Then we build tension, release it and shout olé!
What about someone with two left feet?
No such thing! Walking is dancing. Talking is music. Everyone has rhythm.
Is performing in Spain intimidating?
Definitely. But Spanish musicians give you incredible support. You’re creating something together.
Biggest flamenco stereotype?
That it’s mainly women dancing. In Andalusia, there are just as many male dancers, sometimes more.
Flamenco in Gdańsk’s industrial shipyard?
Perfect! The raw surroundings become an empty canvas for movement and colour.
Have you danced through heartbreak?
Of course. Flamenco carries grief, anger, sadness, love and happiness. Sometimes all at once.
What can beginners try at La Musa?
Dance, rhythmic clapping, cajón, guitar and even classical piano.
Last one. What would five minutes watching you dance reveal?
That I’m so much more than my words.
After talking to Magdalena, you realise flamenco isn’t really about getting the steps right. It’s about having the guts to let everything out, even the messy bits. And there’s something brilliant about finding all that Andalusian fire among Gdańsk’s old shipyard buildings. As Magdalena says, everyone has rhythm. So if you’ve got two left feet and a little emotional baggage, congratulations. You’re practically halfway there. Olé!