I went to a flamenco show last night. One of the many things I love about flamenco is that the women have earthier, mature bodies and express a kind of womanhood that I don't think American women know much about. And sure as shootin', there was a dancer last night that was a bigger woman. She had a beautiful rounded shape, strong arms and shoulders, a touch of plumpness in the best sense of the word. And she was the best dancer. She moved with more power from her core, and I felt that she danced with the best thought in regard to the music. (ug, it's like trying to describe wine.)

And then I had a thought as we were driving back home - how hard that woman (there weren't photos of the troupe with the names, so I cannot call her by name) trains. Every day, almost every night. She is respected in the dance community, enough to be part of a troupe that travels internationally. And she is not thin.

If the Jose Porcel troupe comes to your town, give yourself a treat - and keep an eye out for the blonde dancer. (Oh, and the men are a tasty treat, too.)